Even Satan could quote scripture. In the wilderness, Satan quoted scripture to justify his unholy goals. But those who trust in God learn to love and show compassion the way God does.

Today is a good day to be kind to yourself…and to those around you.

Christianity is about love. Love is the no. 1 command. Love is the greatest spiritual gift. But love is hard; therefore, many try to make Christianity about something else: beliefs, dogma, purity.

"I know that when God looks upon Jane Goodall, and looks upon what humans are doing to try and protect this earth, and protect all the living creatures of this earth, God smiles." --from a sermon I preached in 2022.

Just before sunrise in Bloomington, Illinois

Don’t let anyone steal your joy.

When is Jesus returning? Jesus is already here…among the hungry, naked, imprisoned, immigrant, and sick

It’s hard to love one’s neighbor. It’s even harder to love one’s enemies. But if you’re not even trying, but instead brag about how much you hate your enemies or your opponents, you’re not even trying to be a follower of Jesus.

Would you choose the “shorter trail” or the “longer trail?” (We did them both; one going, the other coming.)

Counting switchbacks to this view…

If you believe there is too much hate…show LOVE If you believe there is too much despair…give HOPE If you believe there is too much meanness…be KIND

Stopped in to St. Martin Parish Church and lit a candle for my Aunt Carol, whose funeral mass is taking place today in California.

As I prepare to go on vacation, this seems the perfect time to take a little break from social media. The hypocrisy and hatred of many is stressing me out. Please pray, meditate—or do whatever you do to center your thoughts—on kindness, empathy, love, and compassion.

A peaceful end can only be achieved through peaceful means

So… Donald Trump has declared war on #Chicago.

I don’t know who was in charge of the music that was playing at the Y while I was swimming, but I’m not going to lie: going from Mozart’s Lacrimosa to the High School Musical soundtrack was quite exhilarating.

Stop using tragedy to justify hate

Since moving to Illinois a year and a half ago, I’ve made several visits to #Chicago. Each time I was impressed by the city’s beauty and friendliness.

The part of my sermon that got the most reaction was a part I added last minute. It wasn’t even written down in the manuscript.

Can we get a rainbow crosswalk here in #BloomingtonIllinois? 🌈

Sweet Corn Circus. Lots of corn (Yum!). Lots of circus. Very Illinois-y.

Hate divides Love unites

Woke: a term used derogatorily by some to refer to a truth they can’t handle or that incriminates them.

How wonderful that we live in a time when a boy can fulfill his dream, even if that dream is to be a professional cheerleader.

Good theology is important Love is importanter. 😁

Little did I know that five minutes later, a crash of thunder would send me running for home…

I saw some cool shows at the Hollywood Bowl, but I wish I could be there for Jesus Christ Superstar!

A pastor (like any Christian) is called to love everyone. But I’m learning that doesn’t mean you need to try to please everyone.

Those who use the Bible to justify anti-LGBTQ hate either: A. Intentionally & maliciously misrepresent the gospel to justify their own bigotry, or B. are good, decent people who unfortunately believe what those in the first category say.

I’m beginning to think the opposite of love isn’t hate, but fear. Get rid of the fear to release the hate, and learn to love.

Bloomington Pridefest

Trying to organize all this into a 3-week sermon series on the Bible and gender. #bible #gender #transgender #lgbtq

Some people call me “woke.” I just call it “following Jesus.”

So I’m not the only one who took a photo of this awesome statement shared by our General Minister & President Terri Hord Owens at last night’s closing worship, right? #ga2025beyond

You know… just @thordowens.bsky.social laying out a vision for this church for our future. Like she does. What a powerful ending to our #ga2025beyond #ccdoc

In near unanimous votes, the General Assembly condemns the “big beautiful bill;” the U.S. government’s attacks on immigrants; and the occupation & genocide taking place in Palestine. #ga2025beyond

The hot water for this morning’s tea has a faint odor of coffee. 🤮 Wishing I had remembered to pack my portable electric kettle.

Reconnecting with some of my seminary classmates at the CTS reception!

Morning worship with Obra Hispana, followed by a visit to the Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. #ga2025beyond

We’re called to CARE, but let God CARRY the burden. Bernice King speaking at tonight’s General Assembly worship. #ga2025beyond

If you refuse to protect the climate, and if you cut funding to the National Weather Service, you don’t get to blame God for deadly floods.

Making the best of things after multiple unexpected setbacks.

LOVE is the greatest LOVE is the most important Matt 22:36-40 1 Cor 13

God will bless America when America blesses the poor, the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers, and those who are hungry for justice, as Jesus said.

Jesus's sharpest criticism and condemnation was directed at those who blamed victims and further oppressed those who were already at the margins of society, which is exactly what the anti-transgender movement is doing today.

I’ve spent most of my life in California and now live in Illinois, and I couldn’t be more proud of both states right now.

“I like blurring the line between human and nature because I believe we, as a species, have become profoundly lonely in our self-enforced isolation.” Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, _Forest Euphoria_

Part of me feels bad for Trump and Musk because I don’t think either one is capable of a friendship/relationship that isn’t based on “what can I get out of this?”