faith choices
-
What to Do When Faith Does Not Provide Answers
As a pastor, I turn to my faith to provide answers to questions that often prove difficult and are beyond my ability to explain. When times get tough, I turn to my sacred texts to find a glimmer of… Continue reading
-
In a New Place, With New People, and New Ways of Doing Ministry
As a pastor, one of the most challenging issues I face is relocating to a new worship space. My five years in Belen proved excellent, but now the possibilities seem endless in my new parish, St. Paul’s UMC in… Continue reading
-
There is a Time to Mourn When Moving to Another Church
“Everything on earth has its own time and its own season” (Eccl. 3:1 CEB). The first verse from the third chapter of Ecclesiastes reminds me that mourning the loss of the church I leave is natural. The reading does not… Continue reading
-
Recalling Wonderful Memories from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Over the next several weeks, I will write about some of my most cherished moments as a pastor in the churches where I served. I first served the First United Methodist Church of Truth or Consequences. I told my… Continue reading
-
Doing Last Minute Errands to Finish
My wife, Cazandra, and I just returned from last-minute shopping before the big day. She prepares a tray of this, a tray of that, and a mess of something. Our kitchen is the best place to be during the… Continue reading
-
Doing Spiritual Work Brings Spiritual Joy
As I sweep my spiritual floor clean, I notice something that gets my attention. Laying in a corner of my soul is a list of those who have hurt me. I want to go over and sweep with everything… Continue reading
-
How Long Must We Wait?
During this season of Advent, I cannot help but wonder how long God expects us to wait for His presence. The people of Israel lived in a ridiculously lengthy period of Advent, as they waited for hundreds of years… Continue reading
-
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
-
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
-
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
From a Pastor's Point of View 