Faith

  • 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 Last Minute Errands to Finish
  • 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

    Doing Spiritual Work Brings Spiritual Joy
  • 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

  • Are We Saved by Grace or Works?

         For many years, the idea of cleaning the house to prepare for the arrival of the Christ child has confused me. In short, must we “do” certain things before Jesus enters our hearts? The more profound question is, “Must… Continue reading

  • And This Shall Be a Sign unto You

         We are born to look for signs. Our culture is full of signals to indicate which way to turn, what career to follow, and even what to buy a significant other. One cannot walk ten steps without encountering different… 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

    What is in a Name?
  • 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

    Navigating a Church Split
  • 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

    Making a Fresh Start