When we were young, my grandfather was the chaplain at a retirement home and so there were many Sunday lunches shared in the cafeteria and many people whose rooms or tables we stopped by as the grandchildren of the chaplain. What I didn’t know at the time is those Sunday afternoons were part of my …
Ok, I give up. I’ve now been asked at least 5 times this week alone if I am doing ok. You know I thought I was, but now I’m wondering if I am! Sure, I’ve gotten married, accepted an interim pastor position and moved to a new city in less than 3 months. That’s not …
I think I surprised people by whole-heartedly and quickly changing my name to my husband’s last name. At first, I didn’t think twice about it and then I began to wonder why changing your last name or not changing your last name as a woman has become a part of being an independent woman. I …
Now, I already know what you are thinking (at least I think I do). You’re thinking why would she record thoughts and memories of her first business meeting as a pastor. Aren’t those the things that give pastors and ministers headaches and sleepless nights? Aren’t those the same events that members suddenly come down with …
I was just discussing this week with one of my professors that there is a big difference between the preaching I have done and the preaching I am doing now. There is something completely different about walking through the week with a scripture passage and seeing the people you are going to see on Sunday …
As I share my thoughts about this crazy journey that has been my life, I am continually surprised and overwhelmed by the support and encouragement that comes from the most unlikely place. For example, this morning I had to stop to fill up my car again (yes, that would make twice in two days) and …
As I am working on my last year of seminary, I am realizing I’ve become accustomed to telling my story. And my story has hurt and disappointment in it not only at the denominational level, but also at the personal level as I expressed a call to ministry, but there has to be a point …
I am speechless. There was nothing like being called and put on speakerphone with the congregation of Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship and told they wanted me as their interim pastor! After 10 weeks of preaching or teaching in a variety of different congregations this summer, I feel settled and at home. I know where I’ll be …
I really appreciate the men and women who have supported me as I traverse into this new world of ministry. They gave been encouraging, challenging and thoughtful. But I just have to say…I’m not a youth minister. I know I was a teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with my students. I know my …
When I get honest, I admit I am a bundle of paradoxes. I believe and I doubt. I hope and I get discouraged. I love and I hate…to live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life story, the light side and the dark. In admitting my shadow side I learn who I am and …
