journey

  • 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

  • Finding Ways to Keep a Holy Lent

         It is hard to believe that we are approaching the middle of March. Last week, it felt like we celebrated Christmas. Nevertheless, here we are. This past week was the first Sunday of Lent. I am playing catch up… Continue reading

    Finding Ways to Keep a Holy Lent
  • 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

  • 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
  • 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

    Gratitude for a Visit with My Sister
  • 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
  • The End of the Journey

    It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of our journey through the Bible. As we finish with the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John invites us to a ringside seat regarding the end of times. The… Continue reading