23 Comments
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kate bremer's avatar

thank you for that blessing Jeff. perfect... one simple theological question for you... how do you come to know that "the God who already sees and knows all." ? I can never wrap my head/heart around that at least so far...

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Jody Dahmen's avatar

I loved the blessing. I will copy it and put in in my A Rhythm of Prayer book.

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Sharon Murphy's avatar

Thank you for this, Jeff. Your blessing was exactly what I needed this morning, particularly the last stanza which brought tears.

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Michele Matlock's avatar

Winter in Texas last week was something. Your blessing resonates and is received...thank you 🙏🏻 And also, ❤️Fozzie❤️

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Ruth's avatar

Jeff, blessing me all over.

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Irene Devereaux's avatar

Jeff, thank you for your emails. I look forward to them each week. I love hearing your thoughts, insights and reflections but I most look forward to reading about the intersections of your faith, culture and identity. Reading along, I often feel a resounding "me too!" when you describe what you are cooking or how God is redeeming your lunar new year celebrations...I am so often reminded of the beauty and worth of my Cantonese heritage that for so long I diminished and ignored. Thank you! <3

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

You who felt disinterest or even shame regarding your heritage: May your ancestors' stories and your knowledge of the inheritance that you carry within your very body expand your heart, enrich your mind, and fill you with unprecedented wonder.

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Kristin Morgan's avatar

Thank you for this beautifully written blessing. What’s on my heart? During Lent I’m trying to embrace my own limitations/surrender my own control in “keeping everyone alive and safe during the pandemic.” Whew! I too appreciate gardening in the sense of letting go of some control and opening myself up to mystery, surprise, and (often) disappointment.

May you be blessed with some room to breathe; some space to rest, heal, and grow; and some snuggles with Fozzie!

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Jolene's avatar

The blessing is beautiful, and perfect for right now. Thank you! ❤️ I hope this and all the positive comments here serve as an encouragement to you.

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Alan Greider's avatar

Jeff, I love your writing! I so appreciate your insights and your musings. My favorite part is the way you let us into your everyday world. In addition, as someone who spends his days over-thinking things and second-guessing himself, I feel like you are a kindred spirit of sorts. Thank you most of all for that. Blessings to you!

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Ashley Love Skrabec's avatar

Oh my, thank you so much for the blessing. I’m a pastor in my second year of ministry (I was a whole 4 months in when COVID hit). This week a beloved member passed away less than two weeks after her mother, a matriarch of our church, died. We’re reeling and I’m trying to be present for my people when all I want is to crawl in my bed and cry. The bleeding with the blessing feels right to me right now. Thank you for your hospitality in so many of the qualifying statements. I certainly relate to many of them and needed to remember that as I’m feeling all over the place, God’s grace is present with me each way I turn. Blessings of rest to you, and thanks again.

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

You who are called to walk with others even to the portals of death: May you feel, especially in those moments when it seems you can't take another step, the invigoration of the very breath of life, reminding you that you never journey alone.

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Ashley Love Skrabec's avatar

Thank you, brother.

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Lauri's avatar

I, too, loved the blessings. I spoke the doomscrolling one over a dear friend of mine via email; it, in particular, was so timely. I also want to express my gratitude for your fried rice recipe. Not only is it perfect for using bits and bobs from the fridge and things from the CSA box we can't think what to do with, but it is also delicious.

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Janice Ogoshi's avatar

Thank you, Jeff. Even when you say you have little to offer, you still manage to write words that speak to my heart. The blessing was just what I needed. And it’s good to know I’m in good company in my taste for Cheetos and McD’s hash browns.

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Stacey T.'s avatar

Jeff, I'm always so excited to get your email - I wait until I can be fully present for it and read your beautiful prose with the focus and time it deserves. Today's blessing was exactly the rope I needed (everyone and everything is on my very.last.nerve), to stop and breathe, and gain a better perspective. Thank you, as always, for your honesty and beautiful heart.

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Jennifer's avatar

A blessing to you too. Thank you for these timely words.

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oksana's avatar

Thank you for this blessing ~ timely and much needed this morning ~Blessings

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severett1964@gmail.com's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing what I've been feeling. Your words help others not feel alone in the struggle. I loved the if you feel, then... section of your letter. What a blessing you are!! My wife has been working so hard in her office at home connected to all parts of the country, we had such a struggle with power and weather, and tried to manage our elderly parents care virtually in other parts of the state, and it was a lot. Still is, but grateful for you, this day, and the grace of God. Blessings and love to you and your husband!

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