joekmac
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Finding Rest in a Weary World
Within the last two months, I have traveled twice to Atlanta, once to Austin, once to Dallas, once to the beautiful Sacramento Mountains, and once to New Orleans, LA. Each trip was for a distinct purpose. My travels included work… Continue reading
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The Christian Life Is Not All Happy, Happy, Feel Good Stuff!
When I was young, I heard a song that indicated that the Christian life provided a straightforward pathway. All one had to do was profess faith in Jesus, and suddenly one lived stress-free and happy all the time. I grew… Continue reading
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John’s Call to a Changed Life
“Change your hearts and Lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” (Matt. 3:2 CEB). We see that John’s version of baptism (small “b” because it is not a sacrament) appears different than what Christianity came to know. John called… Continue reading
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What is in a Name?
I must admit that I miss writing in my personal blog space. However, I will try to do better in the future. Today, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, marks the beginning of Lent. My goal this year is to read… Continue reading
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Navigating a Church Split
I am a United Methodist Pastor, and the season in which we live is not easy. So it is with great sadness that I see and hear churches in my annual conference choose to disaffiliate with the United Methodist… Continue reading
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Gratitude for a Visit with My Sister
This week my sister came to visit us in New Mexico. So far, we have enjoyed catching up and planning trips in the “Land of Enchantment.” I appreciate her company and look forward to many mad-capped adventures. It is… Continue reading
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Making a Fresh Start
The last post I shared was in early summer. After 10+ years of writing blogs, I needed a break from the mundane. At first, I felt guilty about stopping, but gradually I realized that respites offer a time of… Continue reading
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Where Do We Go from Here?
I cannot help but think of the Jewish refugees reentering the land flowing with milk and honey after the exile. Jerusalem lay in ruins, and the first temple no longer existed. The word trauma seems to be an appropriate… Continue reading
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A Fresh Start
It is no secret that I took a little time off from my blog to rest and renew my spirit. But unfortunately, I found that I began to put pressure on myself to write something, anything, consistently. As a… Continue reading
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Our Invitation into the Darkness
Today we begin the season of Lent. As Christians, we discover an invitation to explore the darkest parts of ourselves – the part of our souls cut off from the joy we celebrate in Christ. Our journey reminds us… Continue reading
From a Pastor's Point of View 