Vita Nuova. Living water.

I used to teach in a parochal school. I considered it a vocation, not merely an occupation. I wasn't a pastor, but I was still in professional full-time ministry, trained and placed by a church body. I saw my role as not just to teach subject mtter, but to mentor and "disciple" young people, nurturing their relationships with God. We were priviledged to be a part of a faculty where most of our collegues felt the same way, we were "ministry minded," and part of a team.

 When we moved back to the Midwest to raise our kids I gave that up. It was hard at first. Since I was young I struggled with whether or not God wanted me to be a pastor. Eventually, I got over that- but knowing Jesus and seeing all that He's done for me- His unconditional love and the power of His grace, mercy and forgiveness- these are things that I just can't repress. So, this blog serves as a release.

Jeremiah 20:9

But if I say, "I will not mention him
or speak any more in his name,"
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot.