“Fair Thoughts” By the time you read this weekly update, I’ll be somewhere in Indiana or so on our family road trip. This week has been a blur and I don’t have much of a reflection for you today, but I did want to share an experience I had this week. Wednesday morning, I spent … [Read more…]
“Throwaway Comments” I’ve just returned from a week in Mitchell, South Dakota at the orientation for the Practical Church Leadership program I am enrolled in for the next year. I gathered with about 25 or so other pastors from throughout the Midwest to explore utilizing technology, developing resilience, and leading in difficult times. We packed … [Read more…]
“Ripple-Effect” Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to hum, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the … [Read more…]
Last Friday morning, news broke of the ruling handed down by the Supreme Court in the case of Dobbs vs Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This decision has resulted in a change in the laws regarding the legality of abortion. I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t have a strong opinion on this issue … [Read more…]
“Washed Away” What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Noting but the blood of Jesus. O precious is the flow that makes me bright as snow; No other fount I know; nothing but the blood of Jesus.” “Nothing but the Blood” Robert Lowry, 1876 … [Read more…]
“Upon Further Review” As you probably know, I’m a big sports fan – specifically baseball and football (and hockey, and golf, and …). I must admit, as a sports fan, I describe myself as a bit of a purist. Each time I hear about rules changes, I am skeptical and resistant. I have the “if … [Read more…]
“Back to School” I don’t think I realized it when I was a kid, but I really like learning. When I was younger, it was practically required to hate school. First, we were forced to go, didn’t have any say so in the matter. Second, school was (at least in our minds) boring and got … [Read more…]
“Hardened” See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:12-13 It’s been over a week now since … [Read more…]
“Seeing the Good” I’ve shared before that I have a love/hate relationship with social media. While it helps keep people connected and provides opportunities to share celebrations and prayer needs, it sure has an ugly side too. The United Methodist Clergy page is no different. All the arguments in society and in the church take … [Read more…]
Confession of the Pastor’s Wife: Dandelion Weeds He removes any of my branches that don’t produce fruit, and he trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit.” John 15:2 (CEB) On a sunny, muggy, Monday morning, I looked out over our front gardens. The flowers were blooming nicely…vibrant purple, … [Read more…]