Pause to Ponder

Life is too short to see all I want to see,
do all I want to do,
and achieve all I’ve deemed important

But to arrive at peace with a quiet mind
in a love relationship with Divine
is and forever will be my greatest prize, my all in all

For the past twenty years or more, contemplative spiritual practices have become the sure foundation of who I am and how I participate in every aspect of my life. However, the call to be alive in our later years is dynamic—both a quiet dwelling with the sacred in care of the soul and a lively act of involvement with others in community, sent out to use our signature gifts and talents to help heal a fractured world.

Children and retirees alike
People of all ages
and every stripe
Long to be free to shine their light

Blessed and not lacking in the gifts we need
Encouraged by others to use them
We rise and shine for all to see
and the Spirit of Love to guide them

My first Sunday as minister at Pioneer Presbyterian gave me much to smile about. With the power of Love one small voice can make a difference!

This New Year comes with a surprising fresh start. Today by the gracious invitation of the people at Pioneer Presbyterian Church in Warrenton, Oregon I begin service on the Clatsop Plains in Word and Sacrament ministry, providing spiritual care and guidance with a special focus on later life wellness in Christ.

Many of you know I felt led to put my role as pastor behind me, open to a new outpouring of Spirit and creative service in my older years. After much consideration and prayerful discernment, however, I am now prepared to humbly accept this wonderful opportunity to be active again in parish ministry and I ask God to help and guide me.

We’ve been called again this new year
to pick what’s life-giving
and share with good cheer

What joy to see children
find welcome places where their sensitive hearts
can thrive no matter what each faces

May the dreams of the child in all of us come true,
and may we find mentors and loved ones
to help all the year through

West Seattle Husky’s Ice cream
at Christmas Time
Forty years after my first cone there

By the grace of God joy and delight come
Always has, always will
No matter what the years may bring

With holiness revealed in the birth of a precious child
concern for the future of Mother Earth is awakened
stirring us to earth-friendly New Year resolve

A simple display of Christmas cheer
will transform hearts
all through the year