September 2025

The family who knew her best called her Shelley. Those of us who had to contain her for care affectionately nicknamed her Houdini. Shelley was a 30-pound, two-foot-long common snapping turtle who lived in a pond behind a home occupied by three generations of caring humans. The family and their neighbors watched the road to make sure no turtles were…

In 2022, when I graduated from seminary, I made a personal vow of ministry. I committed to caring for the Earth and all her beings. “All her beings” was a pretty big ask. After all, there are around 7.8 million species of animals, close to 300,000 plant species, 600,000 different kinds of fungi, and at least 5 million insect species…

When I made my vows of ministry at the end of seminary, I chose my words carefully. You may have seen my previous post where I explained that I was putting my hands and my heart into the work. What my work would be came next. I said I vowed to “compassionately care for the Earth.” I was making a…

The clatter of building materials being delivered to my neighbor interrupted my empty-headed stare into the woods during my sit spot meditation this morning. It also startled several chipmunks who, I guess because they were unsure of what that sound meant, started chuck-chucking in almost unison. Hearing their call, a red squirrel froze on the hemlock branch she was traversing.…