“Chasing Pain” It’s been two weeks now since I broke my arm. I am one-week post-op and recovering well. I have learned a lot these past couple of weeks and have been given a lot of advice. Everyone who has been through something similar has a bit of wisdom to share, and for the most … [Read more…]
“Small Ties That Bind” This morning, I got out of bed and made my coffee. I said a prayer over my cup–my morning coffee prayer– asking, as I do each morning, that God will bless all of those whose hands have led to the cup being placed in my hands. I use the same phrases, … [Read more…]
“It’s All Been Done Before” I’ve shared previously that many of my childhood summer vacations revolved around visiting my paternal grandparents who lived about 20 minutes from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Punxy (as many of the locals call it) is most known for being the home of Punxsutawney Phil – the groundhog who predicts the weather every … [Read more…]
Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn” – Isaiah 51:1 I absolutely love it when a scripture I have likely read 20 times or more surprises me. That’s what happened yesterday as … [Read more…]
“Jesus People” Nearly twenty years ago I was introduced to an author named Don Miller and a book he had written called Blue Like Jazz. This book was the story of how Miller wrestled with faith, and often found it anew in unlikely places. One of the many matters of faith that he wrestled with … [Read more…]
“Authentic” The other day, while looking for a video on YouTube, one of the suggestions was a video by Ed Sheeran. He’s a musician our family enjoys. What caught my attention was that the title implied it was a Contemporary Christian song. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Ed’s music (we call him Ed—after listening … [Read more…]
“New Year, One Word 2025: Openness” As we were closing out 2024 with good friends around the table, sharing stories, food, and laughter, my husband posed this question: What are you most looking forward to in 2025? These kinds of questions always stump me. They require some form of planning, which I’ve never been particularly … [Read more…]
Mission To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Vision Nelson Memorial UMC seeks to be a place where all God’s broken, hurting, and imperfect children discover wholeness and community while experiencing the warm and welcoming love of Jesus Christ. We seek to connect with one another to grow in our … [Read more…]
“Where’s Your Focus?” I saw this little cartoon earlier today and it caught my attention. The cartoon itself isn’t what caught my attention. It was the dumpster fire in the comments section below the image that drew me in. Some commenters were disagreeing with the implication that the things they value aren’t a part of … [Read more…]
“Looking Forward by Looking Back” The expectation of Advent is anchored in the event of God’s incarnation. The more I come in touch with what happened in the past, the more I come in touch with what is to come. The Gospel not only reminds me of what took place but also of what will … [Read more…]