retreat
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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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The Road to Rest: Insights from Audiobooks and Faith
Today marks the start of a week spent visiting family, celebrating my birthday, joining a retreat in Austin, and taking time to sit quietly and connect with God. Since I spent much of the day traveling by car, I started… Continue reading
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Preparing for the Christ Child: A Night of Celebration
Today is our final day of preparation. We know that Jesus comes in the night, a time symbolizing anticipation and divine mystery, and we sing and celebrate the One for whom we took our time to prepare. We… Continue reading
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Why Must We Observe Advent Every Year?
As I go about my business, preparing for the Christ child’s coming into the world, I ask myself a question that seems to pop into my mind every year. Why do I observe Advent every year? I know… Continue reading
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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
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A Chance to Give Thanks
Recently I traveled to Carlsbad, California and had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. All I had on my mind was the promise of excellent seafood. Living in a landlocked state does not afford me many opportunities to… Continue reading
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A Time to Remember the Incredible!
Last week I attended a retreat at Sacramento Methodist Assembly. The camp is located north of Cloudcroft, NM on top of a mountain. It is truly in the middle of nowhere. At night the stars seem to be so close… Continue reading
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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
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Gratitude for the Love of My Life
I am afraid to put something out into the universe because of the fear that something may happen to prevent us from going. My wife and I are actually going on a retreat tomorrow without our children in tow. While… Continue reading
From a Pastor's Point of View 