Seeds Landing On Rock
“I believe almost any tree can grow out of a rock, given the right conditions. I’ve certainly seen enough of them. In my part of the world, I’ve seen just about every type of tree doing this. Generally the seed … Read More
Burning Bushes
In 1992, I attended a retreat. At the end of the weekend we were asked to share what the weekend had meant to us and what we were going to do with it. I recall saying that I felt like … Read More
Reprised…….A Church Observed
I wrote the post “A Church Observed”, included below, in February 2009. What I saw then and what I see now is very exciting….people in congregations across our community doing great things! But the potential is even greater for certain … Read More
On Being A ‘Spiritual Midwife”
Seeing this picture on a friend’s Facebook page reminded me that there was a morning last year when I was in prayer and I clearly felt the Lord speak to my heart the word, “Enough.” That was all. It … Read More
Life from the Backside of 60
Life from the Backside of 60 There is a meme that was making its round on Facebook that went like this: “In your 20’s you are annoyed that others talk about you. In your 40’s you no longer care … Read More
Zebras and Harness Racers
Zebras and Harness Racers….. In late summer of 2014 and for much of the next year I experienced a multitude of frustrations and confusion in attempting to connect with some individuals in ministry beyond my local community and church, I … Read More
What Experiences Inform One’s Faith and Practice of It?
What experiences in our lives inform one’s faith and practice of it? And is it any different for clergy as opposed to laity? https://juicyecumenism.com/2016/03/03/episcopal-priest-underwent-abortion-to-finish-divinity-school-later-tanked-parish/ This is a disturbing report of a parish priest who had an abortion in divinity … Read More
The Next Right Thing
It was a rough weekend. I found it necessary to dismiss one young lady who secreted beer into the house, drank it and got caught. That, in my experience, has been a very rare occurrence. She had been doing so well, … Read More
A Call to Ministry…..(reprise)
In August 2008, just about six weeks after completing my master’s degree in counseling, I began my application for ministry candidacy and was preparing to meet for the first time with the District Board of Ministry. I was putting together a plan … Read More
Ministry of Compassion
Several times during the Annual Conference meeting of the Alabama-West Florida UMC Conference, as deacons were talking among themselves I heard references to “compassion”. Compassion is part of the specific ministry of deacons, according to our church’s Discipline. What, exactly … Read More