In Southern California, 2025 was a year marked by fire and ICE. The Palisades fire got the most name recognition, but Runyon Canyon, Eaton Canyon
Eating is a daily act of healing and hope for a hurting world. This realization encouraged me to say yes when approached about writing a plant-forward (vegetarian) cookbook published by MennoMedia in 2020 called Sustainable Kitchen: Recipes and inspiration for plant-based, planet conscious meals.
Gardening done in a Sabbath spirit renews us, builds community and quietly prepares for a future we cannot control.
In front of my apartment is an unmaintained median. Rain + unmaintained space = AJ is going to grow something. I took advantage of the situation and planted beans in the median. It was mischievous, it had little risk, and it opened up a possibility for many collateral benefits.
There’s a curious phrase in the first chapter of Acts: “a sabbath day’s journey.” It refers to the short walk between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives — just under a mile. What I love about this detail is that it shows how Sabbath is not only about what we don’t do, but about how we move through the world with intention.
Christmas is a time of celebrating a great mystery and wonderful sacrament of God choosing incarnation. Jesus was embodied. So are we.
This year I’m wondering if gratitude is more about my eyes. Is gratitude about seeing the things around us in a more generous lens?
