Monthly Archives: November 2013

The Soloist tells the story of gifted musician and one-time Julliard student, Nathaniel Ayers’.  Nathaniel’s mental illness eventually leads him to a life on the streets.  LA Times’ writer Steve Lopez encounters Nathaniel one day at a statue of Beethoven … Continue reading →

When I reflect on that great line from Mary Oliver’s poem, “Wild Geese”–“you have only to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves”–I think of my cats, Dayo and Gracie.  They do what they feel like … Continue reading →

Here’s what I’m learning at physical therapy:  If you don’t tell the therapist where it hurts, she can’t do what needs to be done to help you heal.  When another patient at PT yesterday said, “Um, that muscle isn’t happy,” … Continue reading →

Today I am grateful for poets, especially Mary Oliver.  She says things so well!  Here’s one of her best-known poems.  You’ll see why.   Wild Geese You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on … Continue reading →

Today, I am grateful for Sabbath rest. “Today I am altogether without ambition.  Where did I get such wisdom?”   Mary Oliver, Blue Pastures  

A recent article in Christian Century cited a statistic that said maintain their faith after they graduate high school, they need to have had significant relationships with five faithful adults.  The mid-high youth at Pilgrimage are fortunate to to count … Continue reading →

Six months and eleven days to sabbatical!  Sabbatical.  Sabbath rest.  Rest.  And renewal.  I’m not sure where the practice of granting sabbaticals to clergy began, but based on what I’ve heard from some of my clergy friends, it’s an amazing … Continue reading →

Yep.  You read it right.  I am deeply grateful for the Council at Pilgrimage UCC.  This group of church leaders is deeply thoughtful about everything they do.  It’s not easy making decisions on behalf of a very diverse congregation.  This group, … Continue reading →

Achilles Tendonitis.  If that’s not a sermon-title waiting to happen, I don’t know what is! If it just didn’t hurt so much.  That’s what it’s been doing for about five years now.  Five years!  Dr. Weiskopf  (yes, my foot doctor’s … Continue reading →