Christmas was one of my mom’s favorite holidays. There was this specific CD she pulled out every year that had all the “dramatic” Christmas songs on it (I have no idea what it was called. I just know it was green and that I got excited when I saw it). As many families do, we…
Cross-Cultural Connections
On October 27, 2023, the Cross-Cultural Connections Food Festival illuminated a vibrant and diverse evening. More than a feast for the taste buds, it became a joyous celebration of diversity—a living testament to unity, echoing the essence of the Kingdom of God. This success is owed to our dedicated Cross-Cultural Connections planning team, whose unwavering…
Holy Spirit Shenanigans
When I have the bandwidth, I open myself to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit. She is always around, and in my life, she is often a smart aleck. I know the Holy Spirit is always with me because in the Bible, Jesus tells us so. John 14:16-17 “And I will ask the Father,…
To Read…To Wonder
I decided to spend some time reading on my recent vacation. In all my reading and listening throughout the week, there were a few lines from the first two chapters of a book that just kept ringing in my ears. The book is Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult…
Neighboring
neigh·bor·ing /ˈnāb(ə)riNG/ I’ll admit it. We are not using this word in accordance with the dictionary. Technically speaking, the word, neighboring, is an adjective used to describe something situated next to or very near something else. For example, Bedford is one of the neighboring cities to Hurst. Our intended use of the word is to…
Never Say Never
A few weeks ago, I embarked on a new journey as I started classes at Brite Divinity School. Going to seminary has always been in the back of my mind. The thought started growing my senior year of high school as I went through the Rite 12 program. I loved getting to learn more about…
Connect with God. Connect with People. Connect with Purpose.
As your Group Life Connections Pastor at FUMC Hurst, I am fortunate to have the privilege of connecting with individuals who are new to our church community. My role involves assisting not only newcomers but also our long-standing members and guests in finding their place within the various groups and ministries that make up our…
Know Thyself
Hundreds of years ago, the ancient philosopher Socrates said, “Know thyself.” Lamentations 3:40 says, “Let us test and examine our ways and return to the Lord.” Romans 12:3, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think but to…
Just a Little Bit Further
Last week I got to be in my happy place, spending time with my family in the mountains of Colorado where I have visited since I was a small child. It is a special place and I love getting to share so many memories and experiences with my own children: fishing, hiking, eating delicious food,…
My Family is Growing
I don’t remember when or how the seed was planted. I feel like it was always just there. It was almost as if my whole life, I’d been primed for the conversation when Aimee brought it up for the first time. She remembers vividly the first time that she and I talked about it together….
Youth Mission Trip: Then & Now
Youth mission trips have always been important to me and my family. Four generations of my family have been on mission trips here at First Hurst, from my great-grandfather, Chuck Jorden, down to me and my brothers. As our current students are gearing up for our 2023 mission trip, I have found myself reflecting on…
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