Pastor Paul’s Ponderings and Letters – Page 4

Putting a funny touch on crafting resolutions

As we look towards a brand new year, one of the most age-old things to do takes center stage once more – setting resolutions. Resolutions are a tradition where people set goals or intentions, aiming to bring positive changes in various areas such as health, relationships, habits, personal development or choices. I usually try… Continue reading Putting a funny touch on crafting resolutions

What made you come alive in 2023?

Throughout 2023 we asked in one way or another, “What makes you come alive?” That question came from one of Howard Thurman’s most famous quotes: “Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because the world needs people who have come alive.” This past year witnessed The Church of the Palms collectively and… Continue reading What made you come alive in 2023?

Are you riding the rollercoaster of grief?

There’s a ride we all take from time-to-time in life – Grief! It can be the scariest adventure out there. Grief is like a rollercoaster ride. Permit me to explain. Think about it. Often the ride (both grief and rollercoaster) begins with a line. You want to hop on and get going, but we’re forced… Continue reading Are you riding the rollercoaster of grief?

10 Things NOT to Do at Christmas

“The most wonderful time of the year” has arrived – a time to gather with family and friends and for church activities. To help you and me make it through this wonderful time, here are 10 Things NOT to Do at Christmas: 10) Don’t Forget Those Without Food — Jesus once said that when we feed the… Continue reading 10 Things NOT to Do at Christmas

My “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version”

Bringing the Bible to today’s world is a goal for many of us. Sharon Jaynes used a familiar Bible verse (1 Corinthians 13) to bring out that love is the reason for the season in her, “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version.” I’ve tweaked it to apply to us at The Palms. If we decorate God’s… Continue reading My “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version”

What’s filled with awesomeness and is fantabulous?

I like to make up words – taking obvious phrases and expanding upon them. I figure, if Shakespeare could invent words, why can’t I? I often use these made-up words in notes and in conversations. Communicating things like: “You are filled with awesomeness” and “You are so fantabulous.” These are familiar parts of my vocabulary.… Continue reading What’s filled with awesomeness and is fantabulous?

25th anniversary of our community Thanksgiving meal

What are your memories of Thanksgiving? Do you have favorite moments from your childhood about the holiday? What faces appear when you think of Thanksgiving? What smells fill your heart, mind, and soul? What traditions have you taught the younger generations? Are there certain foods that are “a must” for the big meal? Thanksgiving conjures up… Continue reading 25th anniversary of our community Thanksgiving meal

We can do a lot of things because…

It’s a busy weekend at The Palms. On Saturday, we are dedicating our newest sculpture, Homeless Jesus. I hope you can join us and our Transitional Conference Minister, Dr. Toni. That dedication will be Saturday, at 11 am at The Palms. On Sunday, we will be honoring the (retired and active) clergy among us. Not too… Continue reading We can do a lot of things because…

God is still creating you.

It is Good – The Story of Creation. In Genesis we are told that God created, and it was good! God created the sun and the moon. But have you noticed? Arizona has some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets that I have ever seen! Trans and non-binary people are like those sunrises and… Continue reading God is still creating you.