From a Pastor's Point of View

hope

  • 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

    John’s Call to a Changed Life

  • 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

  • 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

    Where Do We Go from Here?

  • What Does the Lord Require of You?

    “He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 CEB).      Nowadays, we lack kindness in our world. Whatever happened to… Continue reading

  • Not Enough Paper to Go Around

    “But there are also many other things Jesus did; and if they were all to be recorded, I don’t think the whole world could contain the books that would have to be written!” (John 21:25 CJSB). As the Gospel of John… Continue reading

  • God Speaks Even in Our Exile

    We finished the Book of Daniel yesterday, and something hit me over the head for the first time.  This is not my first time reading the text, yet the message revealed to me is quite clear.  Why have I missed… Continue reading

  • Advent and I

    As the congregation of my church stood singing carols and decorating the Chrismon tree, I couldn’t help but give thanks for the customs that are part of my United Methodist heritage.  I learned my earliest religious instruction in a tradition… Continue reading

  • The Best Necklace in the Whole World

    I was eleven years old, and my mission in life was to by my mother the best birthday gift possible.  Her birthday was coming up, and I was desperate.  My grandparents took me to a shopping mall in Houston, and I was… Continue reading

  • A Moment of Truth

    When I stand at the altar to prepare for Communion, there is an innate sense of responsibility that flows through me. I think long and hard about every word that comes out my mouth, as I consecrate the elements, inviting… Continue reading

  • A Time to Remember

    As I prepare for All Soul’s Sunday, I remember the incredible men and women that left a lasting legacy on my heart.  I must admit that the Service of Remembrance is one of the most sacred of the church year.… Continue reading