Tag: Holy Spirit
We Are Called
When I began my journey of ordained ministry, my pastor shared Jeremiah 1: 4-10 with me. It is a part of the prophet Jeremiah’s call story, reflecting God’s plan for him. It is the passage I share with others as they begin to discern their call to servant ministry. When I served on the Board… Continue Reading We Are Called
We’ve Come This Far By Faith
When I was a doctoral student, I enrolled in classes in Neuroscience in preparation for my dissertation. In the introductory course, each professor in the department shared their research and what they had discovered (or not) about the section of the brain they were studying. My favorite lecture was from a scientist who was investigating… Continue Reading We’ve Come This Far By Faith
Praying Without Ceasing
I come from a family of ministers. My aunt was the equivalent of the Associate Pastor at the church she served. She led Wednesday night prayer services. Her husband, my Uncle Harry would often lift up the prayers each time we gathered. He was a true prayer warrior. Often, he would pray for 45 minutes… Continue Reading Praying Without Ceasing
Connecting to the Internet
Last Wednesday as inclement weather hit the Grand Rapids area, I heard the distinctive crackling sound of a power line breaking. I called Consumer’s Energy as I watched sparks dance between the trees across the street. The power in my house blinked off and on a few times before it was restored. Somehow, even though… Continue Reading Connecting to the Internet
Give Thanks
I am a prayer warrior. I strive to pray without ceasing each day. From time to time I reflect on the content of my prayers. I have the sense that sometimes I ask God for a lot. Whenever I lift up the Lord’s Prayer, I include an internal list of who and what I’m praying… Continue Reading Give Thanks
Planting Seeds
I know that we are in the midst of Autumn. Right now, raking leaves is a daily chore for me. My next-door neighbor has two 60 foot maple trees in their yard, and they are just now beginning to drop their leaves. Soon, snow will begin in earnest. Even though that’s true, I am already… Continue Reading Planting Seeds
The New Normal
Wow! Sports are back. Well, not quite. Athletes are competing once again, but it isn’t the same. Tennis and basketball have requested that players restrict their contacts with others and have been placed in a bubble for their matches and games. All teams in MLB are playing, but the schedule has been shortened to 60… Continue Reading The New Normal
I Love to tell the Story
I am a student of film. My mom and older sister had their favorite movies and whenever they were aired on television, the entire family would watch them together. My mom would point out subtle plot lines or camera shots that enhanced the story that was unfolding on the screen. My sister would usually talk… Continue Reading I Love to tell the Story
Sowing Seeds Exuberantly
The 2020 Michigan Conference has now ended. This is one time we can truly say that “We have never done it this way before.” The theme for this year’s Conference was Sowing Seeds: Rooting, Tending and Reaping. The Bishop lifted up a very inspirational message during opening worship. If you can, please share the Bishop’s… Continue Reading Sowing Seeds Exuberantly
A Test of Faith
One of my favorite movies is called The Song of Bernadette. The film chronicles part of Bernadette Soubirous’ life and the visions she saw that led to her becoming a saint. St. Bernadette’s visions led to the founding of the shrine at Lourdes. During the opening credits of the film these words are displayed: “For… Continue Reading A Test of Faith