Another year has come and gone. It’s hard to believe 37 years have already passed. When did that happen? How is it possible? At the start of this year I wrote a blog reflecting on the past year, but that was more events and experiences. For today I want to reminisce a bit and honor… Continue reading 37
Tag: god
Seeds, Fruit and Roots – A Sermon
I preached this sermon today at North United Methodist Church, the place I've called my church and my job for the past nine years. This sermon is a reflection on the Parable of the Sower as well as my time in ministry with the youth, parents, volunteers and congregation of North UMC. +++ Luke 8:4-8… Continue reading Seeds, Fruit and Roots – A Sermon
Lasts
As I’ve been preparing for tonight the only thing I had in mind was this: It’s Josh’s last youth group and we need to make it awesome for him. Josh was my intern for the past two years. Over my time at North I’ve had a college intern most years – some for a semester,… Continue reading Lasts
Leaving
At the start of my sabbatical last fall I had a plan. (Of course, I had a plan!) I would spend the first month decompressing. The second month would be for reflection. Finally, in that third month I would make some decisions. By the end of my sabbatical I wanted to know these things: -… Continue reading Leaving
Resurrection
Thursday evening during the Holy Thursday service we sang Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy. This line stood out to me: “Come ye weary, heavy laden, lost and ruined by the fall; if you tarry till you’re better, you will never come at all.” Jesus didn’t spend time with those who had it all together… Continue reading Resurrection
Knowing
Yesterday Bob Goff posted this quote and image on Instagram: This got me to thinking a little more about the reality of what Jesus experienced during those last few days. Sure, I’ve heard the story every year – I know the order, I know who did what. But today I’m thinking about him – about… Continue reading Knowing
Space
I suppose much of my job is about creating space for people – space to explore and question, space to grow and learn, space to doubt and wonder. Until this past weekend, however, I had never really thought about my job in those terms. I co-facilitated a women’s retreat with my mom for women I’d… Continue reading Space
Reflections
I intended to write about our travel day yesterday, but when I started writing in my journal this reflection came forth. I think this is sufficient for today's reflections. Sitting on the balcony -- ocean breeze keeping me comfortably cool from the sun's rays rising over the ocean -- palm fronds bending to and fro,… Continue reading Reflections
Turn
We don’t have a fenced in backyard, so for the last two-and-a-half years we take Denali out on a leash each time she needs to go out. Since I’m usually up first, I take her out most mornings. We go out the basement door, cross the deck and into the backyard. Often I just stare… Continue reading Turn
Sorrows
Since returning from my sabbatical, I’ve started sitting in the back of the sanctuary. For the 8.5 years prior to that, I sat in the middle section in the first third of the sanctuary. It feels strange sitting in a new pew, in a different part of the space. But, at the same time, it… Continue reading Sorrows