Each week, I have a standing appointment with a 3rd grade boy. He is my "little brother" and I am his "big sister". We've met nearly every week (except for summers) for three years now. I was blessed to be matched with such a cool and awesome young man. Talk about a pure heart. Seriously. … Continue reading Lessons from Candyland
Author: Melissa
Pastor | Ragamuffin | Family | Friends
For the glory of God and the good of the world.
Be Careful What You Wish For
First Baptist Church, Jefferson City, Missouri January 29, 2012 I Samuel 8:1-22 “Be Careful What You Wish for Cause You Just Might Get It” If you are a fan of the Wii game “Just Dance 2” than the title of this sermon may sound familiar. I would play part of the song for you this … Continue reading Be Careful What You Wish For
Loose-Leaf
When your options are either to revise your beliefs or to reject a person, look again. Any formula for living that is too cramped for the human situation cries for rethinking. Hardcover catechisms are a contradiction to our loose-leaf lives. "Loose-Leaf" by Gerhard Frost
A Youth Pastor's Hurt
I'm starting my twelfth year as a youth pastor at the same church. That is a really long time in youth ministry and a really long time as a youth pastor in the same church. I remember my current youth when they were mere babies and the first youth I had in my ministry are now having … Continue reading A Youth Pastor's Hurt
The Wheels on the Bus …
“New Year’s eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on … Continue reading The Wheels on the Bus …
One of My Heroes
I have a hero and his name is Joel Karanja. Joel and his wife, Susan, are Kenyan and the founders of the House of Hope Home in Kenya, Africa. I first met Joel three years ago on our first trip to Naivasha, Kenya, and every year he amazes and challenges me with his faith in … Continue reading One of My Heroes
I Have a Secret
I want to help my youth live a better story. Some of them have had bad stories written for them and some have chosen bad stories. But God has a great Story for them and I want to do everything I can to help them live a better story. A story of living life abundantly. … Continue reading I Have a Secret
TED Talk: SAME Cafe
I wrote yesterday about the SAME Cafe in Denver and the "pay-what-you-can" model. I'd love for you to hear in Libby's own words the heart behind the cafe. Libby Birky, co-founder of SAME Cafe, gave a TED Talk about the heart behind SAME CAfe.
Pay-What-You-Can Cafe: Meals with Dignity
About a year ago on our way to author Anne Lamott's book reading in Kansas City, I was having a conversation with three ladies from our congregation on our growing desire to invest in our community. As a church, we are growing in our understanding that we are here for our city. God has placed … Continue reading Pay-What-You-Can Cafe: Meals with Dignity
Why I Cried in a Vegas Comedy Club
I'm reminded tonight of my bleeding heart. The reminder came from a football game. I grew up in the Pete Adkins era of Jays Football. If you are from Missouri, you probably know what that means. Coach Adkins won a lot of football games. And his teams didn't just win them. They slaughtered the other … Continue reading Why I Cried in a Vegas Comedy Club
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