As our baby turned three months, she has developed a habit while nursing of clinging to something, anything that she could hold onto: the collar of a shirt, the string of a hoodie, a lock of hair, an available finger. Her grip is strong and fierce as she holds on. Our three-year-old in preparing to …
Surprise Springs Up
This year in the midst of our irises springing up out of the ground, we had quite a surprise. I am not much of a gardener, so the fact that these irises that I transplanted four years ago bloom every year is still astounding to me. To have another bloom was remarkable. At first, I …
Pastor’s Kids
I never thought about being a pastor and a parent as I was growing up because the concept of being a pastor was not something that women did and I certainly never saw a woman with young kids who was a pastor. When I saw these images, it made me stop in my tracks because …
Sitting in the Darkness
We’ve walked in darkness for the last 40 day. We’ve longed and hoped for light. But here we sit – in the darkness, in the hopelessness, in the disappointment. I didn’t understand this part for so long. Perhaps I don’t even really understand it now. I was taught Good Friday was good because …
“Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice”
In the girls’ bathhouse at my grandparents’ pool, there was a sign that hung on the wall: Sugar n’ Spice and everything nice That’s what little girls are made of. I remember thinking that was a cute saying, especially because it rhymed and painted a picture of a smiling, bow-wearing little girl. Actually, that may …
On Serving Side by Side
Last week, I had the privielge of serving in worship and on a panel discussion with a group of ecunemnical clergy in celebration of Reconciling in Christ designation that Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary received two years ago. I have participated in similar conversations throughout my six years of ministry, but this is the first time …
From Behind the Table
From behind the table, I see hands being washed. From behind the table, I see the veil lifted – the body and the blood revealed. From behind the table, I see the bread broken – crumbs falling down. From behind the table, I see the cup lifted – the smell of fruit wafting in …
After the Rain
After the rain, the early morning earth sighs in relief. Relief – of having endured the storm the thirst the lack the absence the waiting the wondering, Wondering – how long it will be until the next refreshment nourishment taste. The taste of the cool, clear rain.
The Wind is Blowing Strong Today
The wind is blowing strong today. whipping hair into my face whispering of a storm coming beckoning Spring here overturning potted plants deafening all other sounds except the wind blowing strong today.
Strolling
We went for a walk today. It’s one of those days where Spring is creeping in and there’s just something about the weather that beckons you outside to see the bumblebees flying and flirting with each other and to notice the pollen accumulating everywhere. I found myself breathing deeply into the promise of a new season. …