Today is my first Sabbath day as an ordained minister. And finally, I feel like I can rest. And breathe. And reflect. And celebrate. And search. To mark the occasion, I’m writing a bit about it. And updating my blog. For starters, my home page on my blog for the past four years has listed … [Read more…]
“May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!” Psalm 20:4 Shortly after my divorce, I sat in a friend’s living room, chatting about life when the conversation got serious with one simple question: “So what are your dreams now?” I opened my mouth to answer, then shut it. I opened my … [Read more…]
I’ve spent the last four full days fasting from traditional social media use. Previously, my longest social media fast in the last decade lasted around 48 hours. For context, I was among the first groups of individuals who adopted Facebook back in 2004 (back when it was www.thefacebook.com, and you had to have an .edu email … [Read more…]
The idea for the pitstop for lunch went like this: “So I don’t know how I feel about this idea, but I am just going to throw it out there —“ I said timidly. “—go ahead,” my carpool friend Emrie Smith encouraged. “— but it looks like Dexter Avenue Baptist Church isn’t far off the … [Read more…]
Wednesday is a hallowed day of the week for me. As a youth director, Wednesdays are work nights, more or less, since the main youth program I help orchestrate meets on this day during the school year. But while I’m “on the clock,” it doesn’t always feel like work. I look forward to my time … [Read more…]
“A rolling stone gathers no moss,” he said. I looked at my high school guidance counselor like he was crazy. “That’s the quote you want in the newspaper?” I asked. “What does that even mean?” My counselor tried explaining it to my uncultured and inexperienced high school brain. I didn’t get it then, even though … [Read more…]
I write all the time. From text messages and social media posts, to theological musings, words are part of my life.
I tried taking a full day for Sabbath two weeks ago. It didn’t work out. I haven’t had an entire day of rest and to myself in…well. I don’t remember the last time. I had planned for a day away from both of my jobs, a day with no church obligations, no travel, and no … [Read more…]
Everyone is ga-ga over Mister Rogers and his peaceful, kind, loving Neighborhood right now. As an adult, after watching the documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, I’m totally sold on Mr. Rogers’ message and method. What an amazing and important human being. As a 6-year-old, with only six channels to choose from in the Missouri … [Read more…]
I reconnected with a few old friends a few weeks ago. They came to me as a I transitioned out of marriage and into the single life, and even before I began my seminary journey. They took car rides with me, sang me lullabies, and even showered with me. Ray LaMontagne. Jess Glynne. Andy Grammer. … [Read more…]