Traveling Thoughts

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." -John 13:34 This was it; this was the last time that all the disciples would be together with Jesus before he was killed. After three years spent together in the trenches of ministry: serving, healing, teaching, feeding, etc. it led them all to this last evening together around a table celebrating the Passover Meal. The first disciples probably thought they learned everything they could from Jesus, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.  “Maundy” is derived from the Latin word for command. On Maundy Thursday, the Thursday of Holy Week, Jesus did many new things: 1.       He began the Passover meal by washing the feet of each of his disciples, which symbolized a service of friendship and a mutual sharing of gifts. In the foot washing, Jesus challenges his disciples to do the same for each other, and to see that they are all equal in the K...

After the Hebrew people left their life of oppressive enslavement to the Egyptians, they found themselves wandering in the wilderness. One can't wander in the wilderness without learning and understanding more of what it means to follow God. When the Hebrew people were enslaved, they knew what to expect, and therefore, probably believed their own strength and sheer will saw them through. However, in the wilderness they were faced with the unexpected and the unknown on a daily basis. At times, they trusted and were faithful in their wandering which brought peace that transcended in the midst of an unknown future. In the Exodus store we read however, that there were more times of mumbles and grumbles (even talk about turning around and going back to what was known being in bondage and slavery) than stories of blind faith. It was words of complaint but underneath the words was a real panic and fear. It’s really easy to read stories of our ancestors of faith and think we would ha...

            Jesus was a name I heard the adults talking and whispering about around town. People couldn’t stop talking about the healing and teaching that Jesus was doing around our community. So, I was excited when my mom told me we were going to follow and see Jesus for ourselves. Packing my things quickly for this adventure, we joined the multitudes to search for this man called Jesus.              Once we found him on this mountain, I took advantage of my size as I weaved in and out of the crowd towards the front so I could hear Jesus’ words for myself. He was teaching his close friends but what I overheard was amazing. I had never heard anything like it: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…those who mourn…the meek…those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…the merciful…the pure in heart…the peacemakers.” He promised the Kingdom of Heaven, comfort, being filled, receiving mercy, an...

During Advent, Hyde Park Community UMC did a series based on Beatles songs as we “Unwrapped Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love” preparing for Christmas. I was BEYOND excited for this sermon series! As we came to a finale of the “long and winding road” of Advent my hope was that some people thought, “Don’t stop the music!” For those experiencing that sentiment, I stood in solidarity with them – as music is a passion of mine.  While I know God can’t give all of the gifts to people – I wish I would have received the gift of music (either singing or playing – I’m not picky) instead of only the gift of appreciating music. While a college professor graded me as being only “average” in my appreciation of music I have since made up for it spending extra money and time at concerts.  For some people, though, music is something that just “sounds nice, it’s good background noise.” For me, it is so much more! People of the Bible used music as a tool to pray and as an outlet to e...

This post was originally featured on the Colocate Ministry Consulting blog. When I was in high school and asked what I was planning to do “when I grow up” my response would always be, “I’m going to change the world!” This might seem like a starry eyed, even naïve response to this question, but my confidence was the product of the youth leaders who poured into me starting at age 14. Not only did they encourage me to be an agent of change while still in high school, but they offered the space, resources, and coaching in order to make ideas a reality. This drive to “change the world” came from my very first mission trip when my eyes were open to a loving, liberating Jesus that calls us to be partners of bringing the Kingdom of the God here to earth. My 14-year-old eyes were open to this new idea and way of life because of a 10-year-old girl at the  Tijuana Christian Mission . During that week, I witnessed this young girl care for the younger children at the orphanage – reading ...

This month, I am celebrating ten years of serving in the local church. Ten years ago, I was so excited about the opportunity I was given to be working with students! That call only continued to grow focusing in the areas of discipleship, service with justice and compassion, and leadership.  However, my focus has always been divided. While serving at  Christ United Methodist Church  for 7 years, I was able to double as a full time undergraduate and graduate student. While at  Faith Community UMC , I explored a calling to serving as a senior pastor . While at Peace UMC, the focus was wide serving alongside people working with birth through 12 th  grade.  Peace United Methodist Church will forever be part of my story. There have been some amazing things that have happened in the life of the church and its ministries. So much has happened in the past two years, yet it seems like the time has gone so quickly. Another part of my story that definit...

"I think we should stop asking people in their twenties what they 'want to do' and start asking them what they don't want to do." -Amy Poehler, Yes Please For the last 14 months, I have had the privilege to "come and see" and learn from the people of Faith Community United Methodist Church . I consider this past year a great journey of learning, development, and growth not only personally, but spiritually and professionally as well. I'm thankful for the Residency experience as it has been integral to my discernment and helped to clarify/affirm my call into ministry.  After much time spent in prayer, reflection, and conversation with my very patient  mentor, Randy Stearns and other trusted friends I am now (again) pursuing a call to Deacon's Orders . The Deacon's Orders to Word, service, justice, and compassion is intrinic to how God has wired, shaped, and gifted me. My niche for over 10 years within the non-profit sector, minis...

"When I grow up…I want to be Miss Ohio." This was my first sentence for a writing assignment in 3rd grade.   You see my teacher, Miss Hooker, was in her first year of teaching because she placed third for Miss Ohio.  At least that’s what I thought. I figured that I could win and that would be my career. I had a year of piano under my belt, I loved wearing dresses that twirled, I could walk in a straight line, smiling and waving were no-brainers, and I loved answering questions. How hard could it be? Turns out, making a career out of being Miss Ohio isn’t a thing. I was crushed to learn this fact when I received my paper back with Miss Hooker’s note of being flattered that I wanted to follow in her footsteps, but suggested that I look for something more long term. If I were honest, even if Miss Ohio could be a career, I’m not exactly the most qualified. I stopped playing the piano years ago, I am no longer a fan of wearing dresses, I’m lucky if I don’t trip ...