Dec 10, 2014 | Weekly Words
In the summer of 1981, at Glorieta, New Mexico, Youth Camp, I was submerged in a sea of teenage hormones, hoping against all hope to be noticed by a boy, trying to wedge myself in with the populars. Yet somehow a lot of great things happened that week. I say this...
Dec 3, 2014 | Weekly Words
Several months ago, during services at Scott Boulevard, I assisted in serving communion for the first time. Let me tell you, not a lot of things bring me more joy, make me feel more alive and close to God than the feel of a grape-juice filled chalice gently cradled by...
Nov 27, 2014 | Advent/Lent, Weekly Words
This devotion is based on Isaiah 64:1-9 and Mark 13:24-37, two of the lectionary texts for November 30, 2014–the first Sunday of Advent. Pleadingly, the prophet writes, “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down . . .” (Isaiah 64:1). If writing today,...
Nov 26, 2014 | Weekly Words
“If God wants you in seminary, you’ll wash dishes, or whatever, to pay for it.” When I told my pastor God had called me to ministry and I needed help to prepare, his half-hearted response surprised me. Double messages that blessed and cursed were the norm in my...
Nov 18, 2014 | Weekly Words
I don’t know about you, but I do not like doing things at which I am not very good. Sure, I’ve heard all the same trite sayings you probably have heard, such as: “You have only failed when you have failed to try.” But somehow these quotes don’t make me feel like being...
Nov 12, 2014 | Weekly Words
Upon my ordination to the gospel ministry, I was excited, apprehensive. How at 4 feet 11 inches tall would I baptize folks, even children, who are much taller than me? At which church would I work? (I had never even considered that I would have seasons in which I...
