Posts by Tori Tryon
Devotion: Naturally Fearless
Take a moment to read this weekend’s scripture: Psalm 91 When you walked into the Worship Center on Sunday, you saw it had been transformed into a rainforest in preparation for this week’s Vacation Bible School. A rainforest makes for an interesting backdrop for VBS. In a real rainforest, you’re likely going to encounter bright birds,…
Read MoreWomen’s Devotion: Summer Time Reflection
Spending a slow Sunday at the ballfield – the sun shining, a slight breeze blowing, and the temperature just right – I find myself relishing the abundance of blessings God has given me. As I enjoy the day, I am trying not to focus on the busyness of the days that lie ahead. Over the…
Read MoreNew Partnership: Mosaic International Tanzania
Here in Nebraska, Mosaic serves and advocates for those who are differently abled. Their work began as a joining of two well-known Lutheran ministries, Bethphage in Axtell and Martin Luther Home in Sterling. Their programs span from group homes to education and skills training, to teaching congregations inclusion practices. In 2007, Mosaic was invited to…
Read MoreDevotion: Fiery Fearlessness
“But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them…” Acts 2:14 I write this on Memorial Day, knowing that you will not get it for a few days. But I feel a need to talk about Memorial Day. I spent my day doing acreage work. It was a long and fulfilling day in the hot sun. I…
Read MoreGod Sighting: Pedaling with Purpose
Andy Caven (Habitat Ecologist) and Mike Forsberg (Conservation Photogragher)
Read MoreDevotion: Not Seen, But Believed
Please take a moment and read the scripture from this weekend John 20:25 In my childhood, I was a good student. I raised my hand to answer a teachers’ question, turned my work in on time, followed directions and was quiet in class. Those qualities led me to do well in school, not only academically,…
Read MoreDevotion: I Am Sending YOU
Please take a moment to read John 20:19-23. It’s later in the same day that Jesus rose from the dead. Most of his disciples are together, hiding in a locked room. They’re afraid of the Jewish leaders – whose well-ordered, self-serving world has been torn apart by Jesus’ crucifixion and what happens after. The disciples have…
Read MoreDevotion: Were Not Our Hearts Burning
Please take a moment to read Luke 24:13-35 On the night of Jesus’ resurrection, two friends were walking back to their homes filled with absolute confusion, anxiety, and the heartfelt loss of their friend, Jesus. The two men had been unprepared for the shocking incidents of the past week; the world as they knew it…
Read MoreDevotion: Why Are You Weeping?
Please review the scripture from this weekend: John 20:11-18 Pastor Sarah’s message this weekend was a beautiful reminder of how sweet it is when Jesus calls us by name. We pick up the resurrection story in John 20:11–18, where Mary arrives at the tomb and discovers that Jesus’ body is no longer there. It’s hard to know exactly…
Read MoreDevotion: Resurrection Lilies
Take a moment to read the weekend’s scripture: Matthew 28:1-10 Lycoris Squamigera, that is the Latin name of a lily that grew in my Grandma’s garden. She called them “Surprise Lilies.” Others have called them “Resurrection Lilies.” Here in Nebraska I’ve also heard gardeners call them by another name. They are a most unique and perhaps even strange lily. Most lilies…
Read MoreWomen’s Devotion: This Big Beautiful World
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Peru in South America. As a child in elementary Social Studies class, I never dreamed I would step on South American soil, much less be taking deep breaths in the thin air in the Andes mountains, hearing the Pacific waves crashing, climbing Machu Picchu,…
Read MoreDevotion: A New Commandment
Please take the time to read John 13:34 Today is Maundy Thursday, a day we remember during Holy Week when Jesus shared the last supper with his disciples in the upper room. Though the word “maundy” is not found in Scripture, it has been used for centuries. This odd little word is derived from the Latin…
Read More