When you think of hospitality and welcome, what words come to mind? What images come to mind? I think as Christians we don’t spend nearly enough time contemplating the importance of hospitality in our world, in our lives, and in our experiences. We all know what it feels like to be truly welcomed and on … [Read more…]
When we think of childhood, what are some of the things that come to mind? For me, I think of running through the swamp, fishing, swimming, bike riding, baseball, playing with my cousins and friends, sleepovers, laughter, joy, and love. Childhood is often marked by fond memories. When I was a little girl, I remember … [Read more…]
When I read the nativity story yet again this Christmas season, I couldn’t help but land on the scene where a very pregnant Mary and Joseph came to an inn in Bethlehem after traveling 90 miles mostly by foot, some by donkey. They were probably tired and hungry with blisters on their feet, and she … [Read more…]
Who here likes awkward periods of silence? I have never like silence especially awkward ones. I talk a lot and feel as if every moment should be filled with some insightful words of hope. Or at least what I think of as insightful words of hope especially as I fumbled my way through Clinical Pastoral … [Read more…]
Have you ever experienced the kindness and love of another person that has changed the way you’ve lived your life? If you have then you know just what kind of blessing that is. Growing up I had a lot of self confidence issues, as is normal for many children. I was told by music teachers … [Read more…]
My neighbor is getting the wood floors replaced in her house, and as I walked the dog the other day, I was suddenly hit with the sweet smell of saw dust. In that moment, I was transported to a different time and place in my life. All of a sudden, I was a child again … [Read more…]
Praise be to God! I am thankful. I am thankful to be here. I am thankful for my family, for my friends, for the people in my congregation, and for all the possibilities of life. Praise be to God! I am thankful. How often do we truly express our thankfulness? And I don’t mean just … [Read more…]
Today we heard about a time in the history of the Kingdom of Judah where market values on property have just bottomed out. Not too different than what happened in the housing market crisis here in the United States in 2008 one that many states have not yet fully recovered from. Bill and I have … [Read more…]
I can hardly believe that it has been 15 years since the 9/11 attack. This week as I prepared for the Connecticut 9/11 Memorial Service, I was called to once again reflect upon that day and the changes that took place, the fear that was felt, the pain that was caused, and the courage that … [Read more…]
Last week we talked about having the courage to live into the word of God, the courage to do God’s work in our world. This week we continue to consider what God asks of all of us as people of faith. Now, I love watching the Olympics because it gives all people in our country … [Read more…]
