Much of the world has been focused on Minnesota because of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Operation Metro Surge. What gives me hope is the many ways neighbors are caring for neighbors. Food shelves are full of food and volunteers. I have heard so many beautiful stories of ways people are taking careContinue reading “Minnesota”
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2025 in Books
Inspired by all the end of the year posts, I offer my “bests” in books. Thanks to audiobooks, I read or listened to 55 books this year. Included are links to books at bookshop.org, if you want to read more about them, and some author’s sites. My “to read” list is still quite long, butContinue reading “2025 in Books”
Advent 4: Love
The magi, or wise men, observed a star in the East (Matthew 2:1-12). They interpreted it as a fulfilling of prophecy that the King of the Jews had been born. Unfortunately, they went to King Herod, who became frightened by their belief. Yet, Herod encouraged them to follow the star, so that he might learnContinue reading “Advent 4: Love”
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
A teen in our community died by suicide this summer. Even more recently, a father died by suicide. I run out of fingers before I finish naming my friends who have lost someone dear to them to suicide. The world is better with you here. Suicide is never the right or only answer. The NationalContinue reading “September is National Suicide Prevention Month”
Diversity
Diversity has become a buzz word, and lately with a negative connotation. However, in his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul writes about the importance of diversity within the church. You can read my latest article on umc.org here. 1 Corinthians 12 precedes the famous chapter on love that is often read at weddings.Continue reading “Diversity”
We Are the Church Together
My latest article on umc.org is about the ways the United Methodist Church is united in mission across our global connection. I also get to highlight the ministry in Ukraine that one of my colleagues is leading. You can check it out here. Also, thanks to my editor and former student, Laura, who always makesContinue reading “We Are the Church Together”
All Good News
Thanks for all the support! Mom received all good news from her appointments today. Time is needed to complete healing, and then I am sure there will a need for acceptance. At least it was awhile for me before I could address all the emotional aspects of cancer and surgery. So much to celebrate! RegularContinue reading “All Good News”
Bonus: Podcast devotion
Trinity Cathedral in Portland, Oregon invited me to turn one of my Advent devotions into a podcast. Their theme for this year is the Divine Feminine. Listen here. I have been enjoying others’ episodes as well. This is my first podcast, and it was a great learning experience.
Advent Week 3: Joy
December 15 Isaiah 61: 1-4, 10-11 – The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year ofContinue reading “Advent Week 3: Joy”
Advent Week 2: Peace
December 8 Malachi 3:1-4 – See I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight – indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day ofContinue reading “Advent Week 2: Peace”
Redheadedrev 