Do you remember the Patty Duke show? The theme song runs through my head occasionally. Here are some of the lyrics to remind you:

How much water are we supposed to drink everyday? For so long I’ve read that it is 8- 8 oz glasses per day. It’s been reported that drinking that much per day lets your body do a better job of cleaning out toxins, helps weight loss and results in healthier skin.  More recently, however, researchers have questioned the claims and the recommendation – even going as far as saying, ‘Just drink when you’re thirsty.”

There’s something we miss when all we look at is the rest, rejuvenation, reconciliation and peace that Jesus gives to those who are harassed and helpless.

Meet the 12 – sent out with authority and compassion:

Matthew, Thomas, John and James (the first of two).  Philip, Peter Andrew and Bartholomew. (The other) James, (zealous) Simon, (fickle) Judas and (nothing rhymes with) Thaddeus.

The reality that Jesus showed extravagant love for those who were outcast from society is something we love to talk about.  In the United Church of Christ our tagline of “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey – you’re welcome here,” is born out of the understanding of Jesus love that rejects no one.  This week’s Bible reading from Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 features Jesus reaction to three who were outcast in society.

Really?  We're talking about Noah?  Why are we doing that?  What can you do with the story of Noah’s ark?

This summer we’re watching some blockbuster superhero movies on the big screen:  Iron Man (This one may be the best superhero movie yet made! IMHO), The Incredible Hulk and The Dark Knight.  All three promise to be exciting, entertaining and money-making.  All three tell the story of a superhero and they’re hidden secret identity.

Fingers have fingerprints. Every fingerprint is unique. Even identical twins – who have the same DNA, have different fingerprints. Families and close relatives can have similar fingerprints, but they are still not identical. Human beings, in many ways, have similar fingerprints – with similar looking whorls, loop or arches.

And as far as I know,  even though we may recognize the diversity of our fingerprints and even celebrate their uniqueness, we don’t use fingerprints to isolate or  marginalize anyone.