* This is the sermon I was to deliver today as part of our series entitled "Meal Times: Going Deeper with God and Others". However, the weather decided to bless us with one last hurrah of snow and prevented us from gathering together physically. But snow cannot stop the gathering of the hearts and spirits of the … Continue reading Trading Corn Husks for Prime Rib
Author: Melissa
Pastor | Ragamuffin | Family | Friends
For the glory of God and the good of the world.
Love-Crazy Father
This Sunday I'm preaching on the story of the Prodigal Son (or as I prefer to call it - The Story of the Love-Crazy Father). It was the assigned text for this Sunday and also happens to be my favorite parable told by Jesus. For most of my life, I focused predominately on the prodigal … Continue reading Love-Crazy Father
Just Around the Bend
I recently watched this great little film called The Giant Mechanical Man. Haven't heard of it? Not surprising since it opened in only one theatre in May 2012 and grossed just over $5,000 opening weekend. Definitely not a blockbuster but I like little, quirky films and this one has a fantastic story about life and … Continue reading Just Around the Bend
Take a Flying Leap
Vulnerability. A word that strikes fear into the hearts of men. There is something terrifying about being emotionally naked in front of others. Throughout my life, I've had a closet full of emotional turtlenecks that I've only recently began to purge. Don't worry - I'm not replacing them with any hoochie-mama shirts where I let … Continue reading Take a Flying Leap
I Got This, God
Several years ago, I went to a counselor for the first time because I had been struggling with depression for over a year or so. It took me awhile to admit I needed to see someone and it was only when things got really bad that I finally made the call. I remember clearly the … Continue reading I Got This, God
For the Searchers Like Me
“Some people do not have to search, for they find their niche early in life and rest there seemingly contented and resigned. At times, I envy them but usually I do not understand them… And seldom do they understand me. I am one of those searchers. There are, I believe, millions of us. We are … Continue reading For the Searchers Like Me
One Thing that is Certain
If someone were to ask you, 'What is the one thing in life that is certain?' you would have to answer, 'The love of Christ.' - Brennan Manning This truth is the one thing that helps me the most in life. When I start to get out-of-whack with hopes and expectations in people or ideas, … Continue reading One Thing that is Certain
Lessons from Connect Four
I have the honor of mentoring an amazing young man we'll call "A". We met four years ago when he was in first grade. Because he had just moved from Africa and didn't speak or understand English, we spent most of our time each week playing with Legos and Play-dough and repeating English words for … Continue reading Lessons from Connect Four
A Youth Pastor's Hurt
I wrote this a year ago after some time with some former youth. I'm currently working on a sermon that brought it to mind and decided to share it again. I'm starting my thirteenth year as a youth pastor at the same church. That is a really long time in youth ministry and a really long … Continue reading A Youth Pastor's Hurt
Loud and Off Key
There is a youth in my youth group that sings loud and off key. I love his singing the most. Because her song comes from her heart. He is lost in the words, in the music. She is oblivious to her faltering pitch because of her joy of the experience. I want to live life like he … Continue reading Loud and Off Key
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