September 10, 2018
Almost every week I send out this newsletter, and most weeks I share a reflection on the morning’s Fruit of the Vine devotional thought. Today I’ve pulled excerpts from the last fifty-eight years of Fruit of the Vine writings. On this day –
– in 1966: When you identify with another person’s need then it isn’t difficult to give of yourself to help meet that need.... Love reaches out toward other people. – Norval R. Hadley
– in 1967: Perhaps eyesight is the most cherished and carefully guarded physical blessing we enjoy. The threatened loss of it alerts us to immediate search for a specialist.... Should we not be as definitely concerned if our spiritual vision becomes clouded? – Versa R. Harvey
– in 1974: When we are confronted with truths that threaten us ... we often seek refuge within ourselves, walling our minds and spirits like fortresses so that we will not be forced to do battle with the truth ... [or] to surrender to it. – Dean R. Sigler
– in 1981: One of her ideas was that God spoke to humans, men and women, and they had the right to be listened to. My teacher truly taught me that by investing my life in that of another, I would find my own life. – Essie V. Platt
– in 1996: Crocuses are not your usual cut flowers, but I thought they would give a little touch of spring I wanted to capture. Somehow beauty, even the simple beauty of a crocus, can evoke a sense of praise and worship – Dorothy E. Barratt
– in 2010: Living in community is difficult and hard work. The actions I choose and my desire to work for the common good affect those around me.... A growing, loving, giving faith community is a witness to a living, loving relationship with God. – Pam Ferguson
I’m noticing that these daily Fruit of the Vine readings are giving me a stronger sense of the lived faith of Friends from across the country and around the world.
Your continuing support is making it possible for Barclay Press to serve Friends everywhere.
Thank you,
Eric Muhr
P.S. Seeds of hope is the three-year campaign to fund the ministry of Barclay Press by developing new titles, supporting small churches, and balancing the budget. In order to stay on target to meet our goal of $162,000 by December 31, 2020, we need to get to $54,000 by the end of this year. As of this morning, we have raised $32,345 in gifts and pledges.
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