“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…]
“From Henri Nouwen” Recently, I signed up for a daily devotion from Henri Nouwen – an author, professor, and pastor who wrote numerous books about spending time with God, contemplation, and prayer. The devotion yesterday was about understanding time spent with God not as wasted time, but as essential. It touched me and I share … [Read more…]
“What Do You Want?” When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to … [Read more…]
“Home” “Home is where you lay your hat.” “Home is not a place… it’s a feeling.” “Home is where one starts from.” Home. What does the word “home” mean to you? For some, home is a place of origin, a place of safety, a place our heart longs for. For others, home is a place … [Read more…]
“On Faith and Politics” We are a few days out from the 2024 presidential election. Many people I’ve spoken with are feeling an inordinate amount of anxiety about this presidential race, and who can blame them, with both parties catastrophizing the outcome. I’m mostly sad and disappointed, and I’m tired of the fact that we seem … [Read more…]
“Beginning With the End in Mind” Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is … [Read more…]
“What Are You Hungry For?” Tell me if this conversation sounds familiar to you: What are you thinking about for dinner tonight?” “Oh, I don’t know. I really haven’t given it much thought. You?” “That’s why I’m asking you, because I don’t really have any ideas.” “I don’t know. There’s nothing I’m really craving. Are … [Read more…]