One of the things I hoped for when I graduated from seminary in May was some more time. Time to rest. Time to read. Time to reconcile relationships. The intensity of completing a 90+ hour degree in three years made it impossible not to strain relationships, not only because I was changing professions and my …
Although I have been safely nestled into a welcoming and affirming congregation for over a year now, there are still many times I encounter people and situations in which I feel like an outsider because I am a woman preacher. This past week I had a conversation with someone who explained to me that couple …
I grew up in a baptist church, and I can remember having revivals, not every year, but every couple of years. These revivals were not times for people to come back to the church and catch up with each other, but a time for the church to reignite their faith and mission to the gospel. …
Last Thursday, Willie had three therapy dogs visits! He went the nursing home as usual. It’s great that more and more of the residents are recognizing us and looking forward to our visits! He also checked in on the people who are in the same office building as our church, including the mail lady. Willie …
A year ago today, Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship was celebrating its 10 year anniversary and as we gathered around lots of good food, we also celebrated my ordination. For my ordination to be a part of Advent will always be special because I spent a lot of time waiting and wondering, hoping there would be a …
This morning as part of my day as a substitute, I was privileged to hear comments from students about the importance of finding your passion and hoping that one day that passion can turn into your job or at least offer you joy in your life. It was a great reminder whether you were a …
When I played field hockey in high school, my job was to carry the ball down the field as the right wing and at the last minute cross the ball right in front of the goal so that the center could take a shot on goal. The person who was playing the left wing would …
It’s Saturday at 5:00 p.m. I politely explain that I have to be getting home after a fun birthday celebration. Oh you don’t have to go yet, do you? Well, there’s still a sermon to prepare, and I have a bit of a drive. *Silence* Oh that’s right tomorrow’s Sunday. I mean how do you …
I was sitting on our back porch last night watching the puppies sniff the wind and smile knowing that the cool breeze meant that summer was fading away. There was certainly something inside of me that sighed with disappointment that we had to get back to a routine where bedtime had to be stuck to …
This past week has been quite busy for my life as a pastor. We helped with Bible School at a partner church, so that they could offer a preschool class as well as hosting our first Emmanuel’s Table. It was an exhausting and exhilarating week as we coordinated pick up for the food and …
