It feels like we have been in the season of Lent for a year. Lent is the 40+ day season in the Christian year we journey with Jesus in his last days. Lent ends with Holy Week, which remembers his death. This year, Lent begins on February 17 and ends on April 3. It was …
This week I shared Jesus’ teaching from John 15 – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to …
Thoughts on General Conference Dear Valencia UMC Friends – We are part of the United Methodist Church – a worldwide denomination that meets regularly to discuss issues that matter to its members and to the mission of Christ. The issue of human sexuality continues to be a place for thoughtful conversation and on February …
I was a grinch in my former life. I had trouble getting into the Christmas spirit. I think it was mostly because I had such unrealistic expectations of it all. This year I have been focusing on the Infinite Hope as I preach during the advent season. What a great theme! This came from a …
Much in life is a challenge. Work, kids, faith – these are just some of a long list of challenges we all face. But here is the thing – too often we think having challenges isn’t how it should be. Shouldn’t life be easier? Here is what I learned – life is hard but you …
One of the quests of our lifetime is to figure out: Who am I? Our identity tells us how we spend our time, what we buy (or don’t), where we live, what we believe. Identity is fluid – for our identity changes and shifts, sometimes without our even realizing it. As we think about the …
I like design. I enjoy new technology. I am a sucker for a new cleaning product. In other words, I like to buy stuff. Even though I am not much of a mall shopper, I am often on Amazon and while I started with purchasing too many books, my habit quickly grew. It is part …
I was blessed to grow up in a family that valued disagreements. We didn’t see things the same and my parent’s cultivated our individuality. Our dinner conversations were a mixture of theological, political and baseball debates. I loved it. So I was surprised to learn that not all families did this free-for-all family dinner debate. …
This week will continue our series on Rooted with a focus on forgiveness. Every family (even a church family) needs forgiveness. And forgiveness is often hard. I remember the first time I was really hurt by the church. I asked if I could take part in something at the church. I was 10 years old …