Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! On Easter Sunday our time of worship began with this traditional greeting and response. We said these words together another six times in our worship liturgy that morning, once more at the start of my sermon, and I heard people greet one another with these words before and … Continue reading Wishing You a Blessed Easter Tuesday
Friends, I'm tired today. Are you? Tired of the novel coronavirus that's still causing illness, suffering, and death. Tired of the racism and injustice that continue in spite of massive protests. Tired of those who say black lives matter while acting just the opposite. Tired of words, words, and more words. Today I'm even tired … Continue reading You are Here, Moving in Our Midst
"To sing is to pray twice" is often attributed to St. Augustine, but just as I've seen different versions of the quote, I've also seen it variously attributed to Martin Luther and anonymous sources. Whoever said it first, and how ever we put it---"the one who sings prays twice," or "singing is praying twice," or … Continue reading To Sing is to Pray Twice
I had been invited to lead a session on self-care for a group of ministry leaders, but my host repeatedly referred to it as a session on "soul-care." After all, the "soul" and "self" can both refer to our inner being, and in the Bible the same word may be translated as soul or inner … Continue reading 25 Self-care Ideas for the Soul: for students, ministry leaders, and everyone
I don't think I've ever sung or heard the song "Good King Wenceslas" in an Advent or Christmas worship service. After all, the song doesn't mention Advent or Christmas. It doesn't tell the story of Mary and Joseph, and there are no shepherds, angels, wise men, or star. There is no baby Jesus crying or … Continue reading Tread Boldly, Give Generously
Late last night I returned from a fantastic few days connecting with people in Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC). My sincere thanks to everyone who so graciously hosted me and for the opportunity to share with you in so many ways both formally and more informally! The invitation I received to speak at the Spring … Continue reading May Jesus Walk With You from One Creative Step to the Next
Last year I started a gratitude journal, so every evening I would reflect on five things that made me grateful and write them down. I tried to be specific and not repeat myself from one evening to the next, and I came to love the practice as a way of reviewing my day and giving … Continue reading How to Inspire a Rather Large Amount of Gratitude
When I signed my book contract with Abingdon Press, we agreed on a deadline of April 30, I arranged for a two-month study leave from pastoral ministry to help me finish my manuscript on time, and I determined not to accept any extra responsibilities at least until mid-May. Then I got Rick's email: would I … Continue reading Spiritual Renewal in Changing Times
April Yamasaki 