As executive director of the recently renamed Neighbors Together (formerly Tricounty Family Ministries), the Rev. Kara Stewart plans to tackle one of the community’s biggest challenges—ending homelessness. The South Carolina native has experienced what it’s like to struggle on the edge. She’s been there as a child, growing up in poverty a short drive fromContinue reading “Meet Kara Stewart, the new Neighbors Together executive director who has a plan to prevent homelessness | Charleston SC | Charleston Magazine”
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Remembrance and Repentance
Today is a day of remembrance for the City of Charleston. We take time to honor those who lost their lives on June 17th, 2015 at Mother Emanuel Church. It’s a day to pray for those who continue to grieve their loved ones and for all who were affected by this traumatic event. It’s also,Continue reading “Remembrance and Repentance”
Holding my breath
Life is a rollercoaster these days. Yesterday, I was feeling ambitious and energetic and I actually got the whole house clean. Except the downstairs bathroom. Cleaning 2 bathrooms is my limit. The day before, I had no desire to move from the living room. It was a good thing my laptop was in reach soContinue reading “Holding my breath”
Perseverance
I’ve always been told that as pastors, we preach the sermons we need to hear the most. That was true this Sunday. I’m in the midst of discernment, considering where God is calling me next. And the Scripture readings all lined up to talk about perseverance in pursuing God’s call. Wouldn’t you know. So IContinue reading “Perseverance”
Beyond setting an example
All my life, I’ve been told that Lutherans evangelize (share the Good News of Jesus) by setting a good example. Our lives are supposed to be so compelling that people will notice our peace and love and joy and simply flock to church to get some of that for themselves. In the 80’s, the ELCAContinue reading “Beyond setting an example”
Cloudy with a chance of raga
When I visit Charleston, it feels like coming home. I didn’t grow up there, but I did grow into myself there. My first church was Redeemer Lutheran in West Ashley (that’s across the Ashley River from the peninsula of Charleston) and my first home was in Belle Hall Plantation, across the Cooper River in Mt.Continue reading “Cloudy with a chance of raga”
Dealing with the Hard Stuff: Yoga Teacher Training Week Two
Everything is hard here. Even breathing is hard. That look on my face- it says it all. The concentration. The introspection. The hard work. And all I’m doing is breathing. But it’s not just the new breathing techniques I’m learning, trying to understand their different effects on my body and imagining teaching others to breatheContinue reading “Dealing with the Hard Stuff: Yoga Teacher Training Week Two”
How to Prepare for Yoga Teacher Training
One week ago, I was a bundle of nerves. I was preparing for my trip to Discovery Yoga in St. Augustine, FL for a 5-week class on teaching yoga, and I was paralyzed by my anxiety. What should I pack? Do I need another pair of shoes? What if I can’t keep up with theContinue reading “How to Prepare for Yoga Teacher Training”
It’s not you – it’s me.
I meditate with a 9-year-old boy in the room. Seriously. It may sound crazy, but it’s for real. Before I was a mom, I had a fairly regular prayer and devotion practice. I went to great lengths to create a special corner in my home that would be peaceful and supportive of my practice. IContinue reading “It’s not you – it’s me.”
(re)discovering the power of gratitude
I am the Queen of Avoidance. It always starts out as a reasonable time-management strategy: I can’t give my full attention to this big issue/new development/major project, so I decide to set it aside until I can concentrate. And so begins the game I play. The rest of my day is so busy that I can’tContinue reading “(re)discovering the power of gratitude”
Coming Up for Air 