intentional worship
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Refilling the Soul: Lessons from a Restful Vacation
Today is the last day of my vacation. I will return to my pastoral duties tomorrow, grateful for a wonderful and restful retreat. As I processed the week I spent in Texas, I feel overwhelmed with love and appreciation… Continue reading
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Navigating Trauma and Gratitude: Insights from a Winter Retreat
This weekend, I visited with a good friend on Saturday morning and then traveled to Austin. A cold front blew through on Saturday evening, and when I woke up, the seminary grounds were covered in snow and ice. The… Continue reading
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Journey of Grace: Cleaning Away Regrets This Christmas
As we draw closer to Christmas, the time for cleaning is about done. We know the guest will arrive shortly. In looking back over this year’s season of Advent, I discovered some unexpected surprises. Some areas exposed regret… Continue reading
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Experiencing God’s Presence in Unsuspecting Moments
Today, I had an encounter with the Divine in the most unlikely of ways. Our church hosts many community parties and programs, and with them come tons of food left for us to eat. Because of the season,… Continue reading
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Counting My Blessings During This Season Brings Me Joy
I remember one time when Julian, my oldest son, was sixteen. He sang in a good choir in his high school years. This program featured a very ambitious selection of time-honored works and new music. I know I must shut… Continue reading
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New Life Comes Where We Least Expect It
“A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots” (Is. 11:1 CEB). The prophet Jeremiah utters a strange proclamation to the people of Israel. He boldly tells them that “A shoot… Continue reading
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Actions Speak Louder Than Words
As I write each day during the Advent season, I realize something about myself. I often suffer from imposter syndrome. Yes, the words that I type possess truth, but putting them into action is another story. The truth is,… Continue reading
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Finding God in a Chaotic World
“Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10). The season of Advent sounds excellent, but finding time to prepare and listen to God seems impossible. Through December, leading up to Christmas, we find ourselves bombarded by countless… Continue reading
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A Light in the Middle of Our Darkness
“We saw his star in the east[a] and have come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2b CEB). Sometimes, I watch a New Mexico sundown and feel transfixed by the fantastic colors. One of my favorite moments is watching as the… Continue reading
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Let Us Not Forget Joseph, the Father of Jesus, whose virtues of faithfulness and humility serve as a model for us all.
“Joseph was a good man…” Matt. 1:19a). The Bible highlights Joseph’s love for Mary and his choice to divorce her privately, emphasizing virtues that inspire us to embody kindness and obedience. This gentle act should motivate us to… Continue reading
From a Pastor's Point of View 