Presby-Musings

In our fast-paced world, where notifications ping constantly and to-do lists seem endless, we often forget to pause and appreciate the incredible things to be grateful for in the world surrounding us.  Gratitude isn't just a fleeting "thank you" or a polite social custom – it's a transformative force that can fundamentally reshape how we experience life. Think about the last time you watched a sunrise, felt the warmth of a loved one's embrace, or enjoyed a simple meal. These moments, often overlooked in our rush through life, are precious gifts that deserve our attention and appreciation.  Gratitude opens our eyes to the abundance already in our lives rather than keeping us focused on what we lack.  Living in abundance rather than scarcity is a practice that begins and ends with gratitude.   Eckhart Tolle once wrote: “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” This truly resonates with me.  Without that foundati

We live in uncertain times, friends.  I don't have to tell you that, but I will.   I started dipping my toe back into the murky waters of my news feed from the interwebs and then had to snatch it back because it sucked.  I often lose hope when I read the news about the events in our country and the world.  Sometimes, it's better just to remain blissfully and intentionally unaware.  But even then, you can feel the anxiety of the energy around you.  It's inescapable.   And this is why we need hope right now.   In times of uncertainty, hope is an anchor for the human spirit, tethering us to possibility when the storms of life threaten to sweep us away. Hope isn't merely optimism—it's a profound force that helps us navigate our darkest moments, illuminating paths forward when all seems lost. Think about how hope manifests in nature: a single seedling pushing through concrete, defying impossible odds. Or a forest regenerating after devastation, each new shoot reaching to

I do my best not to dwell on the past, but sometimes, I think about the many mistakes I've made, the roads I should have taken, and the decisions I should have made.  It's not a productive exercise, but it's hard not to get down on yourself when you are going through challenging seasons in life.   There are moments in life when we feel the weight of our imperfections, mistakes, and regrets pressing down upon us like a heavy fog.  We judge ourselves harshly, holding onto past failures as if they define who we are. Yet, grace appears like the first ray of dawn in these darkest moments, offering us a path back to wholeness. Grace is the gentle rain that falls on parched earth, the unexpected kindness that catches us off guard, the second chance we didn't think we deserved. It's the force that transforms our wounds into wisdom and our failures into stepping stones toward growth.  As author Anne Lamott beautifully observes, "Grace meets us where we are but does not

Last night, I saw Iron Maiden, one of my favorite bands.  I had a ticket for the "pit," meaning I was standing in a packed crowd not too far from the stage.  The crowd was hot and sweaty, but I forgot all about my discomfort when the band hit the stage.  At one point, I looked around me at a nearly sold-out arena full of people singing along to familiar songs, and I was once again struck by how powerful it is to be part of something bigger than you.   The first time I saw Iron Maiden was thirty-seven years ago.  Last night, I was wearing a replica concert shirt from that show in Lakeland, FL (the original was sold at a garage sale years ago).  A teenage kid about my age back then saw what I was wearing and said, "Cool shirt, man."   I felt even more at home in the crowd, realizing that someone who wasn't even born when I went to my first Maiden show recognized and honored my commitment as a fan.      In our fast-paced world, where individualism often seems to re

  Today's sermon is about eschatology, a loaded theological term that essentially means studying the end times.   Lots of people think the world is going to end soon.   As long as I can remember, I have heard evangelical Christians talk about the end of the world with no small amount of glee.  They read books by people who claim to be prophecy experts, and who are constantly looking for signs that will confirm their theories.  This is not new, but with the advent of the Internet and social media, it's reached new levels of foolishness.   For the past four years, conservative Christians proclaimed the end of the world was imminent until the election, and now they at least feel like the world got a reprieve for at least four more years.   Now it's the progressive's turn.   This kind of talk about the end of the world is tied to horrible theology and extraordinarily awful interpretations of Scripture.   Every change in the world is a potential sign.  Leper Messians are see

In our fast-paced world, where ideas often seem to hold more value than experience, it is critical to remember that faith is not merely a concept or a set of beliefs; it is meant to be lived, felt, and shared.  Our lived experiences shape our understanding of faith, making it a dynamic and authentic journey deeply intertwined with our daily lives. As we navigate through life, we often encounter challenges, joys, and sorrows, all of which contribute to the richness of our faith. The Bible reminds us of this truth in James 2:26, which states, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.”   This simple statement emphasizes that true faith manifests itself through action. It is not enough to hold beliefs in our hearts; we must actively express them through our lives. Our experiences, good or bad, are the fertile ground from which our faith can grow and flourish.\ The late author and theologian Rachel Held Evans profoundly articulated this idea when