Fully Alive in God

 Sabbatical - thoughts  on sabbathing This has been a more reflective week as I have taken time to do some things around the house that have not been tended to, gotten to try a new flow yoga class and a new juice bar, and visit online with some friends and work on my intercultural ministry class with another friend. I have also been able to step briefly out of sabbatical mode (and then back in!) in order to prepare for a service for Dave Matthews that was preplanned early in my sabbatical to take place right before my vacation time and after my retreat time. I have been thinking a lot about sabbatical time. Coming from the root word, "sabbath," while for academics it means rest and time to dig deep into a project; for clergy it often means to rest, recover and remember who we are during a time set aside from the responsibilities of ministry. We don't cease to be priests in this time, and I have even requested some prayer requests so I can pray for folks, especially as I e...

  (the Episcopal Church, All Souls', and Nippon Sei Ko Kai's seals, stylized) I just spent the last few days in Okinawa, Japan. We flew out of Narita airport in Tokyo, which I admit I would have loved to linger in longer. It was full of wonderful shops, often including a cultural theme, not just your typical airport tchotchkes and snacks. There was a whole store for the fabric that is traditionally used to wrap gifts in Japan. I was grabbing a quick catch-up with Alene (important to catch her midday due to the time difference) as we waited to be able to check in.  Landing in Okinawa, I was first struck by the beautiful orchids everywhere in the airport, and when we ventured out, the heat! As we hailed a taxi and rode the approximately one-hour drive (in traffic) from Naha to Chatan. We drove part of the way along the water, and it was wonderful to connect with a part of the ocean so far away from home. We arrived at All Souls’ Parish Rectory just as the sun was setting. I was ...

  Greetings from Tokyo! Thank you to those who prayed for safe travels for my goddaughter and me as we flew to Japan - everything went very smoothly, including a smooth immigration and customs experience. I am grateful!  When we arrived to Tokyo and connected with my good friend Joanna, we headed to a Konbini (Convenience store) to get some snacks and grabbed the train to Tokyo proper (since Narita airport is in the outskirts). As we passed rice fields and saw some traditional looking Japanese buildings, I was entranced and could not help but think of the Miyazaki movies. We went through some more suburban neighborhoods and arrived right into downtown Tokyo. The Tokyo subway is impressive. So many people but also so orderly. It was a bit challenging navigating it with suitcases (for the way back we took a ride share).  The rental home is Magic themed, with strong influences from the Harry Potter franchise. While I do not support JK Rowling's point of view, I had to admit ...