Over the years

Almost every week I send out this newsletter, and almost every week I share a reflection on the morning’s Fruit of the Vine devotional thought. Today I’ve pulled excerpts from the last fifty-seven years of Fruit of the Vine writings. On this day –

– in 1962: We are not left to live our Christian lives in isolation. A relationship with those around us necessitates our learning to get along with one another – Catherine Cattell

– in 1972: The church has more technology at her disposal for getting out the Gospel than ever before. Still ... there is a passiveness, an insensitivity to the real world and the real issues – Edward Rawson

– in 1980: Beneath the layers of possessions and preoccupations, the voice of the Spirit of God continues to speak, ever so gently nudging us. “If you want to be My disciple you must make a commitment” – Louise George

– in 1991: Jesus’ presence at the well must have surprised the woman.... He actually spoke to her, asking a favor!... Racial and social customs were cracking all around – Nancy Thomas

– in 2003: In my teenage years I read verse 31 in the King James Version. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength....” Strength didn’t seem to be an issue then, but waiting sure was – Raelene Fendall

– in 2012: The shepherd feeds us through his body – the church. Have you ever found the energy to keep going because of someone else’s words or acts of kindness toward you? I have – Hubert Thornburg

This week we’re mailing out Fruit of the Vine for fall. We’re also just about ready to start printing Fruit of the Vine for winter. I’m noticing that these daily readings are giving me a stronger sense of the lived faith of Friends from across the country and around the world. I’d love to have you join me! You can find a print subscription to Fruit of the Vine in our bookstore. We also have an inexpensive digital version that comes right to your email inbox each morning.

As of today, we’ve also added another 55 titles to our collection of books discounted by 40 percent or more. Take a look at what we have. You just might take a book or two out of our collection and add it to yours.

Finally, just about every day, one of you sends me an email, stops by the office, or makes a small donation to help us do this work of publishing and preserving Friends history, theology, and biography. Thank you for being part of my extended community. Thank you for your encouragement and support. Thank you!

Eric Muhr