For a long time, I could not have imagined standing in church or even writing something like this, sharing my emotions, my difficult days, my doubts, or the reasons for my tears. I would have just kept it inside (sometimes I still do).

The Staff, the core leadership and I have been working hard for over a year, with lots of change and unknowns. We have been “racing.”

How does it make you feel to know God places us in charge of caring for the earth and all living creatures?

Does everyone you spend your time with look like you, think like you, vote like you, talk like you, or believe like you?

In seminary, I came to the conclusion that the more I studied and read the more questions I had. I believe most of us are constantly surrounded by unanswered questions – not just about God.

So many times in our society we compare ourselves to others and myself included are driven to the best, the fastest, and to win. But what does winning look like in true Christian community?

Maybe the best gift we can give this Valentine’s Day is being ourselves. By giving ourselves fully and completely through our full presence and attention.

By definition, sanctuary is “a place of refuge or safety.” But, does it have to be in a church or a building?

John’s gospel reminds us that Jesus is the “Light of the World.” In the midst of the darkness, Christmas lights are a visual reminder Jesus’s light that came into the world and the darkness cannot be overcome.

Today’s devotional was addressing the idea that giving thanks is about more than remembering the past good things and best moments of our lives. Rather, Thankfulness is about receiving in the present moment too.

I am having one of those “Hard” weeks. I can’t speak for everyone, but I am pretty sure as a parent of school age children, parenting right now is hard. Being a spouse is hard. And I am really struggling to stay in that place of gratitude I talked about Sunday. 

The saints are also you and I. The New Testament tends to refer to saints as those faithful members of the Christian faith community – that means us!

Halloween comes once a year. But, everyday You and I have a choice on who we will be. We have a choice on who we strive to be like. We all have a choice on who we follow. By the Grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, I choose Christ.

The Toll of 2020 is real for people in different ways. Beautiful is how whether online or in-person when two or three people are intentional in their presence, being honest, and authentic, God shows up and begins healing, strengthening, and encouraging us on this journey.

I don’t know how many times in the last month I have seen people (physically distanced) and as we wrapped up our conversation they said, “It is so good to see you!” It is definitely not because I am something good to look at.

Sometimes, in my experience, growing closer to Jesus means stepping outside of familiar situations.

Can I change the weather? Nope.  Can I change COVID? Nope. Can I have the courage to open water swim because my pool has been closed since march? Yes. Can I sit physically distanced with my friend in my front yard and catch up on life and the real struggles of parenting. Yes!

We pray over meals, at church, before a big decision, in times of Crisis… but how confident and comfortable are you with prayer?

The Good News is that you don’t have to be okay. It is okay to not be okay. Jesus loves you as you are. You don’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to have it all together, you can make mistakes, wreck your car, even your life, and Jesus still loves you. Jesus is the one who makes us right. Jesus is the one who will make us whole again.

Do you have a great road trip story? Did you encounter anyone along the way?