Titles are important to many folks. Now some people here call me “Paul”; most say “Pastor Paul.” I guess because I have a title, I know any fool can get one, so I’m not too hung up on that. There are occasions that I put on the clerical collar and bring out The Most Holy… Continue reading You have a very important title
Category: Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters
What’s in your spiritual emergency kit?
One evening last week as it was getting dark at my house, the electricity went out. We checked our breaker box and determined it was a neighborhood outage. APS was notified. It was about 103° outside at that time. I checked on our neighbors, who are blind; the lights going out didn’t bother them like… Continue reading What’s in your spiritual emergency kit?
Changing a Noun to a Verb
As I mentioned in my sermon last week, my favorite NT character is Barnabas. And, although my wife, who has taught English for her whole career, would tell us that “Barnabas” is a noun, I want to change that language rule. I want to change Barnabas into an action – a verb! The name Barnabas means,… Continue reading Changing a Noun to a Verb
HOME
My work is with words. I can’t get three months of writing in during this letter, but I do have a word for you. HOME. It isn’t a perfect word having been marred by those who abuse and manipulate. But through God’s grace, I believe it can be raised to a new level of being.… Continue reading HOME
“How does it feel to be back?”
“How does it feel to be back?” I was asked that several times in a variety of ways last Sunday. There are many layers to my emotions of my return – I felt nervous, excited, and welcomed. The church was kind and loving. I felt gratitude, love, and peace. One of the key factors in my… Continue reading “How does it feel to be back?”
I’m back!
I’m back! Well…sort of. It’s going to take some time to get back into the swing of things. Like a player in MLB, I’m going to need some time to get into the rhythm of the day. I pray for your patience! I did want you to know that I am soooooooooo excited to be back… Continue reading I’m back!
One last top 10 list before sabbatical!
Before I head out on Sabbatical, I wanted to give you one more Top Ten list. I hope that during this time of discernment that you increase your giving of time, talent, and treasure to the church. Now is the time to demonstrate in word and in deed that you love the church. Be… Continue reading One last top 10 list before sabbatical!
We’re Getting Close
The sabbatical is getting close. Like a kid approaching Christmas day, I can see it, but it is not here yet. It does, however, occupy much of my thoughts like sugarplums dancing in head. I’m famous for my to-do-lists. My family constantly makes fun of me and my lists. But it is the only way… Continue reading We’re Getting Close
Just a few more weeks until…
Yeah, I’m still here. And I’m trying to finish these last few weeks before Sabbatical—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I begin with two words: Thank you! Thank you for these past six years in which we have journeyed together. There are so many instances where I have seen God at work within the walls of this church… Continue reading Just a few more weeks until…
Pulchritudinous
“Lantana is a high maintenance weed that will take over in the summer and die back in the winter. I hate it.” Yep. That’s what I said, and it is how I felt for most of my adult life. I have removed established lantana bushes from many yards. Until… Until is a powerful word. It… Continue reading Pulchritudinous