Tag: prayer
More Puzzle Pieces
The first time I came to Grand Rapids was nearly twenty years ago. At the time I was on the faculty at Wayne State University Medical School. I was taking Hebrew so I could read some of the Old Testament verses in their original language. That’s when I heard about the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit… Continue Reading More Puzzle Pieces
Soul Reset
In 2019, at the School for Pastoral Ministry, attendees were invited to begin reflecting on the theme for this annual session: “Streams of Healing Water.” The speakers for our time of gathering were Rev. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai, Chief Connectional Officer of the Connectional Table, and Rev. Junius B. Dotson, General Secretary and CEO of Discipleship Ministries. … Continue Reading Soul Reset
For Everything There is a Season
On Monday night, I watched a special broadcast on CNN which was a tribute to the people who have lost their lives to COVID. The program was only an hour long. Prayers were offered by Archbishop Wilton Gregory, and Rabbi Anne Brener during the segment I watched. Family members shared stories of someone they lost… Continue Reading For Everything There is a Season
The First Day
Today begins our Lenten journey of 2021. This year the time we spend in the valley which signifies this part of our Savior’s journey seems an extension of how we have spent most of the last year. And yet, these next 40 days (46 if we include Sundays) are set aside for us to reflect… Continue Reading The First Day
Paczkis
When Terrance and I first arrived in Michigan, it was Summer. We moved to the state from Iowa and were looking forward to watching the July 4th fireworks. At the time, we didn’t know that Detroit scheduled the annual display for late June, rather than on Independence Day. As we got to know the city,… Continue Reading Paczkis
God’s Call
When I first began my journey toward becoming a pastor, I was asked to share my call story frequently. I remember my first meeting with my District Superintendent, now Bishop Linda Lee. As we sat in her office, she invited me to share how I heard the Lord asking me to serve. Over the next… Continue Reading God’s Call
What Is Our Mission Field?
Last Sunday I had the opportunity to be present for 3 worship services. Each sermon encouraged me to deepen what I do as I engage in my spiritual practices. Most days I pray without ceasing. I pray for and about a variety of things. Some days I begin prayer with a psalm which captures how… Continue Reading What Is Our Mission Field?
Esperar
I took Spanish in high school. I began learning the language in the 8th grade and continued to take it into my senior year in college. It was actually the second language I learned. The first was French. I also know some American Sign Language, a little Japanese, and a few words of Korean. Back… Continue Reading Esperar
Balance
When I lived in Iowa, one of the goals I set for myself was to earn a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. It took about 2 ½ years. There were four aspects to our training. The first series of classes I took were learning the basic kicks, punches, and stances that were then incorporated… Continue Reading Balance
And So, We Begin Again
Today is Epiphany, the day the Wise Men found the baby Jesus. Their story is told in the first 12 verses of Matthew Chapter 2. The author of Matthew doesn’t really describe those who were in the entourage, which first traveled to Jerusalem seeking the King of the Jews. When King Herod and his court… Continue Reading And So, We Begin Again