Taking out the trash reminded me how transition and grief are messy and complicated I move four dusty pink vases, two glass candy dishes, and an old cigar box off the brown microwave cart. I check the drawer and cabinet.…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 237: Writing with Support
It’s hard to believe that an hour of writing with support each weekday is enough to really accomplish anything. And one of my Vanderbilt professors used to say, If you are going to be a successful scholar and publish enough…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 236: Unearthing Treasure
The last seven weeks of my life have been like no other, and they have included unearthing treasure among other things. On Good Friday we began the process of taking over finances, legalities, and material stuff to support my parents…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 235: Sustainable & Wholehearted
This week we are back with Rev. Callie Swanlund and talking about what it means to live into a sustainable and wholehearted ministry. Tomorrow May 7 is a big day for Callie and her new book From Weary to Wholehearted: A…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 234: Weary to Wholehearted
We are celebrating a new book for clergy and lay leaders: From Weary to Wholehearted is landing soon! This “love letter” from Rev. Callie Swanlund is a remedy for these days of clergy isolation, exhaustion, and burnout. Callie is a…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 233: Celebrating My Ordination
The end of March often arrives, and I realize that I didn’t mark the anniversary or celebrate my ordination. This year I’m celebrating on March 19. It is the day I was ordained. And I’m happy to share a few…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 232: Where Were You?
Where were you on March 11, 2020, four years ago? The start of the COVID-19 pandemic was different for everyone by a few days. March 11 was the day the coronavirus was declared a global pandemic. On March 9, I…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 231: Paying Attention
What is the purpose of Lent? Learning to pay attention. And what is the purpose of paying attention? Being present to God and each other and all of creation. And what happens when we pay attention and become more present…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 230: Advocating for Women
Imagine advocating for a place where women and lgbtiqa+ people preach and lead most Sundays. A place where seminary students seek to learn from wise pastors. Where every age person from youngest to eldest has a place and a role…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 229: Ask the Children
Whatever ministry we are considering, it is profoundly important that we ask the children. And after we ask them, it is even more important to listen. This week I have been with a cohort of nine churches. We are considering…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 228: Lenten Spiritual Practices
Three Questions to ask about Lenten Spiritual Practices I grew up thinking that Lenten spiritual practices always meant giving something up. Fasting. Giving up chocolate, coffee, or meat as a daily reminder to pray. And for quite a few years…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 227: An Introduction
I just returned home after being away most of January. I took a lovely vacation with my daughter and my mother-in-law. We traveled to Hawaii, a beautiful place that I truly love. It was the only state of the United…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 226: Notice, Appreciate, Wonder
Happy New Year’s Eve! This is not a post that will scream about the last minute, or rush you to give, buy, do, support, or show up somewhere. Instead it is a post that looks back a little and forward…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 225: Christmas ~ Christ Light
~ Christmas ~ Deep peace of Christ the light of the world to you “I will hold the Christ Light for you in the nighttime of your fear. I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 224: Advent Four ~ Healing Light
~ Advent Four ~ moon and stars pour their healing light on you “Moon and stars pour their healing light on you ” is our prayer for the fourth week of Advent 2023. If the world ever needed healing, it…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 223: Advent Three ~ Quiet Earth
~ Advent Three ~ deep peace of the quiet earth to you “Deep peace of the quiet earth to you” is our prayer for the third week of Advent 2023. Here in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, we felt a stark…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 222: Advent Two ~ Flowing Air
~ Advent Two ~ deep peace of the flowing air to you Welcome to the second week of Advent 2023. We are continuing to bring to you a new prayer practice, rooted in ancient ways. Music and art come together…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 221: Advent One ~ Deep Peace
~ Advent One ~ deep peace of the running wave to you Welcome to Advent 2023. This year we are bringing you a new prayer practice, rooted in ancient ways. Music and art for your reflection and nourishment. Praying with our…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 220: Vocational Reflection Questions
This week I had the joy of interviewing four senior scholars by asking them vocational reflection questions. The occasion was the gathering in San Antonio, Texas of the American Academy of Religion. The AAR program unit “Psychology, Culture, and Religion”…
Read More
All Saints’ Day Event (11/01/2023)
We will gather for an ALL SAINTS’ DAY Event November 1 for 45 minutes 1p ET // 12p CT // 11a MT // 10a PT A Zoom link will be sent to your email when you sign up below. Mark…
Read More
3MMM | Episode 218: Appreciating Ministry Volunteers
During this clergy appreciation month, I want to take time for appreciating ministry volunteers. Let’s also give thanks for the volunteer clergy who serve without pay. And offer gratitude for the variety of Christian vocations to which God calls people.…
Read More
