This confusing of the languages…

I was in the States for 8th grade, and near the end of the year was getting ready to go on a summer mission trip to Mexico with a friend’s youth group.  One day as we were getting ready for P.E. and reflecting on the orientation meeting we’d been to… Continue reading

The message in the text

Sermon illustrations come from the funniest places.  Recently, my little brother was texting me pictures of these amazing meals he was preparing: So I sent him a picture of my fridge with the text, “Clearly I need a paycheck and to go shopping.”  I had recently  returned back from a Youth Mission trip,… Continue reading

What is she teaching you?

At a Deaconess Board Retreat, this question was posed: “Think of one person in your context…what is that person teaching you?” The first person who came to mind for me was a 4 yr. old in my congregation.  When she’s there on a Sunday morning, this little girl sits with… Continue reading

Reflections on a Christmas Eve sermon

I have found that often when I am preparing a sermon, I end up convicted by the very thoughts I am forming into a sermon.  I was not expecting to preach on Christmas Eve, but at the last minute I was given the notes of a sermon the pastor was… Continue reading

Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam–an Advent reflection

         For my personal Advent devotions this year I’m reading through a resource called Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam.  Seems like an apt description for the season.  Everything’s just a tad more chaotic.  Kids in chapel today were a bit more wiggly.  Friends at lunch… Continue reading