God’s presence

  • Walking Around the Fire is Not an Option!

    I have to admit that I do not like walking through the fire.  I like to tiptoe around it.  Try to avoid it, and wrap it up in a pretty bow.  Maybe if I ignore the fire, I won’t be… Continue reading

  • The Beauty of the Sacred

    My preaching text this week is John 12:1-8.  It is one of the few passages in the Gospel of John that is mentioned in the other Gospels.  It is the story of Mary washing the feet of Jesus with oil… Continue reading

  • A Change of Perspective

    As a pastor, I am faced with deadlines all of the time.  I have to submit my bulletin information on Monday, prepare the rough draft of my sermon by Wednesday (if I want to practice for Sunday), prepare newsletter articles,… Continue reading

  • Observing a Holy Lent

    Several weeks ago, when Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of the Lenten season, the liturgy invited us to, “observe a Holy Lent.”  I struggle with that phrase.  How can I observe a season that is set apart and unlike anything… Continue reading

  • Be Kind to One Another

    As a pastor, I am very fortunate to see people at their very best.  I see amazing possibilities lived out in the life of our faith community.  It is truly amazing to experience the best that humanity has to offer.… Continue reading

  • Lent is the Season of…

    When I left my childhood faith and embraced the United Methodist tradition, one of the many practices that I never observed until converting was Lent.  I just thought the season was reserved for Catholics, and I didn’t give it a… Continue reading

  • It’s Easy to Get Stuck

    I am grateful for my time in Austin.  While attending Austin Presbyterian Seminary, I was able to walk the campus of the University of Texas.  Ah yes, that beautiful campus with the tower.  As I walked down the stairs of… Continue reading

  • Has It Really Been 10 Years?

    It is hard to believe that my youngest son turned 10 years old today.  Imagine, my little stinky boy, the boy that we considered our miracle child is growing up right before my eyes.  His presence in our family is… Continue reading

  • When Souls Collide

    This week I had the amazing privilege and honor to be one of ten people in a discussion group with theologian Glaucia Vasconcelos Wilkey.  I walked away from this wonderful experience feeling honored and blessed to have had the opportunity… Continue reading

  • A New Start: A New Beginning

    Here we are in a new year.  Many of us set new goals, with new expectations in both our personal and professional lives.  Yes, we are given a chance to start over.  We are encouraged to change our way of… Continue reading