There are times in life when it seems the world is overflowing with simple gifts. Little things, instances of generosity, relaxation, or blessing catch our attention sometimes, reminding us that it is good to be alive, and to experience the creation God has made with delight.  I don’t ...

A week ago I had the opportunity to join four others from our congregation and a total of 21 team members from the South District of our Conference on a mission work trip to Henryville, Indiana. We worked hard Monday through Friday at four different work sites, trying to make progress on homes ...

Several of the clergy recently had the opportunity to go on a retreat for pastors in our district at Mission San Luis Rey. It was a beautiful location, close to town yet with the feeling of being a world apart. The landscaping was gorgeous, and tended with care. Construction was going on, but not ...

I wanted to share a little story of hope and wonder with you. It is a story of something that happened to me after the Christmas Eve services were over at FUMCSD, and as I was driving home on Christmas morning, a little after midnight.  Tim and I have just moved into a house—our ...

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about pets. Tim and I have sort of acquired a puppy…and I know you’re probably asking, “How do you sort of get a dog?” Well, when your mother-in-law’s friend is giving an adorable puppy away, and they get it for you, but your ...

I spent the morning at the Normal Heights UMC with a group of volunteers from FUMCSD, as the “Kids in Community” program got underway. Under the skilled leadership of Brooke Collins and Nancy Palmer, we gathered to provide a safe and positive environment for children of the Normal ...

My Grandma has taught me a lot about the fine art of yard sale-ing. And with Grandma, it really is an art. From the time I was very young, I can remember both going to yard sales with her and helping her have some of her own. Grandma’s yard sales always looked more like a boutique than a ...