I was very fortunate to have two pastors in my internship experience that walked with me in my journey to becoming a pastor.
They instilled a spirit of joy and praise while discovering that there are many difficult questions about God and God’s ways that lead us to faith.
Faith that allows room for questions and mystery.
On Tuesday morning I was up before the sun, waiting expectantly while looking at God’s beautiful creation.
After our wonderful snowfall the trees were once again embraced with a brilliant blanket of snow and the ground appeared new, untouched.
Taking a sip of hot coffee, I sat looking east.
I could see the glow on the horizon, with Silver Hill and the trees waiting with me.
Our God who created us and walked us through the desert, out of enslavement and into the wilderness.
A wilderness journey to the promised land with the chosen people. People who are our brothers and sisters.
All called to love each other with compassion.
Parents have a very special role that is born of having a child together. Thanks be to God that everyone has a mother.
We simply wouldn’t be here without having a mother.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
On Ash Wednesday we start our Lenten journey, from the depths of winter to the glorious blossoming of spring.
I wonder how many of you take comfort in listening to music.
I enjoy many different styles of music, and what I am listening to often reflects how I am feeling.
What did you feel when you heard the words of Luke’s gospel this morning?
At first glance it appears that this sounds really familiar to something you’ve probably heard before, ‘the beatitudes.’
I like to remember them as having the right attitude.
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Many of you are familiar with long car trips.
Depending on where you are going, how far you have to travel, and who you are riding with, there are many things that can happen on the road.
I am blessed to be your pastor.
You have called me to bring the good news.
One of my daily blessings is waking up here in Finland.
Out of the parsonage’s back windows I get the first light of the day. Gently waking me from a peaceful night into a new day.
Today we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord.
A day to give thanks to our Almighty God who has given us this wonderful gift. The gift of Jesus and the sacrament of Baptism.
As a child I remember the joy of a warm bubble bath.