When I was growing up, my brothers and I had a knack for getting into trouble. We were always rolling around like a pack of puppies and inevitably one of us would run into the house crying and bleeding. But my parents had a way with dealing with us and parental disappointment in our family. … [Read more…]
We have all at one point or another experienced the misjudgments and sometimes even hate of another person. As a woman in the ministry, I have experienced quite a bit of it. One of those times, happened to be while I was still in my last year of seminary and I was doing supply preaching … [Read more…]
I have always been fascinated with what Jesus was asking of his disciples in these passages. He was asking them to travel around Galilee sharing his very controversial message openly to all who would listen and to bring nothing with them for the journey. They were not to bring water, food, a change of clothing, … [Read more…]
My father is an avid fisherman. When I was a little girl I remember him taking my brothers and I down to the Babcock Pond to spend the day fishing. At that young age, I didn’t know anything about fishing. So he very gently and calmly showed me how to bait my hook with the … [Read more…]
As Christians, we very rarely speak of the importance of Sabbath rest and what it really means. And I have spent the past week reflecting upon how other peoples honor Sabbath rest. My father-in-law’s family, who range from conservation to orthodox Jews, takes very seriously the notion of Sabbath. On the Sabbath my husband’s uncles … [Read more…]
The greatest thing that anyone can do in life is to do something kind for someone else. We have probably all experienced the healing powers of the kindness of family and strangers. This past week, I was at the grocery store picking up a few things. I thought that I really didn’t even need a … [Read more…]
When I was a little girl, my brother Jason and I used to argue with one another about who was smarter. And now I see that same type of competitiveness among my nephews. It is what drives us to better ourselves in the best of times. Most recently my oldest nephew has decide, as both my … [Read more…]
When you imagine Jesus, what does Jesus look like, what does he act like? (Let Congregation answer) I often imagine this well spoken man, a brave man, not the poorest of the poor but not wealthy. I tend to imagine Jesus very much being like me. I imagine him as the ultimate comforter and these … [Read more…]
Growing up, I was often told that actions speak louder than words. How we act shows what is truly upon our hearts more so than the words we speak. The love that is upon our hearts, and conversely the bitterness that is upon our hearts, speak in our relationships and lives through our actions and … [Read more…]
When we think of change: whether it is in the world, our careers, or our personal lives, what comes to your minds? Change can be exciting but it can also be a time full of anxiety and dread for many. Change can be frightening because we can’t always predict what will come next or how … [Read more…]
