I’ve not been much in to Christmas music this year. I don’t know why. It’s been a busy season, so maybe that’s it. I’m also adjusting to San Antonio Christmas. San Antonio has its own beautiful traditions that happen around Christmastime including the lights on the Riverwalk and tamales on Christmas Eve, but I’ve lived […]
As you may know, I’m a Presbyterian pastor. Every other year Presbyterians get together at a huge homecoming called the General Assembly where we vote on important issues, get together with one another socially and have a big ole Presbyterian Part-ay! (Except, well, maybe it’s not just a party, maybe it’s a serious, serious gathering
When a Dog in a Pink Sweater isn’t Just a Dog in a Pink Sweater… #GaDog Read More »
I just got an ad in my inbox from a large Christian Book Distributor/Publisher. The headline? “Beautiful Christian Silks Make Meaningful Gifts.” The inside of the email assures me that the scarves are based on some of the world’s best “Christian Art” and that the scarves would be great gifts for my (and I
On Christian Art, Music, and Plumbing Services… Read More »
As I wrote about a few weeks ago, our smartphones can often deprive us of the ability to live in the present moment. If we want to capture every moment, we’re not able to experience the moment as it unfolds for just us, the audience of one. I think the opposite is also true, as
Smart Phone Spirituality Read More »
Here we are, in the season of advent. See, right there, you know I’m a pastor nerd. For most people, this is “the Holidays” or “the Christmas Season.” For pastors, it’s advent. What’s the difference? Well, advent is a time of waiting and longing for the coming of Christ. It’s actually kind of somber and
I have a friend who said recently something to the effect of “I’m pretty sure one of the only things we need to know to live a spiritual life is how to be thankful.” She’s right, I think. So much flows from gratitude: kindness, respect, love. If we start, first with gratitude, many other things
The Spiritual Practice of Gratitude Read More »
My older son, Clayton, loves to play “Ring Around the Rosie.” It’s the “all fall down” part he loves (of course!) In recent days, I’ve distracted him from many-a-meltdown by saying “Want to play ring around the Rosie?” The answer is always a resounding YES! Today, while I was folding laundry on the other side
Ring Around the Rosie in Real Time… Read More »
I thought about writing a reflection about this, but everything I put to paper seemed to take away from the beauty of letting this song (and the lyrics) speak for themselves. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p92fMgMt_Zw&w=560&h=315] Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to
The Pope is sure getting a lot of press today! He’s all over Twitter (even trending!) and Facebook. This NYT article is getting a lot of attention in particular. The article is well worth the five minutes to read. The gist is this: The church has its priorities screwed up. In this case, of course,
What Does the Gospel Smell Like? (Some thoughts on Pope Francis)… Read More »
Things have been so quiet here and over at Mrs. Smith Cooks, that one can actually hear the crickets chirping. Here I am to help correct that! I hope that now that my manuscript has been turned in to the publisher, I can spend some of my writing time here and at MSC! Though I
What I’ve Been Reading — Summer 2013 Edition Read More »
