Artist: E, “Strong Trees Grow Slowly”

Text: Matthew 16:1-12

Takeaway: No idea. But little T kept throwing things over the nursery fence and toddled up to me at one point and was all, “You will,” and I was like, “Yes.” And I picked him up for his requested amount of time and then he continued throwing things over the fence. Never yells. Just toddles with determination and heft. What will be will be.

I had a fascinating conversation about women in the military with a female veteran. And after service Carpenter Tom gave me some miter saw advice, for I am a lucky noob with 10 fingers remaining. He said accidents happen in the first minute and in the last minute; when you’re not warmed up and when you think you’re done. Be careful edge to edge.

Sermon by G. Wingfield here.

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Artist: A, “Tucan do it.”

Text: Matthew 15:21-39

Takeaway: Jesus calls a woman a dog. It’s shocking, but not to her; she persists in humility and is blessed by God’s generosity. No, it’s shocking to those who presume God is like a house pet — waiting to please and encourage unconditionally. God’s not a dog. We are not his masters.

Sermon by G. Wingfield here.

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