Since 1863, and thanks to the insightful leadership of President Lincoln, we have been blessed to have a national holiday set aside for “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” In the midst of rampant consumerism and materialism, and the hectic pace of life required to maintain our often over extended lifestyles, we have a least one day set aside that encourages us to stop, take a breath, count our blessing and consider their source.

Until Black Friday, that is.

Read more: Giving with Gratitude

You’ve heard of “Christmas in July”? The Labor Day holiday kicks us all into a sort of “New Year’s in September” mode. The new year is still a few months off, but the ending of summer and the beginning of school get us in the mind set of new beginnings and fresh starts.

Never a great student as a young person, I always loved the first few days of school - new classes, new teachers and fresh notebooks just waiting to be filled with well organized notes from my sure to be well disciplined mind. At least for a few days each September, I wasn’t behind and I had yet to miss an assignment.

Read more: On Assignment

Through a happy set of very unexpected circumstances, in May of 2013 I had the great privilege of becoming the pastor of La Mesa Central Congregational Church. The congregation’s call for me to become the next pastor, and my acceptance of that call, was a challenge on both sides as I have no official Congregational roots. These first sixteen months together have been, and continue to be, a journey of getting to know each other and building trust.

Read more: Our Congregational Core

In case you hadn't noticed, football season has come early to the United States, and right on time for the rest of the world. Of course, I'm not talking about American football, I'm referring to soccer and the World Cup tournament. And World Cup fever has seemingly affected almost everyone on the planet, including, yours truly. As I sit here in my office writing, I'm listening to USA vs. Germany on the radio and quietly cheering the Americans on – USA! USA! USA!

Read more: I Pledge Allegiance