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Years ago, a colleague of mine share two diverse experiences of young women who were pregnant. The first was of a girl in his homeroom class. For years, they shared the same row, with her name coming just before his in the taking of daily attendance. One day, no response. Then another. At first, myContinue reading “Mary’s Story”

For many of us, this season brings with it a flood of emotions. Some of us might be overcome with Joy, Peace, Hope, and Love as we watch the Advent candles progress each week. Others, full of anxiety and pain as they deal with the death of a loved one, worrying about mounting financial debts,Continue reading “The Warmth of Christmas”

Dr. Halverson pastored Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Maryland for twenty-three years. He did what pastors do – everything from preaching and counseling to marrying and burying. But he believed his most important function was pronouncing his carefully crafted benediction at the end of each service: Wherever you go, God is sending you.Wherever you are,Continue reading “called to bring peace”

We are entering a Holy Season. A season where we should be sensitive to God coming into our world. On the surface, all looks to be going as planned. The trees are up, and our houses would make Chevy Chase jealous. The 24-hour Hallmark station on XM Radio is in full swing, while Amazon boxesContinue reading “Season of Giving”

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and my guess is it will look a little different than in years past. Instead of large gatherings with extended family, we might find ourselves staying home with those closest by our side. It might not be what we had planned or wanted, but much of this season hasContinue reading “attitude of gratitude”

Francis Dorff has a wonderful story called “The Rabbi’s Gift,” which illustrates how important it is for us recognize, claim, and not take for granted that God is with us each and every day. The story goes like this:           There was a famous monastery, which once had been full of monks and visitors seeking spiritualContinue reading “mark of the Divine”

In the Letter to the Ephesians, we are introduced to a church that has been divided into two camps. Much like our modern world, Ephesus was a diverse community. In ancient times, it was booming metropolis. Located on the Aegean Sea, it was a center for travel and commerce, which brought with it a culturally-diverseContinue reading “Polar Star”

Enjoy a guest blog post from friend and fellow pastor Christopher Furr. Mark 1:40-45: A man with a skin disease approached Jesus, fell to his knees, and begged, “If you want, you can make me clean.”Incensed,[a] Jesus reached out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do want to. Be clean.” 42 Instantly, the skinContinue reading “Touched”

As a child, I enjoyed going to Myrtle Beach with my parents, grandparents, and cousins. I have countless memories of working on puzzles, playing board games, and late-night rocking time with my grandmother, Mama. During the day, we would usually pick a spot close to shore and build a sandcastle. As our buckets were filled with sandContinue reading “Dig Deep”

“I can’t do it.” That phrase expresses a feeling of failure. Failure is a powerful emotion because it damages our pride and challenges our ego.   Theodore Roosevelt once said: “The credit belongs to the [hu]man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; whoContinue reading “I’m Not Worthy”