understanding
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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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Feasting with Friends: Embracing Joy and Faith
Last Saturday, Cazandra and I hosted an open house party for our church family. Gathering outside the church grounds invites a sense of relaxation and a chance to get to know people more deeply. Everyone loved the decorations… Continue reading
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A Spirit of Joy Pervades the Air
As the congregation of my church stood singing carols, I want to express my gratitude for the customs that are part of my United Methodist heritage. Recognizing these traditions helps me feel connected and thankful for the community’s shared faith… Continue reading
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Offering Everything to God
As we find ourselves already in the middle of the Advent season, I am constantly made aware that plans are made with the understanding that life can change our direction in a New York minute. I never would have imagined… 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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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
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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
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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
From a Pastor's Point of View 