Finding Christ Everywhere: The Power of Connection and Community Introduction It is interesting where Christ shows up in our daily journey. Christ showed up last Friday at the YMCA. Recently, I stepped back into the pulpit as a supply preacher and our district superintendent (DS) asked if I wanted to offer Communion last weekend. Agreeing, he said that he would consecrate the elements and give them to me the next time we saw each other at the YMCA. I did... Read more
Opening Thoughts In this post exploring the spiritual practice of YOU, I want to look at how we can lessen the pressure anxiety has on us through practices of peace, attention and wonder. As I have written before, I am an outpatient mental health therapist in the State of Pennsylvania and have spent the last twenty-five years working in some capacity with people dealing with spiritual anxiety and generalized anxiety and its many manifestations. Anxiety is big business,... Read more
Introduction American culture is often viewed as distinct by many around the world. I was recently reading about our nation’s emphasis on honoring its veterans and the significant cultural value placed on military service. Although warrior cultures have existed throughout history, the United States is recognized for the particular prominence it gives this tradition. While I did not serve in combat, I take pride in my time in service and would willingly wear the uniform again; however, for me, the... Read more
Introduction In this post, I want to explore how we can engage in our faith without favoritism by reflecting James 2:1-7. I will discuss the radical message of verse 5 and finally look at the spiritual cost of anticipatory consciousness. Possibly written around 48 years after Jesus’ death, the book of James emphasizes the importance of living out one’s faith through actions, highlighting themes such as perseverance, ethical living, and care for the less fortunate. James 2:1-7 teaches that... Read more
I saw a meme last week that stated, “It is crazy how social media has convinced us that 15 likes are not enough. Imagine how you would feel if 15 people complimented you in real life.” In a lot of ways, social media has ruined our sense of self and watered down and illegitimates the Gospel message that you are loved, that you are enough. This week in this contemplation on the spiritual practice of You, I want to demonstrate... Read more
A client recently asked in session how I could live with such ease. The client was dealing with both anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and their symptoms are quite acute. As I was engaging in my lectio the following day, Psalm 56:2b-3 stood out. It reads, “you are the most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” In reflecting on this (contemplatio), I found this to be a powerful reminder of God’s providence and the... Read more
Divine Dialogue—Prayer Between God and Us, and the Wesleyan Vision of Piety Exploring Luke 11:1-13 and John 17:20-23 Through the Lens of John Wesley The following is a message I am giving in a few weeks as I begin to step back into the pulpit. This has been a long time coming and there is a lot of uncertainty around how I will be received. I have been told that the church is ready for me. I am many years... Read more
Faded Memories I took the fourth of July weekend to spend time with my 18 -year-old. We have been trying to get this kind of trip together for some time and it almost did not happen. She was supposed to work this weekend and then at the last minute, they called her off, the trip was on. Originally, I was going to go up to New York and finish the section of the Appalachian Trail I did not finish last... Read more
Tomorrow America will engage in their narcissistic celebration of themselves, a spectacle of self-adulation often drowns out the quiet truths of our collective past, glossing over the struggles endured by those who came before, and the hopes left unrealized by countless souls beyond these borders. It is however, the silence that follows the fanfare that we must consider true freedom means—if it is merely the right to celebrate, or if it is the deeper capacity to recognize the inherent dignity... Read more
“I took off for a weekend last month just to try and recall the whole year All of the faces and all of the places wonderin’ where they all disappeared” Jimmy Buffett, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, title song of the 1977 album of the same name. And just like that, we are at the end of June. For six months, we have been freezing and soaked, complaining about the bad weather and in an instant,... Read more
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