Maybe [Jesus] felt the pressure of his mom’s faith. Maybe he struggled to trust his dad’s love for him. Maybe he was burdened by the expectation that he was supposed to be the one to bring a word of hope to those who were suffering. Maybe some days he just… Continue reading
When life feels scattered and ungrounded, what are the core practices that help you restore order and strength? For some it’s focusing on breathing through meditation or yoga. For some it’s processing through journaling or talking with friends. For some it’s resetting your body through exercise. For me, I know… Continue reading
Do you ever feel like you’re trying to put the pieces of your life together but don’t have a clear sense of the picture you’re making? I put this whole puzzle together before realizing the full picture was on the back of the box. I was looking at the front… Continue reading
1st Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 2:1-5 Many people shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion… Continue reading
As I reflect on Christ the King Sunday (this past Sunday), I find myself pondering the words to the hymn we sang in church: “Though some would make their greatness felt and lord it over all, you said the first must be the last and service be our call. O… Continue reading
One of the things I love about being part of a liturgical church is that the rhythm of the church year teaches me new stuff about the ongoing life of faith. In the context of writing a sermon recently, I was reflecting on it again. This is the bit that… Continue reading
As I’m winding up my time at Advent, more and more I’m pausing to ponder what I will take with me as I think back on these 5 years. Here’s my list so far: conversations with my pastor as we drive to synod events (I’m REALLY going to miss these!)… Continue reading
For my personal Advent devotions this year I’m reading through a resource called Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam. Seems like an apt description for the season. Everything’s just a tad more chaotic. Kids in chapel today were a bit more wiggly. Friends at lunch… Continue reading