Podcasts about ascension day

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Navigating Storms: Friendship and Leadership in De Biesbosch Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-05-31-07-38-19-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De lucht boven Nationaal Park De Biesbosch was helder en blauw, zo ver als het oog kon zien.En: The sky above Nationaal Park De Biesbosch was clear and blue, as far as the eye could see.Nl: Het was Hemelvaartsdag.En: It was Ascension Day.Nl: De perfecte gelegenheid voor een avontuur door de kronkelende waterwegen van dit prachtige park.En: The perfect occasion for an adventure through the winding waterways of this beautiful park.Nl: Sander, vol enthousiasme, stond aan de waterkant met Eline en Bram.En: Sander, full of enthusiasm, stood by the water's edge with Eline and Bram.Nl: Hun kleurrijke kajaks lagen klaar in het kabbelende water.En: Their colorful kayaks lay ready in the rippling water.Nl: "Dit wordt een trip om nooit te vergeten," zei Sander trots, terwijl hij zijn peddel vasthield.En: "This will be a trip to never forget," said Sander proudly, while holding his paddle.Nl: Eline keek hem sceptisch aan maar glimlachte.En: Eline looked at him skeptically but smiled.Nl: "Laten we dan maar beginnen," zei ze, de spanning in haar stem nauwelijks verbergend.En: "Let's get started then," she said, barely concealing the excitement in her voice.Nl: Bram richtte zijn camera op de groep om het moment vast te leggen.En: Bram pointed his camera at the group to capture the moment.Nl: De vogels zongen hun lenteliedjes, en de geur van fris gras hing in de lucht.En: The birds sang their spring songs, and the smell of fresh grass lingered in the air.Nl: Sander leidde de weg, zijn ogen scherp gericht op de bochtige kreken vol riet en bloeiende bloemen.En: Sander led the way, his eyes sharply focused on the winding creeks full of reeds and blooming flowers.Nl: Langzaam maar zeker verdwenen de zorgen van de week in het niets.En: Slowly but surely, the worries of the week vanished into nothingness.Nl: Eline begon te ontspannen, genietend van het zachte gespetter van het water bij elke peddelslag.En: Eline began to relax, enjoying the gentle splash of the water with each paddle stroke.Nl: Bram, in zijn stille observatie, klikte foto na foto.En: Bram, in his silent observation, clicked photo after photo.Nl: De dag leek vlekkeloos.En: The day seemed flawless.Nl: Maar plotseling trok een donkere wolk over de zon.En: But suddenly, a dark cloud passed over the sun.Nl: "Kijk daar," zei Bram, wijzend naar de opkomende storm.En: "Look there," said Bram, pointing to the approaching storm.Nl: Eline keek Sander vragend aan, haar optimisme wegebbende met het zonlicht.En: Eline looked questioningly at Sander, her optimism fading with the sunlight.Nl: "Wat doen we?"En: "What do we do?"Nl: vroeg ze.En: she asked.Nl: Sander slikte.En: Sander swallowed.Nl: De wind begon te toeteren door het riet en de golven werden onrustig.En: The wind began to trumpet through the reeds and the waves grew restless.Nl: Hij wilde doorgaan, laten zien dat hij een goede leider was.En: He wanted to continue, to show that he was a good leader.Nl: Maar iets hield hem tegen.En: But something held him back.Nl: De veiligheid van zijn vrienden kwam eerst.En: His friends' safety came first.Nl: "We gaan naar die baai daar," zei hij uiteindelijk.En: "We're heading to that bay there," he said finally.Nl: "Het is niet ver en beter beschut."En: "It's not far and better sheltered."Nl: Hij wees naar een stukje land met dichte bomen.En: He pointed to a piece of land with dense trees.Nl: Eline knikte, opgelucht.En: Eline nodded, relieved.Nl: Ze peddelden snel, de strijd tegen de wind uithoudend, totdat ze de rustige baai bereikten.En: They paddled quickly, enduring the struggle against the wind, until they reached the quiet bay.Nl: De storm barstte los, regen striemde het wateroppervlak.En: The storm broke loose, rain lashing the water surface.Nl: De drie vrienden schuilden onder grote bladeren, terwijl de regen trommelde.En: The three friends sheltered under large leaves, while the rain drummed.Nl: In dat moment van samenzijn ontstond een diepe band.En: In that moment of togetherness, a deep bond formed.Nl: Ze lachten om de domheid van hun avontuur en deelden verhalen om de tijd te doden.En: They laughed at the folly of their adventure and shared stories to pass the time.Nl: Toen de storm eindelijk voorbij was, keerde de zon terug, stralend en warm.En: When the storm finally passed, the sun returned, bright and warm.Nl: Sander zuchtte en keek zijn vrienden aan.En: Sander sighed and looked at his friends.Nl: "Dank jullie," mompelde hij.En: "Thank you," he mumbled.Nl: "Dit was niet zoals ik me had voorgesteld.En: "This wasn't how I had imagined it.Nl: Maar het was niet slecht dankzij jullie."En: But it wasn't bad thanks to you."Nl: Eline gaf hem een duwtje.En: Eline gave him a nudge.Nl: "Je deed het goed, Sand," zei ze.En: "You did well, Sand," she said.Nl: Bram knikte instemmend, zijn camera weer in de aanslag.En: Bram nodded in agreement, his camera ready once more.Nl: Met de lucht opnieuw helder, peddelden ze terug naar hun startpunt langs kleurrijke bloemen en zingende vogels.En: With the sky clear again, they paddled back to their starting point along colorful flowers and singing birds.Nl: Sander realiseerde zich dat leiderschap niet alleen gaat om voorop lopen, maar ook om luisteren en aanpassen.En: Sander realized that leadership is not just about leading the way, but also about listening and adapting.Nl: Het was een les die hij nooit zou vergeten.En: It was a lesson he would never forget.Nl: En zo eindigde hun avontuur, met vriendschap die sterker was geworden door de gedeelde ervaring.En: And so their adventure ended, with a friendship strengthened by the shared experience. Vocabulary Words:ascension: hemelvaartwinding: kronkelendeenthusiasm: enthousiasmeskeptically: sceptischlinger: hangencreeks: krekenvanished: verdwenensplash: gespetterobservation: observatieflawless: vlekkeloosapproaching: opkomendeswallowed: sliktetrumpet: toeterenrestless: onrustigfolly: domheidstruggle: strijdenduring: uithoudendlashed: striemdeshelter: schuilendrummed: trommeldebond: bandconceal: verbergendense: dichtebay: baaisigh: zuchttenudge: duwtjeadapting: aanpassenshared: gedeeldebright: stralendrelieved: opgelucht

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: The ABBA Museum Mystery: A Tale of Hope and Harmony Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2026-05-29-22-34-01-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Våren hade brett ut sitt sköna täcke över Stockholm, och Djurgården blommade i solskenet.En: Spring had spread its beautiful cover over Stockholm, and Djurgården bloomed in the sunshine.Sv: inne i ABBA-museet, mitt i vimlet av glada besökare, hade Linnea just upptäckt något oroväckande.En: Inside the ABBA-museum, amidst a bustling crowd of happy visitors, Linnea had just discovered something worrying.Sv: Ett värdefullt memorabilia hade försvunnit från sin plats.En: A valuable piece of memorabilia had disappeared from its place.Sv: Linnea var curator på museet, och det var hennes ansvar att allt fungerade perfekt, särskilt med den viktiga helgdagsfirandet på Kristi himmelsfärdsdag bara några dagar bort.En: Linnea was a curator at the museum, and it was her responsibility to ensure everything functioned perfectly, especially with the important holiday celebration on Ascension Day just a few days away.Sv: Axel, en frivillig och passionerad ABBA-älskare, var också på plats.En: Axel, a volunteer and passionate ABBA fan, was also on site.Sv: Hans älskarinnor för ABBA var allmänt känd bland personalen.En: His love for ABBA was well-known among the staff.Sv: Han hade alltid leenden och roliga historier att dela med besökarna.En: He always had smiles and funny stories to share with the visitors.Sv: Idag var inget undantag.En: Today was no exception.Sv: "Linnea, jag har hört att en turist har sett något konstigt," sa Axel.En: "Linnea, I heard that a tourist saw something strange," said Axel.Sv: Hans röst var full av entusiasm.En: His voice was full of enthusiasm.Sv: Den turisten var Jonas, en skeptisk besökare, som sa sig ha sett någonting som kanske kunde vara av intresse.En: That tourist was Jonas, a skeptical visitor, who claimed to have seen something that might be of interest.Sv: Jonas var inte den som trodde på allt han hörde, men han var säker på att han sett något skumt.En: Jonas wasn't one to believe everything he heard, but he was certain he had seen something suspicious.Sv: "Jag såg en man lägga något i ett skåp," sa Jonas med en rynka i pannan.En: "I saw a man put something in a locker," said Jonas with a frown.Sv: Linnea kände en viss motvilja att agera på turistens okända uppgifter, men hon visste att tiden var knapp.En: Linnea felt a certain reluctance to act on the tourist's unverified information, but she knew that time was of the essence.Sv: Trots tveksamheten från hennes chefer, valde Linnea att lita på Jonas berättelse.En: Despite her superiors' hesitation, Linnea chose to trust Jonas's story.Sv: Hon beslutade att involvera Axel i undersökningen.En: She decided to involve Axel in the investigation.Sv: Tillsammans med Axel och Jonas, började Linnea en noggrann sökning.En: Together with Axel and Jonas, Linnea started a thorough search.Sv: Museet var fullt av spännande interaktiva utställningar och nostalgiska melodier som vibrerade genom luften.En: The museum was full of exciting interactive exhibits and nostalgic melodies vibrating through the air.Sv: Axels engagemang och Jonas observationer ledde dem slutligen till ett bortglömt förvaringsskåp.En: Axel's commitment and Jonas's observations eventually led them to a forgotten storage locker.Sv: Där, bland dammiga lådor och gamla rekvisita, fann de det saknade minnessaket.En: There, among dusty boxes and old props, they found the missing memorabilia.Sv: Det hade blivit gömt av misstag av en ivrig städare, en vänlig själ som inte förstod värdet av föremålet.En: It had been mistakenly hidden by an eager cleaner, a kind soul who didn't understand the item's value.Sv: Linnea andades ut av lättnad och återställde memorabilia till sin plats bara timmar innan museet skulle fyllas av helgdagsfirare.En: Linnea sighed with relief and restored the memorabilia to its place just hours before the museum would be filled with holiday visitors.Sv: "Tack, Jonas och Axel, för er hjälp," sa hon med ett leende.En: "Thank you, Jonas and Axel, for your help," she said with a smile.Sv: Den lärdom hon bar med sig var att det alltid fanns värde i att samarbeta och lyssna.En: The lesson she carried with her was that there was always value in collaboration and listening.Sv: Och så fortsatte museets evenemang som planerat, fyllt med skratt, musik och en känsla av gemenskap.En: And so, the museum's event continued as planned, filled with laughter, music, and a sense of community.Sv: Linnea lärde sig att uppskatta olika perspektiv och insåg att hennes arbete var mycket mer än ett jobb; det handlade om att bygga en gemenskap kring kärleken till musiken som förenade dem alla.En: Linnea learned to appreciate different perspectives and realized that her work was much more than a job; it was about building a community around the love of music that united them all. Vocabulary Words:spread: brett utcurator: curatorbustling: vimletworrying: oroväckandedisappeared: försvunnitresponsibility: ansvarensure: säkerställaenthusiasm: entusiasmreluctance: motviljaunverified: okändaessence: knappsuperiors: cheferhesitation: tveksamhetinvolve: involverathorough: noggranninteractive: interaktivacommitment: engagemangforgotten: bortglömtdusty: dammigaprops: rekvisitarelief: lättnadcollaboration: samarbetaperspectives: perspektivskeptical: skeptisknostalgic: nostalgiskavibrating: vibreradeeager: ivrigappreciate: uppskattacommunity: gemenskapunite: förenade

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: From Emails to Easels: A Day of Artistic Revelation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-05-26-07-38-19-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De zon scheen vrolijk op Scheveningen Beach.En: The sun shone cheerfully on Scheveningen Beach.Nl: Het was Hemelvaartsdag, en de lucht was gevuld met een zachte golf van opwinding.En: It was Ascension Day, and the air was filled with a gentle wave of excitement.Nl: Gezinnen verzamelden zich op het gouden zand, kinderen bouwden zandkastelen en vliegers dansten hoog in de lucht.En: Families gathered on the golden sand, children built sandcastles, and kites danced high in the sky.Nl: Bram zette een grote parasol op, terwijl Saskia een picknickkleed uitspreidde.En: Bram set up a large parasol, while Saskia spread out a picnic blanket.Nl: Ze hadden van huis zelfgemaakte broodjes en fruitsap meegenomen.En: They had brought homemade sandwiches and fruit juice from home.Nl: "Bram, wanneer was de laatste keer dat je echt ontspannen hebt?"En: "Bram, when was the last time you really relaxed?"Nl: vroeg Saskia zachtjes.En: Saskia asked softly.Nl: Bram glimlachte, maar zijn gedachten waren bij de e-mails die hij nog moest beantwoorden.En: Bram smiled, but his thoughts were on the emails he still had to answer.Nl: "Vandaag ga ik proberen het anders te doen," besloot hij.En: "Today, I'm going to try to do it differently," he decided.Nl: Hij keek naar Thijs, zijn vijftienjarige zoon, die al met zijn telefoon bezig was.En: He looked at Thijs, his fifteen-year-old son, who was already busy with his phone.Nl: Bram zuchtte.En: Bram sighed.Nl: Hij miste de tijd dat Thijs enthousiast met hem speelde.En: He missed the time when Thijs enthusiastically played with him.Nl: "Thijs, wil je met me langs de kust wandelen?"En: "Thijs, do you want to walk along the coast with me?"Nl: vroeg Bram hoopvol.En: Bram asked hopefully.Nl: Thijs rolde met zijn ogen, maar stond schoorvoetend op.En: Thijs rolled his eyes but stood up reluctantly.Nl: "Oké, voor even dan," antwoordde hij.En: "Okay, just for a while then," he answered.Nl: Ze liepen in stilte, terwijl de koude golven hun voeten beroerden.En: They walked in silence as the cold waves touched their feet.Nl: Na een tijdje brak Bram het ijs.En: After a while, Bram broke the ice.Nl: "Vroeger schilderde ik," zei hij.En: "I used to paint," he said.Nl: Verbaasd keek Thijs op.En: Surprised, Thijs looked up.Nl: "Echt waar?"En: "Really?"Nl: Even verderop zagen ze een groep kunstenaars.En: A little further on, they saw a group of artists.Nl: Ze zaten dicht bij de pier, met ezels voor zich.En: They sat close to the pier, with easels in front of them.Nl: "Oh kijk, daar zijn kunstenaars!En: "Oh look, there are artists!Nl: Wil je even gaan kijken?"En: Do you want to take a look?"Nl: vroeg Bram opeens enthousiast.En: Bram asked suddenly, excited.Nl: Thijs knikte enigszins nieuwsgierig.En: Thijs nodded, somewhat curious.Nl: De kunstwerken waren prachtig, vol kleur en beweging.En: The artworks were beautiful, full of color and movement.Nl: Bram voelde een oude passie weer opwellen.En: Bram felt an old passion swell up again.Nl: "Ik zou willen dat ik dat weer kon doen," zei hij op zachte toon.En: "I wish I could do that again," he said softly.Nl: Tot zijn verrassing knikte Thijs naar het schilderij van een golvende zee.En: To his surprise, Thijs nodded towards the painting of a rolling sea.Nl: "Misschien kan ik het ook leren," antwoordde hij.En: "Maybe I can learn it too," he replied.Nl: Toen ze terugkeerden naar Saskia, had Bram een nieuw idee.En: When they returned to Saskia, Bram had a new idea.Nl: Ze zochten schelpen en tekenden figuren in het zand.En: They searched for shells and drew figures in the sand.Nl: Moeder keek glimlachend toe, terwijl vader en zoon samen aan het schetsen waren.En: Mother watched with a smile as father and son sketched together.Nl: Er was iets veranderd.En: Something had changed.Nl: Thijs was niet langer verveeld; hij was gefascineerd.En: Thijs was no longer bored; he was fascinated.Nl: En Bram?En: And Bram?Nl: Hij had gevonden wat hij zocht: een manier om zijn liefde voor schilderen te delen, samen met zijn zoon.En: He had found what he was looking for: a way to share his love for painting with his son.Nl: Ze speelden tot de zon begon te zakken en het strandkleed vol lag met schetsen van schelpen en zand.En: They played until the sun began to set, and the beach blanket was covered with sketches of shells and sand.Nl: Bram voelde zich gelukkig.En: Bram felt happy.Nl: Hij had een manier ontdekt om zijn passie nieuw leven in te blazen, een die hem dichter bij Thijs bracht.En: He had found a way to rekindle his passion, one that brought him closer to Thijs.Nl: Ze stopten even, bekeken hun werk en glimlachten.En: They paused for a moment, looked at their work, and smiled.Nl: De zee gaf zo veel inspiratie en het nieuwe schilderen deed ook hun relatie opbloeien.En: The sea offered so much inspiration, and the new painting also blossomed their relationship.Nl: Terwijl de avond naderde, pakten ze hun spullen in.En: As the evening approached, they packed up their things.Nl: Thijs stopte de schetsen in zijn rugzak.En: Thijs put the sketches in his backpack.Nl: "Dank je, pap," zei hij.En: "Thank you, dad," he said.Nl: Bram knikte en terwijl ze terug liepen naar Saskia, wist hij dat dit slechts het begin was van iets bijzonders.En: Bram nodded, and as they walked back to Saskia, he knew that this was just the beginning of something special.Nl: Tijd doorbrengen met zijn gezin was nu niet alleen een verplichting, het was een vreugde.En: Spending time with his family was now not just an obligation; it was a joy.Nl: Misschien zou hij zelfs weer gaan schilderen, en deze keer niet alleen.En: Maybe he would even start painting again, and this time not alone. Vocabulary Words:cheerfully: vrolijkascension: Hemelvaartgentle: zachteexcitement: opwindingspread: uitspreiddehomemade: zelfgemaaktereluctantly: schoorvoetendenthusiastically: enthousiastcoast: kustrelaxed: ontspannensilence: stiltereluctantly: schoorvoetendsurprised: verbaasdeasels: ezelsswollen: opwellenfascinated: gefascineerdrekindle: opnieuw aanwakkerenblossomed: opbloeienbackpack: rugzakpainting: schilderensketched: schetsenobligation: verplichtinginspiration: inspiratiegathered: verzamelensketches: schetsenpier: pierpassion: passiesandcastles: zandkastelensigh: zuchttegentle: zachte

Ascension Day, recorded Sun., May 17, 2026. Based on Ephesians 1:15-23. Pastor Johnold Strey. Apologies for the delayed release. Website: crownoflifehubertus.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crownoflifehubertus/ Written transcriptions: https://johnoldstrey.wordpress.com/

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Keukenhof Blossoms: A Day of Art, Allergies, and Awakenings Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-05-25-07-38-19-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Op een zonnige lentedag in mei, toen de zon stralend aan de hemel stond en de lucht gevuld was met de zoete geur van bloemen, besloten Hanna en Lars de Keukenhof tuinen te bezoeken.En: On a sunny spring day in May, when the sun was shining brightly in the sky and the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers, Hanna and Lars decided to visit the Keukenhof gardens.Nl: Het was Hemelvaartsdag, en de tuinen waren vol met mensen die net als zij wilden genieten van de kleurrijke pracht van de tulpen.En: It was Ascension Day, and the gardens were full of people who, like them, wanted to enjoy the colorful splendor of the tulips.Nl: Hanna, een jonge kunstenares, voelde zich altijd geïnspireerd door de natuur.En: Hanna, a young artist, always felt inspired by nature.Nl: Ze hoopte dat dit bezoek haar creatieve geest zou hervullen.En: She hoped that this visit would recharge her creative spirit.Nl: Lars, haar trouwe vriend, was enthousiast om met haar mee te gaan.En: Lars, her loyal friend, was excited to join her.Nl: Hoewel Hanna het niet wist, koesterde Lars een stille liefde voor haar.En: Although Hanna didn't know it, Lars harbored a quiet love for her.Nl: De tulpen strekte zich als een regenboog over het landschap.En: The tulips stretched like a rainbow across the landscape.Nl: De kleuren dansten voor hun ogen, en Hanna's vingers tintelden om haar schetsboek te pakken.En: The colors danced before their eyes, and Hanna's fingers tingled to grab her sketchbook.Nl: Ze en Lars dwaalden langs de bloemen, hun zintuigen volledig opgeslokt door de natuurpracht.En: She and Lars wandered along the flowers, their senses completely absorbed by the beauty of nature.Nl: Plotseling begon Hanna te niezen.En: Suddenly, Hanna started sneezing.Nl: Al snel veranderde het niezen in hoesten.En: Soon the sneezing turned into coughing.Nl: Haar ogen waren tranerig, en ze kreeg het benauwd.En: Her eyes were watery, and she was having trouble breathing.Nl: "Lars," piepte ze, terwijl ze probeerde adem te halen.En: "Lars," she squeaked, as she struggled to breathe.Nl: "Ik.En: "I...Nl: ik kan niet goed ademen.En: I can't breathe well."Nl: "Lars voelde paniek opkomen, maar hij hield zijn kalmte.En: Lars felt panic rising, but he kept his calm.Nl: Hij moest een oplossing vinden.En: He had to find a solution.Nl: De tuinen waren groot, maar hij herinnerde zich iets.En: The gardens were large, but he remembered something.Nl: Er moest een EHBO-post in de buurt zijn.En: There had to be a first aid post nearby.Nl: Hij greep Hanna's hand en leidde haar snel door de mensenmassa.En: He grabbed Hanna's hand and quickly led her through the crowd.Nl: Zijn hart bonkte terwijl ze slalomden door de bloementuinen.En: His heart pounded as they zigzagged through the flower gardens.Nl: Na wat een eeuwigheid leek, zagen ze eindelijk de witte tent die ze zochten.En: After what seemed like an eternity, they finally saw the white tent they were looking for.Nl: Bij de medische post kregen ze snelle hulp.En: At the medical post, they received quick help.Nl: De verpleegkundige gaf Hanna een inhalator en rustig begon haar ademhaling weer normaal te worden.En: The nurse gave Hanna an inhaler, and gradually her breathing returned to normal.Nl: Toen Hanna voldoende hersteld was, leidde Lars haar naar een rustig hoekje van de tuin.En: Once Hanna had sufficiently recovered, Lars led her to a quiet corner of the garden.Nl: Daar vonden ze een bankje onder de schaduw van een oude boom.En: There, they found a bench under the shade of an old tree.Nl: Terwijl ze daar zaten, haalde Hanna haar schetsboek tevoorschijn.En: While sitting there, Hanna took out her sketchbook.Nl: Haar handen waren nog onrustig, maar vastberaden begon ze de bloemen om hen heen te tekenen, met Lars die naast haar zat, zijn hart vol opluchting en iets nieuws — hoop.En: Her hands were still restless, but determined, she began to draw the flowers around them, with Lars beside her, his heart full of relief and something new — hope.Nl: Hanna keek op van haar schetsen en zag de zorg in zijn ogen.En: Hanna looked up from her sketches and saw the concern in his eyes.Nl: "Dank je, Lars," zei ze zacht.En: "Thank you, Lars," she said softly.Nl: "Je bent er altijd voor me.En: "You are always there for me."Nl: "Lars glimlachte, vervuld van een blijde verwachting.En: Lars smiled, filled with joyful anticipation.Nl: Misschien, alleen misschien, zou deze dag niet alleen het begin van nieuwe inspiratie voor Hanna zijn, maar ook het begin van iets anders moois tussen hen.En: Maybe, just maybe, this day would not only be the start of new inspiration for Hanna but also the start of something else beautiful between them.Nl: En zo, in die bloeiende tuin, vonden Hanna en Lars nieuwe hoop.En: And so, in that blooming garden, Hanna and Lars found new hope.Nl: De lucht was helder, de bloemen stonden in volle bloei, en de vriendschap die altijd tussen hen was geweest, begon te groeien naar iets meer.En: The sky was clear, the flowers were in full bloom, and the friendship that had always existed between them began to grow into something more. Vocabulary Words:sunny: zonnigeshining: stralendscent: geursplendor: prachtharbored: koesterdelandscape: landschaptingled: tinteldenabsorbed: opgesloktwatery: tranerigsolution: oplossingcrowd: mensenmassazigzagged: slalomdenfirst aid post: EHBO-posteternity: eeuwigheidinhaler: inhalatorrecovered: hersteldrestless: onrustigdetermined: vastberadensketches: schetsenconcern: zorgjoyful anticipation: blijde verwachtingblooming: bloeiendeshade: schaduwbench: bankjequiet: rustigloyal: trouweinspired: geïnspireerdbreathing: ademhalinghope: hoopfull bloom: volle bloei

Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 39:21-29; Psalm 47; 1 Peter 4:12-19; John 17:1-11

On May 14, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Benin, Indonesia, Madagascar, Namibia, Vanuatu, and a few other countries celebrated a National Holiday, complete with the closing of schools, banks, and government offices. In Germany, the holiday is called “Christi Himmelfahrt”, which likely brings a smile to us English speakers! “Christi Himmelfahrt” literally means “Christ's Heavenly Journey” and is a celebration of the day JESUS Ascended back to heaven, 40 days after His resurrection. Like Christmas, in most places, it has been highly secularized, often losing any real connection to the earthly life and ministry of JESUS. Learning this, raised a question for me. “Why don't we celebrate it?” The Ascension of JESUS back to heaven brought many incredible, tangible blessings to our lives. In fact, after some intense study, I would say that it rivals Christmas Day in the number and power of the blessings it provides us! I'm praying you'll make plans now to join us for this message, as we celebrate all JESUS has done for us in HIS return to heaven! Pastor Joe Still

On May 14, we've had one Ascension Day, yes.[1. Photo by Chase Kennedy on Unsplash.] What about second Ascension Day (May 21)? In either case, Ascension Day marks the lesser-known sequel to Easter Sunday, honoring the time when Jesus Christ returned to Heaven. His disciples recorded His famous last words, including His command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” How does this Great Commission affect our fantastical stories? Episode sponsors All that Glows by Lauren Smyth Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo Author Update from Author Media The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder Mission update New at Lorehaven: newly upgraded Library book search Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild 1. Let's define the Great Commission. Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:16–20, ESV This command is first for Christ's disciples and then all Christians. It's not just about getting people saved but a lifelong faith practice. This starts at home but expands, including baptism and teaching. It doesn't overrule orders to live simply, work hard, raise families. It doesn't overrule God's first “commission,” the Creation Mandate. In fact, this helps restore people to Jesus so we can do that calling. 2. How do some stories try to act this out? In the past, evangelical Christian fiction focuses on nonbelievers. They want to tell good stories, yes, but also get the reader saved. Sometimes the hero is a nonbeliever forced to confront faith issues. In fantasy, we met Jesus-allegories or find prayer is a weapon. In sci-fi, we learned aliens are real (demons) and Jesus is better. Other stories have featured “backslidden” people who need faith. And then other stories push back with more subtle approaches. The rise of YA brings simpler themes, often identity and courage. Romantasy may reduce “gospel” content, favoring virtues and love. Before: overt gospel about God. After: subtle morals about us. In either case, the original “evangelical” impulse may remain. Authors understandably want to do more than entertain readers. 3. Great stories reflect all God's commands. It's important to note differences between these two commands. So far as we know, the Creation Mandate is forever, an eternal call. The Great Commission is temporary . It won't be around forever. This doesn't make the Mandate more important. It does balance. That's why the apostles spoke often about families and hard work. We have seen older novels that valued “message” over excellence. If we feel guilty over not witnessing, we may want to compensate. A novel may make us feel we've “evangelized” or helped others. But sometimes, even then, novels like that don't fulfill that goal. Stephen enjoys novels that can reflect both these high callings. And yet only the Mandate tells creators to make great stories. My own novel does star space missionaries, yet has bigger ideas. The point isn't “share the gospel.” It's, “Here's how that can look.” And then, “What are the costs to the human heroes who do this?” That story is mainly for Christian readers. Others may not get it. That's okay. In my view, we need more stories “inside the club.” And yet Christians can bless nonbelievers just with great stories. They can reflect biblical truth, even gospel, yet have other goals. These can serve as pre-evangelism, or common grace for them. “Common grace” means the ways God blesses even nonbelievers. He sends rain and sunshine, good government, widespread virtue. And He enables good culture-making in a sinful world to bless us. Great stories, even if they don't “evangelize,” can help evangelists. And either way, we follow both commands and glorify our Creator. Com station Top question for listeners Did a great novel help you get saved? Or draw closer to Jesus? Next on Fantastical Truth Summer has returned. That often brings seasonal vacations that give you downtime in a car or airplane, maybe on a nice beach somewhere. You already know that's a great opportunity to catch up on reading. So what are some tips and tricks to refocus on reading, finding the best fantastical novels and gaining the most from these worlds?

Recorded on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Other scripture cited: 2 Kings 2:1-18; Hebrews 2:5-18.Support the show

Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:15-23 Luke 24:44-53 Psalm 47

The Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Sunday after Ascension Day  ORISON: God is ascended (Tune: Gen Himmel aufgefahren ist) – German, 16th cent.; arr. Peter R. Hallock (1924-2014)  PSALM 68:1-20 – Peter R. Hallock  HYMN 217: A hymn of glory let us sing (Tune: Jam lucis orto sidere) – Plainsong, Mode I, Mailander Hymnem, 15th cent.  NUNC DIMITTIS – Anonymous, from Lumley Books, c. 1547-1552 [No. 26]  ANTHEM: Ascendo ad Patrem meum – Blasius Amon (c. […]

A sermon by the Rev. Canon David Boyd at Choral Eucharist on the Seventh Sunday of Easter: the Sunday after the Ascension (May 17, 2026) at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta

For the Epistle: Acts 1:1-14 The Gospel: St. John 17:1-11

Sermon delivered by Bp. Stephen Scarlett on Thursday, May 14, 2026.View Transcript:https://bit.ly/Sermon_2026-05-14_Ascension-Day_Bp-Scarlett

Sermon delivered by Fr. Hayden Butler on Sunday, May 17, 2026.View Transcript:https://bit.ly/Sermon_2026-05-17_Sunday-after-Ascension-Day_Fr-Hayden

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on May 14, 2026, Ascension Day. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Theme: Your Life Is Hidden with Christ

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: Road Trip Revelations: Trust, Friendship, and All Is Well Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2026-05-18-07-38-19-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Det var en solig vårdag när Lina, Erik och Maja satte sig i bilen.En: It was a sunny spring day when Lina, Erik, and Maja got into the car.Sv: De skulle göra en spännande roadtrip längs Göta kanal.En: They were going on an exciting road trip along the Göta Canal.Sv: Det var Kristi himmelsfärdsdag, en stor helgdag i Sverige, och Lina hade länge sett fram emot denna resa.En: It was Ascension Day, a major holiday in Sweden, and Lina had been looking forward to this trip for a long time.Sv: Hon älskade att upptäcka nya platser.En: She loved discovering new places.Sv: Samtidigt hade hon en tendens att oroa sig mycket över sin hälsa.En: At the same time, she had a tendency to worry a lot about her health.Sv: Som de körde längs de slingrande vägarna, omgivna av grönskande landskap och charmiga byar, började Lina känna en lätt smärta på höger sida av magen.En: As they drove along the winding roads, surrounded by lush landscapes and charming villages, Lina began to feel a slight pain on the right side of her abdomen.Sv: "Är du okej?"En: "Are you okay?"Sv: frågade Erik som satt vid ratten.En: asked Erik, who was sitting behind the wheel.Sv: "Jag är inte säker", svarade Lina.En: "I'm not sure," replied Lina.Sv: "Det kanske är något fel.En: "There might be something wrong.Sv: Men jag vill inte missa vår resa."En: But I don't want to miss our trip."Sv: Maja såg oroligt på henne.En: Maja looked at her worriedly.Sv: "Vi kan stanna och vila om du behöver", föreslog hon.En: "We can stop and rest if you need to," she suggested.Sv: Lina bet ihop.En: Lina gritted her teeth.Sv: Hon ville verkligen se kanalen och njuta av helgdagen.En: She really wanted to see the canal and enjoy the holiday.Sv: Men snart blev smärtan värre, och hon började misstänka att det kunde vara blindtarmsinflammation.En: But soon, the pain worsened, and she began to suspect that it might be appendicitis.Sv: Ju närmare de kom en liten stad vid kanalen, desto intensivare blev smärtan.En: The closer they got to a small town by the canal, the more intense the pain became.Sv: "Vi måste stanna", sa Lina till slut, hennes beslut fast men bekymrat.En: "We have to stop," Lina eventually said, her decision firm but concerned.Sv: Erik och Maja nickade och hjälpte Lina in till en lokal klinik i staden.En: Erik and Maja nodded and helped Lina into a local clinic in the town.Sv: Där blev de snabbt mottagna av en sköterska.En: There, they were quickly received by a nurse.Sv: Efter en snabb undersökning kunde läkaren leende säga, "Det är inte blindtarmsinflammation, det är bara matförgiftning."En: After a quick examination, the doctor smilingly said, "It's not appendicitis; it's just food poisoning."Sv: Lina kände sig lättad, även om hon skämdes lite för att hon hade oroat sig så mycket.En: Lina felt relieved, even though she was a bit embarrassed for worrying so much.Sv: "Förlåt att jag störde vår resa", sa hon, men Erik skakade på huvudet.En: "Sorry for interrupting our trip," she said, but Erik shook his head.Sv: "Det viktiga är att du mår bra", sa han tröstande.En: "The important thing is that you're okay," he said comfortingly.Sv: Under resten av resan började Lina slappna av mer och njuta av omgivningarna.En: For the rest of the trip, Lina started to relax more and enjoy the surroundings.Sv: Hon lärde sig att lita på sina känslor och på sina vänner.En: She learned to trust her feelings and her friends.Sv: Och även om de nådde sitt resmål lite senare än planerat, var resan längs Göta kanal skön och uppfyllde allas förväntningar.En: And even though they reached their destination a little later than planned, the journey along the Göta Canal was pleasant and met everyone's expectations.Sv: Lina insåg att resans skönhet låg i att uppskatta stunden och inte bara målet.En: Lina realized that the beauty of the journey lay in appreciating the moment and not just the goal.Sv: Hon log och njöt av ascensionens dag omgiven av sina bästa vänner, och för första gången oroade hon sig inte för morgondagen.En: She smiled and enjoyed Ascension Day surrounded by her best friends, and for the first time, she wasn't worried about tomorrow. Vocabulary Words:sunny: soligspring: vårexciting: spännandewinding: slingrandesurrounded: omgivnalush: grönskandecharming: charmigatendency: tendensworry: oroaslight: lättabdomen: magesuggested: föresloggritted: bet ihopsuspect: misstänkaappendicitis: blindtarmsinflammationintense: intensivfirm: fastconcerned: bekymratlocal: lokalclinic: klinikreceived: mottagnanurse: sköterskaexamination: undersökningfood poisoning: matförgiftningrelieved: lättadembarrassed: skämdescomfortingly: tröstandesurroundings: omgivningardestination: resmålappreciating: uppskatta

Ascension Day traditions, ChatGTP's Top 12 list, and how to pronounce 'perspicuity '   The Ascension of Our Lord: 2 Kings 2:5–15, Acts 1:1–11, Luke 24:44–53

Ascension Day 2026 2 Kings 2:8–15*; Acts 1:1–11; Mark 16:14–20

Ascension isn't the end of Jesus' story it's the beginning of ours. In this powerful message, Aileen explores Acts 1 and reveals why Ascension Day is far more than a forgotten moment in the church calendar. Jesus didn't disappear He was crowned!Discover how the ascension reframes fear, prayer, rest, and mission as we learn what it means to live in the reality of a reigning King.

The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ commemorates the Christian belief of the bodily Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. It is one of the ecumenical (shared by multiple denominations) feasts of Christian churches, ranking with the feasts of the Passion and Pentecost. Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter according to inclusive counting, although some Christian denominations have moved the observance to the following Sunday, sometimes called Ascension Sunday. The day of observance varies in many Christian denominations, including Catholics, Protestant Anglicans, Lutherans, Moravians, Methodists, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox. Enjoy this special reading from the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 16. Gospel of Mark available at https://amzn.to/3X3m9Ba Historical Jesus books available at https://amzn.to/43rnYbq Catholicism series Video Box Set at https://amzn.to/4vd0pBp Catholicism series Book at https://amzn.to/3RdVuBk ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark's video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Bible Audio narration: Book of Mark-Chapter 3 (WordProject, International Biblical Association); Angus Dei music is a vocal arrangement of Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings by the Cambridge Trinity College Choir (Catholicism series, Word on Fire & Picture Show Films). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. It's a place where chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds, they're one. This June, you can experience it firsthand, whether you're seeking a degree or just a week of learning and formation. Intensive registration is open now at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Morning Prayer for Saturday, May 16, 2026 (Saturday after Ascension Day; The Martyrs of the Sudan, 2011).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 37:1-18Deuteronomy 17Luke 9:18-50Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

As we continue our discussion on the state of exaltation, we now turn our attention to the forty days after Christ's resurrection and His ascension.

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: Family Harmony: Overcoming Conflict and Embracing Togetherness Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2026-05-16-22-34-01-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Vårsolen glittrade ner över den lilla stugan i skogsbrynet.En: The spring sun shimmered down over the little cottage at the edge of the forest.Sv: Det var Kristi himmelsfärd och stämningen var laddad inför familjesammankomsten.En: It was Kristi himmelsfärd (Ascension Day) and the atmosphere was charged in anticipation of the family gathering.Sv: Elin stod vid det lilla köksbordet med ett block fyllt av listor.En: Elin stood at the small kitchen table with a notebook filled with lists.Sv: Hon hade planerat allt in i minsta detalj.En: She had planned everything to the smallest detail.Sv: Det var viktigt för henne att allting blev perfekt.En: It was important for her that everything turned out perfectly.Sv: Lukas, hennes kusin, satt på farstutrappan med en kopp kaffe, funderandes över helgens utmaningar.En: Lukas, her cousin, sat on the porch steps with a cup of coffee, pondering the challenges of the weekend.Sv: "Har vi tillräckligt med stolar?"En: "Do we have enough chairs?"Sv: frågade Elin, oroligt bläddrande i sina anteckningar.En: Elin asked, anxiously flipping through her notes.Sv: "Det har vi," svarade Lukas lugnt.En: "We do," replied Lukas calmly.Sv: "Men har vi tillräckligt med tålamod?"En: "But do we have enough patience?"Sv: tillade han med ett snett leende.En: he added with a wry smile.Sv: Familjens bilkaravan började anlända och med den, ett osynligt moln av gamla konflikter och osagda ord.En: The family caravan started arriving and with it, an invisible cloud of old conflicts and unspoken words.Sv: Farbror Sven och moster Karin, båda kända för sina skarpa tungor, var de första som steg ur bilen.En: Uncle Sven and Aunt Karin, both known for their sharp tongues, were the first to step out of the car.Sv: Redan innan kvällen hade hunnit gry över stugan kände Lukas hur luften började vibrera av undertryckt irritation.En: Even before the evening had settled over the cottage, Lukas felt the air start to vibrate with suppressed irritation.Sv: När eftermiddagen gled mot kväll fylldes stugan med doften av Janssons frestelse och nyfångad lax.En: As the afternoon slid into evening, the cottage filled with the scent of Janssons frestelse and freshly caught salmon.Sv: Vid middagsbordet, där alla hade slagit sig ner, började samtalet påminna om fältet inför ett åskväder.En: At the dinner table, where everyone had settled, the conversation began to resemble the atmosphere before a thunderstorm.Sv: Elin kastade en blick på Lukas – en tyst överenskommelse dem emellan att vara beredda.En: Elin cast a glance at Lukas—a silent agreement between them to be prepared.Sv: Lukas tog ett djupt andetag och reste sig.En: Lukas took a deep breath and stood up.Sv: "Jag tycker vi ska prata om vad som verkligen betyder något," sa han mjukt.En: "I think we should talk about what really matters," he said softly.Sv: "Vi är här för att fira, inte för att bråka."En: "We're here to celebrate, not to argue."Sv: Elin log tacksamt mot sin kusin och fortsatte: "Det är klart att vi har våra meningsskiljaktigheter, men vi är ändå en familj.En: Elin smiled gratefully at her cousin and continued, "Of course, we have our differences, but we are still a family.Sv: Låt oss ha kul och skapa nya minnen istället."En: Let's have fun and create new memories instead."Sv: Till en början sneglade familjemedlemmarna osäkert på varandra.En: Initially, family members glanced at each other uncertainly.Sv: Men snart började samtalen handla om gamla semestrar och gemensamma skratt.En: But soon the conversations turned to old vacations and shared laughter.Sv: Konflikterna gled långsamt bort.En: The conflicts slowly drifted away.Sv: När kvällen lade sig över stugan och ljuslyktorna tändes på verandan, kände både Elin och Lukas en lättnad.En: As night fell over the cottage and lanterns were lit on the porch, both Elin and Lukas felt a sense of relief.Sv: De hade klarat det.En: They had managed it.Sv: Tillsammans.En: Together.Sv: Elin förstod nu att hennes värde inte låg i andras erkännande, medan Lukas insåg styrkan i att möta problemen rättfram.En: Elin now understood that her worth wasn't in the recognition of others, while Lukas realized the strength in facing problems head-on.Sv: Från skogen hördes vårens fågelsång, en lugnande symfoni som påminde familjen om att även de kunde sjunga i harmoni, om de bara gav sig tid att lyssna på varandra.En: From the forest, the spring birdsong could be heard, a calming symphony that reminded the family that they could also sing in harmony, if only they took the time to listen to each other. Vocabulary Words:shimmered: glittradeanticipation: laddadnotebook: blockpondering: funderandes överanxiously: oroligtflipping: bläddrandepatience: tålamodwry: snettcaravan: bilkaravaninvisible: osynligtconflicts: konflikterunspoken: osagdatongues: tungorsuppressed: undertrycktirritation: irritationscent: doftenresemble: påminna omagreement: överenskommelsegratefully: tacksamtdifferences: meningsskiljaktigheterinitially: inledningsvisuncertainly: osäkertvacations: semestrarglanced: sneglandelanterns: ljuslyktornarelief: lättnadrecognition: erkännandefacing: mötahead-on: rättframsymphony: symfoni

Evening Prayer for Friday, May 15, 2026 (Friday after Ascension Day; Pachomius, Abbot of Tabennisi, 346).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 38Ecclesiastes 11 John 3:1-10Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. It's a place where chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds, they're one. This June, you can experience it firsthand, whether you're seeking a degree or just a week of learning and formation. Intensive registration is open now at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Morning Prayer for Friday, May 15, 2026 (Friday after Ascension Day; Pachomius, Abbot of Tabennisi, 346).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 32, 36Deuteronomy 16Luke 9:1-17Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. It's a place where chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds, they're one. This June, you can experience it firsthand, whether you're seeking a degree or just a week of learning and formation. Intensive registration is open now at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Canon O'Sullivan-Hale speaks of the mystery of the Ascension of Jesus Christ

Evening Prayer for Thursday, May 14, 2026 (Ascension Day).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 21, 24Hebrews 8Luke 24:44-53Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. It's a place where chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds, they're one. This June, you can experience it firsthand, whether you're seeking a degree or just a week of learning and formation. Intensive registration is open now at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Morning Prayer for Thursday, May 14, 2026 (Ascension Day).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 8, 472 Kings 2Ephesians 4:1-16Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. It's a place where chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds, they're one. This June, you can experience it firsthand, whether you're seeking a degree or just a week of learning and formation. Intensive registration is open now at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We begin Morning Prayer on page 42 of the Book of Common Prayer.To learn more about All Saints' Episcopal Church, visit our website: www.asecfw.orgVisiting us online? We'd love to connect with you more personally. Please fill out our online visitor's card, and we'll be in touch soon: https://www.asecfw.org/visitorcard

We begin Evening Prayer on page 63 of the Book of Common Prayer.To learn more about All Saints' Episcopal Church, visit our website: www.asecfw.orgVisiting us online? We'd love to connect with you more personally. Please fill out our online visitor's card, and we'll be in touch soon: https://www.asecfw.org/visitorcard

By Will Fagan

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Thursday morning, the 14th of May, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go straight to the Gospel of Luke 24:50-53:“And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.” Wow, what a day! Forty days from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb to the time that He went back to Heaven to be with His Father. Yes, I am talking about Ascension Day. It is a very important day in the Christian Calendar and it is a glorious and victorious day. I remember it so well. I have been there many times. You go from the Old City where the Temple was standing, down into the Kidron Valley, you go across the Kidron Valley, up the other side, you go passed the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus suffered so terribly for our sins, sweated drops of blood when He was thinking about the crucifixion the next day, then you go right up this hill, right to the very top. When you get to the top, if you carry on, you come to this little village called Bethany, a very special place for Jesus, where His friends Lazarus, Mary, and Martha lived. He spent a lot of time there. But right up on the top of that hill is where the ascension took place, and if you look carefully you can look right across the valley to the other side. That is where the Old City of Jerusalem in situated.Today, just remember one thing. Jesus is not in the grave. He is in Heaven. He is sitting at the right hand of our Heavenly Father and He is coming back very soon. I want to pray a prayer for somebody who is unsure about the future, somebody who says he loves God but he doesn't really know Jesus. Jesus says unless you are born again, you will never see the Kingdom of Heaven. Why don't you pray this simple prayer with me right now on Ascension Day:Dear Lord Jesus,Please forgive me for so often doubting You. Today I make a decision to believe what the Bible says about You and on Ascension Day, I surrender my life to You and I ask You to be my Lord and my Saviour and my soon-coming King. I ask this in Your precious name.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful Ascension Day!Goodbye.

The Order for Evening Prayer according to the usage of the Book of Common Prayer, 1928, for the Feast of the Ascension.

Listen to a sermon by Bishop Mosa Sono, preached on Ascension Day, on the 14th of May, 2026. Connect with us on the following platforms: FaceBook: Grace Bible Church International, X handle: @GBC_intl, Website: www.gracebiblechurch.org.za

The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ (also called the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord) commemorates the Christian belief of the bodily Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. It is one of the ecumenical (shared by multiple denominations) feasts of Christian churches, ranking with the feasts of the Passion and Pentecost. Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter according to inclusive counting, although some Christian denominations have moved the observance to the following Sunday, sometimes called Ascension Sunday. The day of observance varies in many Christian denominations, including Catholics, Protestant Anglicans, Lutherans, Moravians, Methodists, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox. Enjoy this special reading of the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 24. Breathe Bible Audio CD available at https://amzn.to/3CPRa4x Gospel of Luke available at https://amzn.to/3M6sTId Historical Jesus books available at https://amzn.to/43rnYbq ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Breathe Bible podcast (LifeAudio Podcast Network, Salem Web Network). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting. Join Mark on one of his social media platforms to comment, discuss, and analyze this episode’s Testament passages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daily Morning Prayer (Ascension Day 2026): from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN) Psalm 8,15,21 ; Deuteronomy 10; Luke 24:44-53; Hymn 149If you find this ministry edifying, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular contributor here: https://trinityconnersville.com/give/To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/

Evening Prayer for Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (Eve of Ascension Day; The Sixth Sunday of Easter: Rogation; Rogation Day [Wednesday]).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 33Job 411 John 1:1-2:6Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. It's a place where chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds, they're one. This June, you can experience it firsthand, whether you're seeking a degree or just a week of learning and formation. Intensive registration is open now at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: Finding Freedom: A Serene Stroll Through Life's Symbolism Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2026-05-13-22-34-02-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Lukas gick längs stigarna i Dalarnas skogar, där vårens doft fyllde luften.En: Lukas walked along the paths in the Dalarnas forests, where the scent of spring filled the air.Sv: Träden sträckte sig mot himlen, och fåglarnas sånger gav en känsla av frid.En: The trees reached for the sky, and the songs of the birds brought a sense of peace.Sv: Det var Kristi Himmelsfärdsdag, och retreatet var fullt av människor som sökte andlig klarhet.En: It was Ascension Day, and the retreat was full of people seeking spiritual clarity.Sv: Elin gick vid hans sida, pratsam som alltid.En: Elin walked by his side, talkative as always.Sv: Hon försökte peppa Lukas, men kände själv en längtan efter något bortom det vardagliga.En: She tried to encourage Lukas, but she also felt a longing for something beyond the everyday.Sv: Deras destination var marknadsplatsen i retreatet där lokala hantverkare ställde ut sina verk.En: Their destination was the marketplace at the retreat where local artisans displayed their works.Sv: När de anlände till marknaden, blev Lukas överväldigad.En: When they arrived at the market, Lukas was overwhelmed.Sv: Det fanns så mycket att se: färgglada vävda mattor, elegant keramik och vackra smycken.En: There was so much to see: colorful woven rugs, elegant ceramics, and beautiful jewelry.Sv: Men vad han verkligen sökte, visste han inte.En: But what he was truly searching for, he didn't know.Sv: "Elin," sa Lukas, "jag behöver hjälp.En: "Elin," said Lukas, "I need help.Sv: Jag vill hitta något men vet inte vad."En: I want to find something but don't know what."Sv: Elin log och nickade mot ett enkelt trähantverk.En: Elin smiled and nodded towards a simple wooden craft.Sv: "Kanske det här?"En: "Maybe this?"Sv: Inget föremål tycktes tala till hans hjärta.En: No item seemed to speak to his heart.Sv: Förvirrad sökte Lukas upp Greta, retreatets värd.En: Confused, Lukas sought out Greta, the host of the retreat.Sv: Hon satt lugnt vid en bänk, omgiven av tallar.En: She sat calmly on a bench, surrounded by pines.Sv: "Greta, jag behöver ditt råd," sa Lukas.En: "Greta, I need your advice," said Lukas.Sv: "Jag letar efter något men kan inte bestämma mig."En: "I'm looking for something but can't decide."Sv: Greta log varmt.En: Greta smiled warmly.Sv: "Ibland är det enklaste det mest meningsfulla, Lukas.En: "Sometimes the simplest things are the most meaningful, Lukas.Sv: Vad känns rätt för dig just nu?"En: What feels right to you right now?"Sv: Med nya tankar återvände Lukas till marknaden.En: With new thoughts, Lukas returned to the market.Sv: Då såg han den.En: Then he saw it.Sv: En enkel träfågel.En: A simple wooden bird.Sv: Den fångade ljuset och verkade sväva i luften.En: It caught the light and seemed to float in the air.Sv: I det ögonblicket visste Lukas att den var hans svar.En: In that moment, Lukas knew it was his answer.Sv: Fågeln symboliserade frihet och riktning, allt han önskade för sin framtid.En: The bird symbolized freedom and direction, everything he wished for his future.Sv: Han köpte träfågeln och kände hur en tyngd lyftes från hans hjärta.En: He bought the wooden bird and felt a weight lift from his heart.Sv: Elin, rörd av hans klarhet, bestämde sig för att leta efter sitt eget symboliska minne.En: Elin, moved by his clarity, decided to search for her own symbolic memento.Sv: På vägen tillbaka genom skogen var Lukas mer självsäker.En: On the way back through the forest, Lukas was more confident.Sv: Han hade funnit ett litet, men meningsfullt steg på sin resa.En: He had found a small but meaningful step in his journey.Sv: Lukten av tall och fåglarnas kvittrande fyllde honom med nytt hopp, och han visste att förändringens vindar blåste i hans liv.En: The smell of pine and the chirping of birds filled him with new hope, and he knew that the winds of change were blowing in his life. Vocabulary Words:paths: stigarscent: doftascension: himmelsfärdretreat: retreatclarity: klarhetencourage: peppalonging: längtanartisans: hantverkareoverwhelmed: överväldigadwoven: vävdaceramics: keramikjewelry: smyckenconfused: förvirradadvice: rådmeaningful: meningsfulltsymbolized: symboliseradefreedom: frihetdirection: riktningmemento: minneconfident: självsäkerchirping: kvittrandeartisans: hantverkaredisplayed: ställt utencouraged: uppmuntradhost: värdnod: nickabench: bänkfloating: svävaseek: sökafilled: fyllde

Dr. John Bombaro of St. James Lutheran-Lafayette, IN The post Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (One Year Lectionary): Ascension Day – Dr. John Bombaro, 5/12/26 (1324) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

This week marks Ascension Day, May 14![1. Photo by Timo Volz on Unsplash.] So let's rise to that occasion and survey at least seven notions about that place to which Jesus ascended—Heaven. Is it true that Heaven is only “spiritual”? Or that we can't know about Heaven is like, so it's best we not think much about that unchanging, un-earthly or very-earthly dimension where “time shall be no more” and where basically good people go? We'll do our best to bypass modern myth and search the only certain Source. Episode sponsors All that Glows by Lauren Smyth Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo Author Update from Novel Marketing The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder Mission update New at Lorehaven: weekly reviews, recent website upgrades Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Concession stand Concession: Randy Alcorn just released a similar article last week. By intention, I didn't read the article, or my own previous material. There's a chance some of my myths (in no special order) overlap. I do credit Alcorn's Heaven (2004) as a formative influence. Yet here I'll attempt to base my reasons straight on Scripture. In the past I've rankled some folks with strange afterlife ideas. Yet in the last 20 years more people have “discovered” New Earth. 1. Heaven is only a “spiritual” place. This usually comes not from teaching, but memes and impressions. Some of us also recall the phrase “spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:44). Since God is Spirit (John 4:24), isn't this the same kind of spirit? Won't this mean we'll have no body, becoming intangible, ghostly? It's true that God the Father is spirit, without a body. Yet not Jesus. All resurrection ideas are based on His physical/spiritual nature. Yes, Heaven today is for souls separated from bodies (2 Cor. 5). It won't stay that way after the final resurrection Jesus promises. Paul in 1 Cor. 15 defines “spiritual body” as Spirit-powered body. And in 2 Cor. 5 he promises we will be “further clothed,” not naked. 2. It's best not to think about Heaven. This too is not taught in Scripture, except from misquoted verses. 1 Cor. 2:9, “what no eye has seen…” doesn't truly command this. Even if this were about Heaven, it never discourages imagination. But it isn't anyway. It's about “things God has revealed” (verse 10). Scripture's images encourage, not suppress truthful imagination. I'm not sure why else God would inspire such fantastical imagery. With biblical foundation, it's impossible to think “too much” on this. See also: nonsense about “being so heavenly minded…” Bad logic. Being biblically “heavenly minded” helps us love “earthly good.” We avoid that gnostic impulse the slogan was meant to counter. 3. “Time shall be no more” in Heaven. People really do assume this phrase comes from the Bible. It's actually from the hymn “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.” That's a partial quote from Rev. 10:6 (KJV), warning that time is up. But the phrase got loose and reinforces vague, “spiritoid” images. Maybe we could say time runs different in today's Heaven. Revelation describes events in sequence, as Heaven watches. It references waiting martyrs (Rev. 6:11) and “half an hour” (8:1). In either case, Scripture never implies time/matter has gone evil. A possible rule: we need special proof for “X won't be in Heaven.” Unless the Bible says, don't assume that thing won't last forever. 4. Basically good people go to Heaven. We hear this all the time, in pop culture, funerals, our own doubts. A lot of time this myth isn't specifically taught, only caught. But I did hear a Mormon apologist Jacob Hansen teaching this. In his view, basically only Hitler or “sons of perdition” go to Hell. This notion will result in doctrine and fiction with bad views of evil. Villains will become more “misunderstood” in reality and in stories. Scripture never teaches this. Hell is real. Not all go to Heaven. And if pagans saw Heaven correctly, they wouldn't want to anyway. Imagine an eternity of worshiping King Jesus in everything we do. There can by definition be no perfect world apart from His reign. 5. Today's Heaven looks like Earth. Some years ago, we saw many books about “heaven tourism.” One or two got discredited. One or two got made into movies. Sometimes adults wrote the tell-all. But one little boy glimpsed it(?). Whether or not they had visions, they do reinforce some myths. For example, one book spoke of Heaven in many earthly terms. On principle, I disagree—but not because earthliness is bad. Rather, it's premature. Heaven hasn't yet united with Earth (Rev. 21). Similarly, I hear Christians talking about believers now resurrected. But unless they have their bodies back, resurrection is still future! Heaven is fantastic now. Next comes the even better sequel. 6. We can't know what Heaven is like. Even if God never promised New Earth, Heaven would be great. You get past death and suffering. You get to be with Jesus Christ. You get to reunite with believing family, saints, heroes, and angels. And even as you wait (accelerated time?) there are things to do! Angels in Heaven now worship God all the time. What an epic sight. You might get to witness a higher view of events playing on Earth. And I'm sure we begin getting answers to many of our questions. But also, see Revelation 6. Martyrs are still waiting for what's next. In fact, they know about terrible things and want God's vengeance. They get no “memory wipe,” only the start of greater perspective. 7. Heaven could never unite with Earth. Reckless words about Earth and bodies devalues God's creation. See: “that's just her shell” or “she'll never see him on this Earth.” In fact, God promised she'll get back that body and he'll be back. Nothing in Scripture condemns our body or the material world. It doesn't endorse myths like “the Earth gets forever destroyed.” In fact, 2 Peter 3 speaks in terms of fire that refines our planet. Isaiah 60, 65-66 and Rev. 21 promise a Heaven/Earth reunion. The word “new” doesn't negate those nouns’ ordinary meanings. Heaven is where God dwells. Earth is where we would have dwelt. In this future God and Man all dwell together in one world (Rev. 21)! Com station Top question for listeners What do you long for most in Heaven or the future New Heavens? April wrote this for episode 303 about overseas tales: K-dramas may have romantic clichés just like anime or manga, but they handle them better than many Western media. It's a slow build-up, less sexualized, and focuses on emotions, sacrifice, and getting to know the other person, rather than how quickly you can get two attractive people into bed or make them kiss. Western romance is more about lust these days and that's because it has such a bad reputation as a genre, while the old-fashioned romance of classic books is still considered respectable literature. Next on Fantastical Truth This Thursday, some Christians will observe Ascension Day. That's the lesser-known sequel to Easter Sunday, honoring the time when Jesus Christ returned to Heaven. His disciples recorded His famous last words, including His command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” How does this Great Commission affect our fantastical stories?

Today's sermon is for Ascension Day and is titled On Power. It was written by Dr. Michael Toy and read by the Rev. Danáe Ashley. Sermons That Work is an offering of the Episcopal Church's Office of Communication. For more free resources, including sermons, Bible studies, bulletin inserts, and more, visit episcopalchurch.org/sermons. We would love it if you'd rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcasting platform – and while you're at it, share it with a friend!

Send us Fan MailJoin Fr. Aaron & Marissa Burt to discuss the readings for the Sunday after Ascension Day: Acts 1:(1-5) 6-14; Psalm 68:1-20; 1 Peter 4:12-19; John 17:1-11.Notes:Check out Marissa's Spiritual Treadmills survey here--Dwell App--Prayers of the People for Easter--2019 Book of Common PrayerThe Bible ProjectEaster: The Season of the Resurrection of Jesus, by: Wesley Hill1:04 Collect8:04  Acts 1:(1-5) 6-1431:01 Psalm 68:1-2039:02  Peter 4:12-1949:33 John 17:1-11 Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

Let's take a moment to reflect on the upcoming Ascension Day, May 18th and what it means. When Jesus resurrected, he set certain things in motion that would transform his creation forever, including:- Becoming an esteemed Master Son, reserved for those Sons who bestow themselves as creatures of the realm (7 times)- Sending the Spirit of Truth- Betrothal of the Daughter of the Infinite Spirit- The "Proclamation of Equality," a universal call-to-action from both the Master Son and The Divine Mother- Establishment of the Michael Memorial on Jerusem- Establishment of the Archangels' Circuit (and headquarters) on our world- A blanket and automatic approval of the Father's spirit in the minds of all mortals on Urantia- The creation of the Council of the Twenty-Four Elders on Jerusem- Christ earns title of the Planetary Prince of our world- The authorization of the roll-call of sleeping mortals in our dispensational resurrection- The establishment and completion of the 4th Epochal revelation of truth on Urantia- The embarkation of the next mortal epoch of the people of Urantia, the post-bestowal age- The establishment of the truths which precipitated the religion of Christianity on earth, the only world religion tied directly to the life and teachings of Jesus, the Son of Man and the Son of God.

Fluent Fiction - Danish: A Letter Home: Steps Toward Reconciliation in Denmark Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2026-05-10-22-34-01-da Story Transcript:Da: Lars åbnede døren til den hyggelige hytte i den danske natur.En: Lars opened the door to the cozy cabin in the Danish countryside.Da: Det var forår, og alt omkring ham vågnede til liv.En: It was spring, and everything around him was coming to life.Da: Fuglene sang.En: The birds sang.Da: Træerne var fyldt med lysegrønne blade.En: The trees were filled with bright green leaves.Da: Lugten af frisk jord fyldte luften.En: The smell of fresh earth filled the air.Da: Men Lars' hjerte var tungt.En: But Lars' heart was heavy.Da: Lars var kommet til hytten for at finde fred.En: Lars had come to the cabin to find peace.Da: Han tænkte på Mette og Anders, hans søskende.En: He thought about Mette and Anders, his siblings.Da: De havde skændtes for nylig.En: They had argued recently.Da: Ordene mellem dem havde været hårde.En: The words between them had been harsh.Da: Nu var der stille.En: Now it was quiet.Da: For stille.En: Too quiet.Da: Hytten var lille og lavet af træ.En: The cabin was small and made of wood.Da: Den havde en stue med en gammel ovn i hjørnet.En: It had a living room with an old stove in the corner.Da: Der stod en slidte lænestol og et bord midt i rummet.En: There stood a worn-out armchair and a table in the middle of the room.Da: På væggene hang billeder af deres familie.En: On the walls hung pictures of their family.Da: Da Lars så dem, mindedes han barndommens glade dage, dengang de alle var sammen og lykkelige.En: When Lars saw them, he reminisced about the joyful days of childhood, when they were all together and happy.Da: Det var Kristi Himmelfartsdag, en dag fyldt med traditioner og samvær i Danmark.En: It was Ascension Day, a day filled with traditions and togetherness in Denmark.Da: Men denne gang var Lars alene.En: But this time Lars was alone.Da: Han savnede sine søskende, men hans stolthed stod i vejen for forsoning.En: He missed his siblings, but his pride stood in the way of reconciliation.Da: Mens han gik rundt i hytten, stødte Lars på en gammel familiealbum.En: As he walked around the cabin, Lars came across an old family album.Da: Han satte sig ned og bladrede langsomt gennem siderne.En: He sat down and slowly leafed through the pages.Da: Der var billeder fra deres sommerferier, fødselsdage og juleaftener.En: There were pictures from their summer vacations, birthdays, and Christmas Eves.Da: Et bestemt billede fik ham til at standse op.En: One particular picture made him stop.Da: Det viste Lars, Mette og Anders som børn, stående sammen foran hytten med store smil.En: It showed Lars, Mette, and Anders as children, standing together in front of the cabin with big smiles.Da: Det ramte ham, hvor vigtigt familie var.En: It struck him how important family was.Da: Lars vidste, at han måtte tage det første skridt.En: Lars knew he had to take the first step.Da: Han overvejede, om han skulle invitere dem til hytten eller skrive et brev.En: He considered whether he should invite them to the cabin or write a letter.Da: Efter lang tids tænken besluttede han sig for at skrive.En: After a long time of thinking, he decided to write.Da: Lars satte sig ved bordet og begyndte at skrive.En: Lars sat at the table and began to write.Da: Han skrev om sine følelser og sin skyld.En: He wrote about his feelings and his guilt.Da: Han skrev, hvor meget de betød for ham, og hvor gerne han ville være sammen med dem igen.En: He wrote about how much they meant to him and how much he wanted to be with them again.Da: Det var svært at finde de rette ord, men han skrev fra hjertet.En: It was hard to find the right words, but he wrote from the heart.Da: Da brevet var færdigt, lagde han det i en kuvert.En: When the letter was finished, he put it in an envelope.Da: Han tilføjede en invitation til at komme til hytten til en kop kaffe og en samtale.En: He added an invitation to come to the cabin for a cup of coffee and a conversation.Da: Han håbede, at de ville komme.En: He hoped they would come.Da: Da han rejste sig fra bordet, følte Lars sig anderledes.En: As he got up from the table, Lars felt different.Da: Han havde taget ansvaret for sin del af skænderiet.En: He had taken responsibility for his part of the argument.Da: Hans stolthed var mindre vigtig end hans kærlighed til Mette og Anders.En: His pride was less important than his love for Mette and Anders.Da: Nu ventede han spændt på deres svar.En: Now he waited eagerly for their reply.Da: Den stille hytten fyldtes med håb, og Lars kunne næsten mærke forårssolen varme hans sjæl.En: The quiet cabin was filled with hope, and Lars could almost feel the spring sun warming his soul.Da: Han vidste ikke, hvad fremtiden ville bringe, men han var klar til at tage skridtet mod forsoning.En: He didn't know what the future would bring, but he was ready to take the step toward reconciliation.Da: Familien betød alt.En: Family meant everything. Vocabulary Words:cozy: hyggeligecabin: hyttecountryside: natursiblings: søskendeharsh: hårdeargument: skænderietworn-out: slidtereminisced: mindedesAscension Day: Kristi Himmelfartsdagtogetherness: samværpride: stolthedreconciliation: forsoningalbum: albumleafed through: bladredeguilt: skyldenvelope: kuvertresponsibility: ansvarreply: svarhope: håbsoul: sjælinvitation: invitationconversation: samtaleconsidered: overvejedeparticular: bestemtsmiles: smilstove: ovnfilled: fyldtearth: jordtraditions: traditionerfuture: fremtiden

Morning Prayer for today with a reading from the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospel, with meditation music from ”Inner Voices” and ”In Beauty We Return,” by R. Carlos Nakai. Courtesy Canyon Records, Phoenix, AZ (800)-268-1141. All rights reserved.

Pragmata released to gaming consoles April 17. The new Capcom title promptly sold 1 million copies by its first weekend and provoked much discourse from fans and some haters. Why the hate? Because players everywhere, especially men, loved the key concept of an outer space soldier teaming up with a little android girl to fight robo-monsters. Gamers declared they would do anything to protect Diana. How do these stories help humans remember to restore our “factory settings”? Episode sponsors All that Glows by Lauren Smyth Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo Author Update from Novel Marketing The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder Mission update New at Lorehaven: weekly reviews, some website upgrades Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild New book quest for Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs 1. The tale of a mecha-man and robo-girl Capcom announced Pragmata nearly six years ago (June 2020). The game was later delayed, with sporadic, apologetic teasers. The pitch? Space marine finds orphaned android girl in moonbase. They team up to fight rogue robots in hopes of returning to Earth. Before it even released, Reddit banned one channel (TheGamer). They said some people were sexualizing the little robot girl, Diana. Which is unfortunately expected, and horrifying. More on this later. Last month, the final trailer arrived, and the game itself (April 17). After release, some men said they felt their “dad senses” awaken. You all HATE escort missions But make that NPC a cute kid, and suddenly you’ll burn the whole world down for them Japan’s population is crashing. Capcom realized people wouldn’t listen to government mandates to reproduce, so they started making “Parent Simulators” Pragmata feels like a psyop to make you want to have kids, a propaganda disguised as a game to boost the birth rates. And honestly it’s awesome. The timeline is full of people saying Diana makes them want to start a real family. I love that we really fell for it. —@‌TheRooster on X.com, April 20 Female players were also positively affected by Diana's cuteness. In response, critics blasted this positive response as closeted sin. They saw nothing but evil motives in the male players’ enjoyment. Single men, actual dads, and uncles alike said they'd die for Diana. And the game's fans began referring to human “factory settings.” 2. What we mean by saying ‘factory settings' Stephen hasn't yet played Pragmata but wants to. Great reviews. It turns out the idea of “factory settings” has great foundations. This is just a pop-culture-y, meme-y way to say “human purpose.” It's a rebuttal to false purposes, e.g. “get rich” or “be an activist.” In other words, the “chief end of man.” Let's define this carefully. In the biblical view, our “chief end” is to glorify and enjoy God. To the Christian, our “chief end” is not to protect the innocent. Our chief end isn't even getting married and having families. After all, in a sinful world, not everyone is blessed with this gift. But … that doesn't mean we deny that original human purpose. It goes back to Genesis 1:27-28, God's first command to people. We worship Him first by acts of creation, including marriage/family. This is our “factory setting.” By recalling the action, we get close. The next step is to rediscover that original motive: to glorify God. 3.How these ‘factory settings' can change us Stephen's response is different. He's not been blessed with kids. Even those who are blessed with kids have rough family situations. And of course, as some critics say, the game shows only positives. Diana isn't a real child, but a robot. (We don't know spoilers here.) Real small children have sinful natures and many challenges. And yet… can't a game “simulate” these with health and death? You do “die” and respawn many times in a game, leveling up. It's a direct and often numbers-based “parable” illustrating reality. That's probably why many men love tabletop games and LitRPG. This is not just a psychological trick. Not just a “dopamine hack.” We may feel the same about beauty, knowing we're made for more. To capture this longing, C.S. Lewis used the German sehnsucht. We could recall this longing, but let it stay in the world of fiction. Or else “translate” this (right or wrong) to our own human callings. But we also hope gamers will follow through on marriage/parenting. Not just to recover birth rates. Not just for high cultural influence. The purpose of any creation—even of people—is to glorify Christ. Com station Top question for listeners When did a simple story remind you of your purpose as a person? Next on Fantastical Truth Next week marks Ascension Day, May 14! So let's rise to that occasion and survey at least seven notions about that place to which Jesus ascended—Heaven. Is it true that Heaven is only “spiritual”? Or that we can't know about Heaven is like, so it's best we not think much about that unchanging, un-earthly or very-earthly dimension where “time shall be no more” and where basically good people go? We'll do our best to bypass modern myth and search the only certain Source.