Rev. Tiffany McDonald

Contentment as a Spiritual Practice

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines being content as “feeling satisfied with one’s possessions, status, or situation.” What if, as my spiritual director suggests, being content is the most faithful way to live? For over a year, I have practiced being content. In this world of “more,” it is counter-cultural to no longer buy into that wayContinue reading “Contentment as a Spiritual Practice”

Writetober, Part 2

With everything happening in the world, these #50wordfiction stories have seemed frivolous. I appreciate the #writetober2023 prompts, but this year I had a difficult time staying focused. It was easier for me to write the two version of the same word at one time, rather than on separate days. Sometimes I had to use theContinue reading “Writetober, Part 2”

Writetober 2023, Part 1

This year’s #Writetober2023 #50wordfiction challenge created by @Ro.Robinson.Writes on Instagram is slightly different. There are half as many prompts, and writers are invited to use two different meanings of the word. Below are my first sixteen days. SWALLOW “Don’t shoot that swallow!” Granny yells from the porch. “They eat mosquitoes.” Benji lowered his BB gun,Continue reading “Writetober 2023, Part 1”

Jonah

I had the opportunity to preach for a dear colleague in July at First United Methodist Church, The Coppertop, in Duluth, MN. This church has spent the summer focusing on “spiritual mentors” in the Bible. Immediately, I thought of Jonah. I love this short book (only 4 chapters!) in the Old Testament. There is muchContinue reading “Jonah”

More Poetry

Though I am no longer writing a poem a day, now that Lent is over, I am still writing them at least weekly. I have been reading a lot of poetry, too. Some of the poets I have recently discovered are Amanda Lovelace, Melody Godfred, Tania Runyan, Caroline Kaufman, and Lightsey Darst. I find poetryContinue reading “More Poetry”

Poetry

This year my daily Lenten discipline was writing a poem. Some days they came easily. Other times, I struggled. I tried to be open to the Spirit, rather than forcing a topic. In college, I minored in English, and most of my classes were in creative writing. I wrote a lot of poetry and shortContinue reading “Poetry”

Prince Harry

I wrote a piece for Luther Seminary ‘s Enter the Bible blog about Prince Harry and his courage, using Hebrews 10. The Courage to Leave Toxic Situations

2022 in Books

Inspired by my high school friend, I decided to look at the books I read this year, and thought I would share some highlights. I highly recommend her blog too, but here is her post about her books https://dontstopbelieving.me/my-year-in-books-2022/. She shares recommendations on books, beauty, and a host of Memphis pride. I have added someContinue reading “2022 in Books”

Where Are You Christmas?

In 2000, there was a live action remake of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Honestly, I prefer the original cartoon or the remake in 2018. The best part of that 2000 film, in my opinion, was the hit “Where Are You Christmas?” You can read about the origin of the song at https://www.wideopencountry.com/faith-hill-where-are-you-christmas/. The videoContinue reading “Where Are You Christmas?”

Advent Sermon

One of my favorite sermons was written for Advent in 2008, while I was expecting our first baby. It was later published by the Young Clergy Women International in their online Fidelia magazine in 2012. You can read it here or I have included it below. That was such a magical Advent for us: waitingContinue reading “Advent Sermon”