Author Archives: reallifepastor

Those who know me know I’m technologically challenged.  I remember the day our Associate Pastor, Kristin Gerner Vaughn, showed me a flash drive.  Having just bought a new carrier for all those floppy drives I still had (and not wondering … Continue reading →

A couple of days ago, I expressed gratitude for my job.  I’m also grateful for the church I serve, Pilgrimage United Church of Christ in Marietta, GA.  Here’s a beautiful testimony of a new member, someone who thought being “spiritual … Continue reading →

Sunday, at Pilgrimage, we talked some about the “sacrament of tears.”  I just ran across this piece by Sr. Joan Chittister on “the spirituality of weeping.”  It’s a great follow-up to Sunday’s conversation. What matters to those who weep?                      … Continue reading →

Today—and every day—I am deeply grateful for my husband, Allen Mullinax:  partner in love, partner in work, partner in life.  A character in Barbara Kingsolver’s book Poisonwood Bible describes her marriage as a balm.  That describes my life with Allen … Continue reading →

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

I don’t even know where to begin.  I know so many people who are unemployed, or under-employed, or in jobs that put food on the table but fail to feed their spirits.  Talking with so many who are mis-matched in … Continue reading →

            Do you know the origin of stained glass windows in churches?  Before the creation of the printing press, few people could read.  Clergy could read the Bible, and they did, at every worship service–in Latin.  But that didn’t help … Continue reading →

I was at the church last night getting my first glimpse at the new wall art that’s being installed in our sanctuary.  Stained glass artist Merridy Palmer and her partner Mary have created a magnificent, multi-colored depiction of baptism.  It … Continue reading →

Today—All Saints Day—I’m grateful for saints like Jake.  I wonder how the world might change if more people took the time to encourage people they don’t even know.  (…or maybe even people they DO know…)  Check it out. http://shine.yahoo.com/ellen-good-news/stranger-makes-single-moms-day-free-meal-234500227.html

When he’d just about hit rock bottom—his business was circling the drain and his marriage already was down it—John Kralik did something radical:  every day for a year, he wrote a thank you note to someone.  365 Thank Yous:  The … Continue reading →