1 month countdown

In one month I will begin my renewal leave. I'm so thankful for the Lilly Endowment and that White Rock UMC was one of 233 congregations selected nationwide and the only United Methodist Church in Texas that was chosen for its National Clergy Renewal Program. 

I can't quite wrap my head around the idea that I won't be living and breathing church for four months beginning May 1. The theme for the grant proposal was Joy as the Heartbeat of Renewal. I'll return to Japan with my family where I first felt my call to ministry. White Rock UMC will have an evening with an improv group, a snow cone truck visit after church, and a magician's show with a catered dinner. 

I'm looking forward to rediscovering renewal through rest, relationships, and sacred places. 

Now the countdown begins. One month to finish the "binder of all the things" for Margo. Margo is the gift from God who will handle all day-to-day pastoral duties. One month to make all the pastoral visits and try to cross some things off the to-do list. Before I know it the month will have passed. 

Deep breaths...

Journaling

 I recently began writing in a 5-year journal.  There are just a few lines for each day and there are five lined sections with the same date across five years. I was drawn to journaling again because I don't have to write much and I liked the idea that I could look back and see what I was worrying about in previous years.  I have been consistent in writing each day which is unique for me. I hope its layout will help me build a sustainable daily journal practice. It takes 21 days to make something a habit, so hopefully I am creating habits that I will continue. Some days I write about good things that have happened, some days I write about what I am worrying about, some days I write about what I am grateful for. 

Today I wrote about holding a baby. What a gift.

Lent in 2026

I have never been good at giving things up for Lent.  I remember one year the Disciple Bible Study I was leading decided for Lent to fast and not eat Monday dinner which we would normally eat right before the Study.  I was always so hungry and I would come home and immediately eat food.  I don't remember thinking about Jesus when I was not eating dinner.  For the last few years when I was asked what I was going to give up for Lent I would say I was just trying to survive Lent.  This year I saw another pastor post on Instagram that they would see everyone in six weeks.  I had tried to give up social media before but I didn't really do anything to restrict my access. 

On Ash Wednesday this year I decided to delete Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger from my phone.  Then, I went to my computer and blocked Facebook and Instagram. There were at least ten times the rest of Ash Wednesday that I typed Facebook into my internet browser on my computer and looked to my phone thinking I would scroll Instagram.  I feel like I'm going to definitely think more about Jesus this Lent!  

In the past I have blogged once a week during Lent to get back to writing.  I've decided to rebrand this blog and catalog my adventures that I previously might have recorded on Facebook or Instagram.