I am sitting on the balcony of a hotel in Newport Beach, California looking out over the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. It is vast. It goes all the way to the horizon. And I know from experience it extends way beyond my sightline. The water is calm with several container ships in the distance waiting for their turn to unload at the docks further north in Long Beach. In my mind, in some small way the Pacific Ocean is a visible metaphor for God. We know God is vast and is prese

This summer, I invested in a new fitness watch. One of the things it measures is stress. It uses a system called heart rate variability. Apparently, when you're in a time of stress, the time between heartbeats is less. When you're at rest or non-stressed, the time between heartbeats is greater. As I've participated in various activities during the summer and fall, I've noticed some interesting things. Sitting at my computer and taking care of emails and other work is apparent

As a child I loved Winnie the Pooh and I must admit, I still do as an adult. What comes across as simplistic is rather deep wisdom of Pooh Bear. How I wish I had his wisdom as I search for a way to tell you all what you have meant to me and my family these past five years. I struggle to say all that I want to say to you, I am lost for words. Over these past five years Craig and I experienced your warm welcome. We experienced your unconditional love for us shown through stunni

Those are the opening words of a song from The Sound of Music. That song was lighthearted in its presentation but serious in its intent to give the von Trapp family time to escape from the tragedy of their times. With Pastor Jason’s and Craig’s announced plans to start a new part of their life journey in upstate New York, it is clear they are NOT escaping from a tragedy. Rather, they are leaving behind a strong ministry of caring at St. Stephen’s, a ministry Pastor Jason ha