gift of salvation
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A Crisis of Faith Led Me to a Deeper Understanding of God
When I attended seminary, I had a crisis of faith. I could not understand how my way of holding on to truth could be the only way of finding favor with the Divine. One of my continuous struggles… 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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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
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What to Do When Faith Does Not Provide Answers
As a pastor, I turn to my faith to provide answers to questions that often prove difficult and are beyond my ability to explain. When times get tough, I turn to my sacred texts to find a glimmer of… Continue reading
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In a New Place, With New People, and New Ways of Doing Ministry
As a pastor, one of the most challenging issues I face is relocating to a new worship space. My five years in Belen proved excellent, but now the possibilities seem endless in my new parish, St. Paul’s UMC in… Continue reading
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Holy Week is Here
It is hard to believe that Holy Week is here. We waited so long and are encountering the darkest season of our faith. Within a few short hours, the world would see the crucifixion of the one who came… Continue reading
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Stuck in the Middle of the Desert
My journey through Lent leads me to some unexpected places. At this moment, I find myself in a metaphorical desert, unable to discern the path ahead. I often question if I will ever experience beauty as I once did.… Continue reading
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The Guest, our Lord and Savior, Arrives, and We Welcome Him In
Today is Christmas Eve. It is a time when the family gathers around us to welcome the Christ into our conversations and homes. We finished preparing for our welcomed guest. It is time to celebrate greatness. The very image… Continue reading
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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
From a Pastor's Point of View 