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There is a phrase that exists in Americana vernacular, and although I have no idea where itoriginated, instinctively I know what it means – Frog in the Boiling Water. For those of you whohave perhaps never heard this phrase, it is a metaphor that refers to a person who sits in asituation which may seem strange or odd at first, but the temperature is such that we remain inthe uncomfortable...

I am a sucker for a good story about human survival and the building of resiliency withinindividuals and communities. I love the grittiness and messiness that lives in the humanexperience and the What Happens Next and What Do We Take From This? I was recentlyprivileged to hear such a story of tragedy and the ability to great beauty within the rubble. This isthe story of Vedran Smailović,...

Some of you may be wondering, “What exactly am I looking at in this photo? Is that a frog?”Your questions are justified and yes, what you are looking at is indeed a frog and more than afrog, it’s a frog flowerpot that I have owned since I was a very young girl. My mother is an avidflower gardener and worked to instill this passion in me and as a hook in her plan, she purchasedthis...

Once every four-years, something a bit whimsical and nostalgic happens, and unless you are freeof all media and are perhaps living under a proverbial rock, you know I am referring to theSummer Olympics! Since 1984 when the games were held in the City of Angels and proudlytouted its mascot, Sam the Olympic Eagle, I have been a dedicated consumer of the Olympicgames. Like many, I have my...

When I was a child, my favorite place to be in the church was in the balcony. I remember feelingas if no one could see me as I sat, sang, read, chatted, and shared snacks with my fellow youngbalcony dwellers. This space became a haven, a place of freedom and a unique perspective onthe world below.The balcony provided a literal and metaphorical elevation. From that vantage point,...

I am a big fan of taking a night and going to the movies. I love the entire process of purchasing the perfectseat, overpriced movie popcorn, a real coke, and candy. I fully enjoy the corny previews and sincereattempts by the theater to ensure everyone turns off their cell phones and cut down on chatter. Best of all,the experience of the movie theater brings a bit of separation and suspension...

In the fall of 2019, I had the privilege of participating in a retreat for mental health and spiritualcare providers focused on the theme of Thin Spaces. I was familiar with the concept of ThinIn the fall of 2019, I had the privilege of participating in a retreat for mental health and spiritualcare providers focused on the theme of Thin Spaces. I was familiar with the concept of...

I am excited to announce that last week, I was on a real vacation! What I mean by a realvacation is this – this particular trip had nothing to do with my profession nor was ittacked on to a work-related trip, I did not take work-related projects to complete rather asilly romance novel I found for $5.00 at the local bookstore, and best of all I had zeroaccess to the internet. There was...

Growing up, my extended family would gather in a New Mexico ski resort town every year forthe 4 th of July holiday. This sleepy mountain town where we gathered for our annual familyreunion existed purely on tourism and during the winter months, this was a busy village filledwith skiers and snowboarders alike. To the villages credit, they had managed to provide asmattering of summer activities...

A month or so ago, my spring travels found me in Pittsburgh, PA. I was attending the Festival ofHomiletics as both an attendee and a host of a Chrysalis Counseling For Clergy booth. I haveattended this event for several years and I have developed a fondness for this gathering for manyreasons: 1) For the ecumenical gathering aspect and 2) For the physical annual shift in locationthat...