Today, however, even as I fight a full-on panic attack, I read Psalm 23 and the last idea stuck with me: "Surely goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life."
August 6, 2024
I don’t know about you, but I often feel like God is a billion miles away. Maybe to feel close to him, I should read the Bible more (or better?); I should pray more (or better?). Or maybe I need to slow down more (or better?). I mean, what do I need to do to get God’s attention?
June 11, 2024
I cry at weddings. For a tangle of reasons. Do you? It’s June: wedding month. If you’re like me, the tears during the ceremony are a mix of joy for them, sorrow for loves lost and roads not taken, and the overwhelming feeling that these kids have NO IDEA what they’re stepping into.
June 4, 2024
We both walked in the room—hearts heavy with unspoken words, problems with no answers. We tried to lighten the load by revisiting past hurts and talking about solutions. The weight remained. Emotions stirred. We were fragile.
May 28, 2024
Seeing everyone’s end-of-year accomplishment posts or new-year's-resolutions posts on social media makes me feel small. I liked your different way of thinking about self-improvement. However, I do wonder, when measuring progress in life, is it purely between God and me, or do people around me play a role as well? Am I turning to God to escape the difficult requirement of improving?
January 18, 2024
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34 ESV
October 25, 2023
It is a common experience to practice slowing down only to encounter a host of unwanted thoughts and feelings waiting for us in the stillness. So, why in the world would we invite you to slow down at all? God gives us a tremendous gift in the midst of these still, quiet, and uncomfortable moments of slowing down...
July 27, 2023
Pastor Peter Gammell's message on Matthew 10:34-42. Peter aims to share regular reflections on the weekly Revised Common Lectionary texts. This message is based on the texts for July 2, 2023.
July 1, 2023
God is so condescending! Wait, what!? Isn't condescension a negative thing? Let's explore God's condescending love.
December 1, 2022
Jesus has a table prepared here in the midst of my foggy confusion. He is inviting me to be with him and talk with him about my feelings. And although everything doesn’t magically fix itself, I feel safe and seen by God, and that is what I need right now.
September 13, 2022