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I pulled the jacket out from the back of the coat closet. "Oh, my gosh," I said, "I about forgot I had this one."

I slipped my arms through the sleeves and zipped up the front, pleased to feel the familiar comfort of a favored, if almost forgotten, friend. Just the right weight. I needed something against the new chill in the air, but was not yet ready for winter gear.

I headed down the street toward the cutoff that would take me to the trail into the woods. Once there, I paused to consider. The trail left took me downhill curving between hills and over two footbridges. The trail right was broad and relatively flat leading to a meadow. The filtered sunlight of the broader trail backlit the red and yellow leaves like haloes. I turned right.

Just then a chill breeze caught me. I hunched my shoulders and plunged my hands deep in the pockets. It was then I felt the stiff edge of folded paper and drew it out to take a look.

There in the meadow I found a log and sat down to consider and remember. It had been a day much like this, a perfect, brilliant, autumn day. My first time back in Seattle since the move. How utterly idyllic, how quintessentially Pacific Northwest. I closed my eyes and remembered how familiar it felt. The smell of the crisp, cool autumn breeze, a hint of nearby salt water, the musk of fallen leaves. I walked along the UW playing fields beside red-tipped maples, while music from the marching band filled the air. Above me arced a cloudless sky of piercing blue. Ahead of me I caught a glimpse of my grandson on his bike, peddling my way, a huge grin on his face....

The loud hammering of a pileated woodpecker broke my reverie. He was silhouetted above me against a sky as blue and bright as that of memory. Before I put the ticket back in my pocket, I snapped a picture on my phone and sent it off to my grandson, "Remember this?"

Which is greater, the discovery or the sharing of that discovery?

There was once a woman who lost a coin. She lit her lamp and swept the house in search of it. "When she had found it, she called together her friends and neighbors saying, 'Rejoice with me for I have found the coin which I had lost!'"

If ever you have searched between the couch cushions for that lost sock needed to get your child to school. If ever you have dumped the contents of your pockets and purse in search of your car keys or padded down your person in momentary panic about your phone, then you know that Jesus is using a real life example here.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a woman who lost a coin..." The story points out to us how important is God's kingdom and how righteous and God-like is the person who seeks that kingdom. It's one of those small, succinct vignettes so easily overlooked, so telling in detail. Jesus certainly notices the details of our life, hearts, and habits. What is important to us, we will search out. What is important to us we will share and celebrate with others.

Luke tells the story of the Lost Coin right between the story of the Lost Sheep and the story of the Lost (prodigal) Son. Somehow wedged between these other two, we rarely notice this intimate portrayal--though many of us are housewives, while few are shepherds or wealthy estate owners.

Perhaps in some ways, it holds potential that the other stories do not. Yet rarely is it remarked upon. I have seen paintings, books, and holy cards depicting the Prodigal Son. I have seen stained glass windows and churches named after the Good Shepherd. Interestingly, I've yet to encounter a Church of the Good Housekeeper.

You cannot find what you do not look for. If you do not look for the stories of women...

Faith Conversations Podcast

So excited about the attention being given to WHY THESE WOMEN, especially this podcast with someone whose work I've long admired, Anita Lustra of Faith Conversations. I had a great conversation with her about my book, WHY THESE WOMEN: Four Stories You Need to Read Before You Read the Story of Jesus. Give it a listen.

 Click Here for Podcast
A personal invitation to study ROYAL WIVES with me via Zoom

Anita is a gracious host and lively conversationalist, a professional broadcaster, who consistently provides insightful, thought provoking programs. She has interviewed such notables as Amy Jill Levine, Joyce Rupp, Christine Valters Paintner, Brian McLaren, Philip Yancey, and Carrie Newcomber. I am honored to be in their company.

Please give a listen to the podcast, share it with others, and check out Faith Conversations. I think you'll like it.

Coming on December 19th, yet another podcast interview, this time with Elisa Morgan and Eryn Adkyn of God Hears Her. Be sure to listen and share that one as well. I'll be providing updates.

Your Input Please

The darkness of days, the breaking out of scarves and mittens, the soft glow of candlelight at dinner, all this reminds us that ADVENT is not far away. How shall we mark this holy season this year? A few things to consider:

  • The First Sunday of Advent is NOT the weekend after Thanksgiving but weekend of Dec 2-3.
  • I am free on that weekend.
  • Betsey Beckman, beloved friend, co-creator and dancer extraordinaire is also available.

So, would YOU join us if we once again offered a Zoom version of

Once Upon a Time in a Town Called Nazareth

What we're thinking of:

Friday eve, Dec 1st, 5:30-7:00

Shabbat in Nazareth c. 4. A.D.

Saturday morn, Dec 2nd 9:00-12:30

An Angel Comes to Call
Saturday afternoon "free time," reflections provided (optional)

Saturday sunset 4:00-5:30

Sabbath ends / Advent begins

(all times Pacific)

Let Us Know

Please respond to survey below by this Monday, Nov. 13th. If there is enough interest to warrant, i.e. people who will attend, Betsey and I will be pleased to offer our Advent Retreat, but need to get started now!

Cost $50*; 2 for $80*

*There will be a sliding scale available and a donor level available. For now, just let us know if you can come!!!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE ADVENT RETREAT?

Registration will follow if there are sufficient numbers. For now, please click the button to the right & email me whether you would come to the retreat.

 Yes, count me in!

Always love to hear from readers. You can reach me at Kathleen.

If you are new to Sisters in Scripture, I would love for us to stay in touch. To receive regular emails, sign up here

Scribbles*

A New Name because this is more than a Newsletter.

The messages I send out every third Wednesday have come to take on a personality and, frankly, they are not newsletters, though they may contain some news. Hopefully they are a much more personal communication. Some are meant to inspire, others to educate, and others are just for the fun of it. I hope you like the new moniker--I do. I may have to go out and buy a new box of Crayolas!