Many people have been asking about my reading list during my sabbatical.  Included in this list, are many books that I read to prepare for my sabbatical. Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson Attacking Anxiety by Shawn Johnson Always a Guest by Barbara Brown Taylor Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor Don’t Give … More Sabbatical Reading List

This morning my morning devotional said, “The shore thirsts, but does not own the ocean that keeps it soft.   So, too, the heart and all it loves.”  As I have come to understand, in Buddhism, the feeling of I-ing, and My-ing are considered very dangerous, even poisonous to one’s spirit.  I-ing and My-ing draw us away from what … More Sabbath-Keeping

As I begin a new month and new day of my sabbatical it’s time for me to fight. As I worshiped in my home church a few weeks, God reminded me of a scripture, 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” … More “Dreamer in Chief”

I left the Tall City to attend a personal retreat to help me discern and listen to God.  As I drove up the drive of the Haven Inn in Comfort Texas, there were oak, pecan, and mesquite trees.  I could smell the fragrance of the desert willow as I got out of the truck and approached the … More Discernment

I recently returned home for a few days. It was a great opportunity for me to listen and remember God’s small voice. How long has it been since we’ve taken the time to listen the trees? Both of these trees have been part of my life as long as I can remember. One tree (left) … More Listening to the Trees

After leaving our cruise ship, we took in one last shore excursions, the New York City Metro Area. As we stepped off the tour bus at Rockefeller Center, a clothes-line greeted passerby’s. No really, clothes-lines everywhere all around. My first thought, Friday must be laundry day in New York City. Then our tour guide informed … More “Behold, A Clothes-line?”

Some of my daily readings have reintroduced me to Jacob in Genesis 28. Picture it, he finds a stone for a pillow, drifts off to sleep and dreams of ladder that reaches all the way to heaven. If this image doesn’t leave you speechless, then God saying to Jacob, ”know that I am with you … More Moments with God

What a day. We left home on June 2 for a long overdue trip. I cannot believe that Amy and I will soon celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We were excited to leave for our trip. Our arrival into Love Field was perfect. We leisurely strolled to the terminal, grabbed done lunch, and people watched. … More Growing Old With You

I never expected to quote William Faulkner on the first day of my sabbatical. I really haven’t thought about William Faulkner since my freshman year in college. It was a requirement of the class to read many of his short stories. I believe the quote that I read early this morning speaks to the intent … More The Journey Begins…..

One of my favorite scriptures is the Beatitudes, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. I have this image in my mind of Jesus on the mountainside, the disciples are close, the religious authorities are somewhere breathing in the rarified air, and people as far as the eye can see. People of all walks of life, and … More The “Be’s”of Life