On the cusp of the day we are poised to live into a world that beckons. Will today hold an opportunity for contemplation? Will a moment of poignant connection draw us more deeply into the divine heart? Perhaps young hands will clamor to lead us into playfulness, to being consumed by the world of a… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Loved from Above
O Holy One, Your love surrounds me! Even when I walk with deep troubles, Even when I don’t yet see the dawn, Even when I know in my mind (but it hasn’t reached my heart) That you are always there. In deep darkness, I don’t see the whys and the whats and the whens… But… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Making the Best of It
Last Saturday, I spent the day at an all-day meeting for my Presbytery. But, to make the best of it, I left home early enough to enjoy an hour at the beach nearby! (Incidentally, this portion of our coast was hit hard by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. They are still in recovery from physical damage… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Congregation Negatively Impacted by Former Pastor
One of the most difficult and courageous things a pastor will ever do is discerning when it is time to leave a congregation. Even more difficult are the follow-up actions of leaving well, leaving completely, and supporting the new pastor of your former congregation. The following story is real, all-too-common, and deeply painful. Dear Matriarchs:… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
February, God. February. February teaches us – yet again – your surprises. The shortest month feels like the longest, shaming us when the Christmas box is still out, while we plan for Lent. The shortest month feels like the longest, God, testing our hope, in this in-between time. We would shorten the strange weather, and… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Who's Corban? Whose Corban? (Mark 7:1-23)
Once my children went to preschool and then on to kindergarten, they were very alert to hand washing. Now, of course, I taught them to wash their hands after the potty and before eating, etc., but school and teachers brought that lesson into full force. I do utterly and completely believe in hand washing, but… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Today’s Teachers
My dog, sound asleep by my feet, snoring gently, knowing that food will be there when she wakes. And a walk. And maybe treats. One cat enjoying the view from the window. “The birds are not my concern today. I have dreams to dream.” The other cat nestled in the pillows and blankets. “Don’t make… Read More
Friday Festival: (Re)Gaining Perspective
This week has been an especially difficult one for me. I have watched the world – and people – around me swing wildly from madness to cruelty and back again. I have struggled and failed to keep from getting caught up in the craziness. As I began reading blogs this week, I realized that I… Read More
Monday Prayer: winners
We are all champions. In God’s economy there are no losers, no less-thans, or can’t-haves. When we drop our respective balls, or miss a connection, when we stop short of an intended destination or our goals are thwarted, we are still entwined in the warp and weft of divine love. When lackluster stares fail to… Read More
Saturday Prayer: unraveled plans
Holy One, What I think life should be like, and what is reality are two very different things! I wrestle with not seeing my plans come to fruition as I believed they would be. I struggle with having to redo, restart, and reimagine the days ahead. I want things neat and tidy… And life is… Read More
