This morning we worshipped with our family at Shoreline Covenant Church. Pastor Mike spoke of the significance of our use of lights during Christmas, and the need to remember the darkness those lights pierce. He reminded us that December is the darkest month of the year; the month which contains the darkest day of the… Continue reading Advent
Category: Faith
O Christmas Tree
There is a tradition in Portland, as in many cities, of celebrating the lighting of the giant Christmas tree in the center of town. Having never seen it live, Auntie Sarah and I decided to brave the elements (I forget how cold it is up here!) and head downtown with all three kids to see… Continue reading O Christmas Tree
Leaving the 99
Rudy Carrasco, our neighbor to the north, wrote a great piece in the Pasadena Star-News in response to the recent wave of gang violence in his community. He writes this about the need for intervention as well as the more common prevention initiatives: But doing gang intervention is not as easy as it sounds. In… Continue reading Leaving the 99
The priesthood of all; a paycheck for some
I really appreciated Julie Clawson’s honesty in looking at the issues surrounding the choice to pay pastors for their work within a faith community. I have had many conversations with many people about whether the whole “professional clergy” model is worth keeping, and whether using a community’s resources to support a paid pastor is the… Continue reading The priesthood of all; a paycheck for some
Licensed to bless
The other day I made my first venture out of the house alone with Elijah. Doug was home with the big kids and I needed to buy a hairdryer so I decided to make the trip to Target. I am not a shopper. I will do almost anything rather than shop, but I really needed… Continue reading Licensed to bless
Lunch in Laguna
Doug, Elijah and I had a perfectly delightful time with the folks from The Little Church by the Sea on Saturday. It was great to meet Jeff and Patty Tacklind in person, and the members of the church did a great job of welcoming us and making us feel at home. It was also a… Continue reading Lunch in Laguna
How things are
A lot of people have been great about checking in with me and asking me: “How are things going?” My answer has often been: “It is what it is.” I won’t glamorize the realities of these past few weeks. Between my recovery and being house-bound for yet another six-week period with two very active toddlers… Continue reading How things are
WWJS–to Me
I have been invited to consider this question: What Would Jesus Say–to Me? Here goes… “Buy the field. It may seem like barren land, and it might appear dreadfully overpriced. You may not feel fit to manage the land and it could look much more appealing to simply live as another’s tenant. But trust me:… Continue reading WWJS–to Me
A time to speak
I have the wonderful opportunity to speak at a symposium on women in ministry at this church this coming weekend. I am looking forward to meeting the great folks who have invited me, and hearing from those facilitating discussion throughout the day. I will be offering the keynote address during the luncheon, and I will… Continue reading A time to speak
Discipleship and potty training
Mercy was just fifteen months old when Aaron was born, and around the time I delivered she suddenly decided that she wanted to potty train. It is a bit unusual for kids to have that much interest at that young of an age, but Mercy was adamant: it was time. I have very distinct memories… Continue reading Discipleship and potty training