When We Went Down to the River to Pray, Part Two: With a Babe on her Hip

December 4, 2013 By 18 Comments

Christopher Williams and his Djembe. Video by Sandra Heska King.  [This post is the second in a series of reflections from the retreat I attended in November with The High Calling folks. You can find the first installment here.] At Laity Lodge, the musicians in residence aren’t there to entertain.  They are there to engage. In […]


Filed Under: art, baby, Christopher Williams, community, Drew Holcomb, Ellie Holcomb, encouragement, engagement, gifts, God's omnipotence, grace, gratitude, help, holy, hospitality, John 13, kindness, Laity Lodge, music, Sandra Heska King

Comfort, Baked: How a Casserole Becomes Famous

September 17, 2013 By 10 Comments

It Started at Shipmates When I was a small child, my family worshiped at First Congregational UCC in San Bernardino. Our parents belonged to Shipmates, a couples’ fellowship. Many of my most enduring memories of that congregation stem from Shipmates-instigated activities. Notable among these events were Pal Week (a secret-friend type weeklong adventure that must remain […]


Filed Under: blessing, church, friends, gifts, God's omnipotence, grief, Hebrews 13, holy, hospitality, memory, mother, support, Uncategorized, unity

Buddy’s Slumber Party

August 29, 2012 By

My Buddy, Buddy.  His Master’s Call“Who does that chocolate lab belong to?” I asked Rich as I returned, that summer a few years ago, from a Saturday’s trip to San Diego. I sat on the rocker on our front deck, where I’d plunked myself upon my arrival. He stood in the front yard, hose in […]


Filed Under: dog, faith, God's omnipotence, grace, hospitality, neighbors, Psalm 3, visitor