“Practicing the Presence” can sometimes seem like an elusive thing. Often, that is because we have certain expectations about the outcome… what the divine will look like in our lives. Other times, it is because there is no real formula for success. It is more about practice than perfection. For some of us that is… Continue reading It takes a little practice…
Tag: recovery
Sabbath and Gratitude
As I reflect on what it means to cultivate gratitude and a generous heart as a spiritual practice, I am reminded of the importance of keeping the Sabbath. I found this blog I wrote a few years back that really captures my thoughts about this integral connection. It was a good reminder and I wanted to share it… Continue reading Sabbath and Gratitude
Why I want to be a player in the cosmic drama
In the midst of teetering economies, droughts in Africa, and the grief stricken city of Oslo, we may wonder how we as Christians can contribute anything of significance in God’s cosmic plans for the earth. How can Pastor Harry’s suggestion of focusing 400 hours even begin to make a dent? And yet, I am reminded… Continue reading Why I want to be a player in the cosmic drama
Beautiful things…
Recently a high school student in our congregation introduced me to a new song, “Beautiful Things” to use in one of our worship services. Ever since I heard the song, I have continued to sing and repeat a line of the song over and over to myself… “You make beautiful things out of the dust…” Yes, it… Continue reading Beautiful things…
For all my pastor friends and colleagues out there…
God… what makes people like ourselves follow this strange sensation we describe as “call” how is it these resilient seeds find a way to sprout even in the most hostile environment? we marvel as we watch others like ourselves plunge into the deep waters… of church and ministry with eyes wide open and sometimes not… Continue reading For all my pastor friends and colleagues out there…
What are you running towards?
Recently, I took the time to reread the Easter texts and allow them to sink in more deeply. During Holy week, I often enter the story from a worship planning perspective thinking about how I might aid the congregation in entering the story. That day, as many pastors often do the week after Easter, I… Continue reading What are you running towards?
It’s Monday
It’s Monday… the festivities of Easter have come and gone… we remembered together the significance of Christ’s resurrection… we sang Hallelujah’s and feasted our eyes upon majestic colors and easter flowers… our ears are still ringing with resurrection songs… but what difference will it make today? This was the topic of the yesterday’s sermon… what does… Continue reading It’s Monday
completion
Since Harry and I have been exploring the meaning and benefits of the Sabbath over the past several months, I find myself drawn to the significance of Jesus’ Sabbath rest in the tomb. Just as God created the heavens and the earth and then rested because it was good and complete… God’s love for creation and humanity were made… Continue reading completion
some thoughts on relinquishing
A few years ago, I found myself going through a very dry time in my ministry. I found myself feeling tired, burnout, uncreative, and a little calloused. I was scheduled to spend a weekend at a local retreat center for prayer and reflection… this was not what I wanted to do… I really didn’t want… Continue reading some thoughts on relinquishing
Three practices that can help us through a dark night experience
I remember a particularly difficult time in Italy when Harry and I were the janitors, the building and grounds committee, the Sunday school teachers, the nursery, the counselors, teachers and preachers for the small community of new believers that were being formed at Termini Immerse, Italy. (Talk about an overwhelming job description!) I had three… Continue reading Three practices that can help us through a dark night experience