Holidays are tiring, even at the best of times; so much activity, so much cultural and visual stimulation, more potential social engagements, etc. Whether one enjoys the holidays or is sad during the holidays, research tells us that it is a stressful time of the year. Throughout November and December, in the Palms weekly bulletin… Continue reading Self-Care Is Not An Indulgence. It’s A Discipline.
Category: guest ponderings and letters
We have to first look at ourselves
Written by Rev. David Klingensmith Red states, blue states. Pro-choice, anti-abortion. For or against gay marriage or gun control. Our nation appears to be very divided on so many issues. It can be challenging to even attempt to talk to others who espouse very different points of view. And it is especially difficult when both… Continue reading We have to first look at ourselves
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Do you remember as a child or youth being asked: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For me back then, the question thrilled my young mind like a magical parable. Each time I heard it, I believed that whatever I could imagine as the best of all things to be, I… Continue reading What do you want to be when you grow up?
A letter from Teddy
(Pastor Paul’s very good dog friend) There is a LOT to look forward to at Church of the Palms this month! August 7th is the first Sunday of the month, and you know what that means: it’s Communion Sunday! Pastor Jim will be in the pulpit with this challenge: can we ever really know faith… Continue reading A letter from Teddy
The lessons of Aunt Grace
written by Rev. Max S. Klinkenborg Ed liked to visit his mother’s sister Aunt Grace at her farm down the road from his own. She had taught him to fish, to plant flowers and to ride a sheep’s back like a bucking bronco. She liked to play, unlike his mother who was always working, took… Continue reading The lessons of Aunt Grace
Multitasking
This week’s “Ponderings” was written by Rev. David Klingensmith. David’s Discernings Multitasking has been a popular term in recent years. We have all seen the images of someone trying to type, answer the phone, be on a Zoom call, and if working at home maybe chasing a child or pet out of the picture. And… Continue reading Multitasking
So God made a Dog.
written by Teddy, Pastor Paul’s very good dog friend And on the 9th Day, God looked down on his wide-eyed children and said they need a companion. So God made a Dog. God said I need somebody to wake up and give kisses, pee on a tree, sleep all day, wake up again, give more… Continue reading So God made a Dog.
How to assess your emotional bandwidth
by Kay Klinkenborg Broad bandwidth for cell phones went to 5G in late February in this part of AZ. I just traded in an old iPhone 6, and when I looked at the bars of signal strength, there it was: 5G. Oxford Dictionary gives two definitions: A range of frequencies within a given band… Continue reading How to assess your emotional bandwidth
David’s Discernings: ONA Sunday
written by Rev. David Klingensmith I am proud to be a member of this congregation that proudly flies the rainbow flag and welcomes members of the LGBTQ+ community to join us on the journey. More than 1,760 UCC congregations have adopted Open and Affirming covenants. This is so important because LGBTQ+ folks are facing continued… Continue reading David’s Discernings: ONA Sunday
Life lessons can be uncomfortable!
by Linette Stenberg The other day I heard something on TV that got me thinking. The news commentator said that the reason many parents don’t want their children to be exposed to particular school lessons or books is that they would be made uncomfortable. Well…as I remember my childhood, being uncomfortable was an important life… Continue reading Life lessons can be uncomfortable!