I want to start by saying that these are very difficult times for the United Methodist denomination but also for the many families and individuals who have a personal connection to this concern.

The General Conference special session called to address human sexuality in regard to marriage and ordination has come to a close. I think that many of us have been surprised by the outcome. 

I don't know about you but I tend to find pennies to be annoying. I was looking at one the other day, which is something I don't typically take time to do. I looked at the front side, In God we Trust,  and I thought to myself, I need to give this coin another chance. It actually may have a good purpose for my life.

As we conclude the January series "Shaped by God's Heart", we prepare as a congregation to commit our time and financial support to missions for 2019.  I want us to remember that the goal is for us to be "missional". 

Years ago while on a safari in Africa, the lions taught me a very good lesson. We traveled in a Jeep for two weeks following the great migration of animals. The Jeep was without doors, barely a roof and we were clearly exposed.