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Lord, you have been our refuge
from one generation to another.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or the land and the earth were born,
from age to age you are God.
You turn us back to the dust and say,
“Go back, O child of earth.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are like yesterday when it is past
and like a watch in the night.
So teach us to number our days
that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
Psalm 90:1-4, 12
Dear Friends,
I commend to us all these words of Psalm 90 as we run about with our Summer activities, and as we enjoy some Summer rest and Sabbath. There are wonderful things ahead this July and August, and much to be thankful for this June, with Fr. Ed’s 50th Anniversary of Priesthood celebration leading that list. In the Yabroff household, our daughter Emily will be married June 28 – a highlight for our family as we head down to California. I am also looking forward to a few days of hiking in Yosemite in August. I hope you also can spend time outdoors in the wonderful Creation in which God has placed us.
Here in the parish, our Monday Bible Study finished studying Paul’s Letter to the Philippians today. The following passage is also wisdom for these days:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:4-7)
This is one of a number of Bible passages by which we would be helped through memorizing. Committing such words to memory allows us to inwardly digest and be nourished by them. It is also helpful when we need to regain our bearings and do not have a Bible or Prayer book at hand. Some of my favorite memory touchstones are Psalms 23, 95, and 127, and Isaiah 40:31. What are some of your favorite Bible passages to memorize?
Remember Psalm 90, and how the Holy Eucharist brings us together as one body in Christ—as we hear this summer of the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops; as we share in camping, Vacation Bible School, and picnicking as a parish; and as you enjoy personal and family Sabbaths. May we all grow in wisdom.
Yours in Christ,
Martin | 
