i write.
Chuck Carlson A.K.A. “Dad,” “PaPa Chuck,” “PaPa Seal,” “Uncle Chuck,” “Pastor Chuck,” “Pasta Chuck,” “Pasta Ravioli” “Pasta Masta,” “the Walrus…” Charles Brand Carlson was born on May 6, 1946 to Kathryn Braithwaite and Anthony Scelza. The world was never the same. When Chuck was 4 years old, he was adopted by Kathryn’s new husband George Carlson,… Continue reading Charles Brand Carlson (1946-2018)
I've had some things on my To Do list bearing down on me over the last few weeks. It's all stuff for my dad's memorial service. As I've procrastinated and procrastinated, I've had to admit to myself the nugget of denial that I am living with. The reality has hardened in this flood of grief… Continue reading Call the Pebble Dare
"How are you?" When I was 13, my dad almost died right before my eyes. I always preface my reflections on this era with my age because it adds to the drama, but it really does matter. I turned 13 the day my dad was moved from CCU to a "regular" hospital room. And then… Continue reading I Think They Call This Grief
A reflection from Colter Sprague, 10th grade. Thanks to Hope’s generosity, I was able to attend the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas. This was my first time to attend a youth gathering. During this week, I saw God’s love emerge in many different ways. When we first arrived, we joined 31,000 Lutheran youth… Continue reading God’s LOVE Changes Everything
A reflection from Ben Miller, 10th grade. Hope. What a fascinating concept. Desmond Tutu said, "Hope is being able to see the light despite all the darkness." Being able to see the light in the dark. During the youth gathering I listened as half a dozen people stood in front of 30,000 high school students… Continue reading God’s HOPE Changes Everything
Just over two years ago, I presented the dream of Hope sending youth to not one, but two youth gatherings – the 2017 Western States Youth Gathering with the theme of DREAM BIG and the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston with the theme of THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING. Hope captured the dream and answered the… Continue reading Gathering Roundup
May 13, 2018 Seventh Sunday of Easter Thought for the Week: John 17:6-19 I am asking on their behalf… those whom you gave me, because they are yours. (John 17:9) In this beautiful prayer from Jesus, we are reminded that all that we have is from God, especially the young lives we work with every… Continue reading In God’s Hands
A sermon for Sermons That Work Trinity Sunday, John 3:1-17. Every extraordinary experience sparks from the ordinary. Take a moment and reflect on the moments that have made you who you are today. Some of them may be spectacular, earth shattering, heart breaking, and more. But when we really take the time to reflect on what… Continue reading A Little Extra
An essay for Modern Metanoia on Trinity Sunday, John 3:1-17. Every extraordinary experience sparks from the ordinary. Full of curiosity, Nicodemus proactively seeks Jesus out at night. Jesus transforms what was an inconspicuous evening into a remarkable, life-changing event. What I love about the Gospel of John is the way we, readers thousands of years later,… Continue reading Join the Movement
I am from wind, from sunglasses, and flip flops. I am from the land of cold ocean waves and sky-scraping treetops. I am from wildflowers, the bright, unexpected spray of poppies. I am from generosity and hard laughter, from Carlsons, Scelzas, Adcocks, McLaughlans, and Braithwaites. I am from loud-mouthed opinions and revolving-door hospitality. From, "You… Continue reading Where I Am From
