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Do you remember the first time that you felt guilty? I do.  Very clearly, I remember. It was one of those things that happen in childhood—an act that I would have forgotten long ago, except that I felt so guilty.  It was the guilt I felt afterwards. I was in the first grade and my … Continue reading Making Room for Grace

  That day was a Psalm 42 kind of day.  It was as hot and as humid as a North Carolina summer day could be and I had a yearning to be cool and comfortable.  I had a longing to walk through the woods, on my grandfather’s farm, where the shade of the trees would … Continue reading Deep Calls to Deep

This summer, the stories of David are part of the Old Testament lectionary readings and for the past two weeks, the stories of David and the Ark of the Covenant have been central to my preaching.  Two of the David stories found in 2 Samuel are stories that remind us that in addition to being … Continue reading The Stronghold of Our Lives

This morning, This soft, summer morning While the sun is still trying to convince The world That the day commenced Hours ago, I find myself waking In gratitude.   Sometime During the rest of the night During the darkest hours before dawn There came waves of healing Washing over me Even as I was unaware. … Continue reading Morning Gratitude

  Early Monday morning about 7:00, I joined about 40 other people who left Charleston bound for Staunton, VA.  It was already humid and sticky and I knew that later on the sun would be hot and maybe unbearable for a time, but I was determined to be a part of this group—WV Interfaith and … Continue reading Words Pouring Through Me

I have heard The words “Welcome home!” Over and over again This week.   I smile And say thank you And know that I am Loved And cherished That I have been missed And that now that I am back At least for everyone else Life can return to normal     But honestly The … Continue reading Among the Lilies

This morning—Monday morning–early, I climbed up the front steps and walked across the porch of the Upshur Parish House.  I wasn’t certain how I felt or what to expect on this first morning back as Director of Upshur Parish House and Crosslines.  Earlier this spring, I left Buckhannon for a three-month renewal leave.  After 29 … Continue reading Reflections on Returning

This poem, written at the end of a deep, emotional, life-giving renewal leave–April 5–July 5, 2018, is an expression of three months of reflection on God’s call in my life. Take Thou Authority This morning This day Under a canopy of Green summer leaves Gently dancing in an unseen breeze Under a canopy of blue Chagall … Continue reading Take Thou Authority

  At the moment, I am sitting in history—my history, or at least part of it.  I am in Alzey, Germany, which is located in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. For many Americans who have German ancestors that arrived before the Revolution, it is likely that they came from this region or the surrounding states.  … Continue reading An Unseen Rope and Unheard Voices

For a brief time, this past Saturday afternoon, I realized that I was feeling pure joy.  A beautiful early spring afternoon had beckoned me to my favorite place—outside—and I was enjoying bright sunshine and vivid colors at Black Water Falls.  I had been hiking the paths and attempting the still icy, snow covered steps to … Continue reading A Theological/Emotional Roller Coaster Week