Echoes and Moments

Call them stacked enchiladas, if you prefer. It's a casserole: that perfect microcosm of New Mexico itself - a curious amalgam of different cultures blending through the centuries into a pan full of flavor. It is the flavor of home, and a simple dish that I make often for friends, or, like today, celebrations. It's an easy dish that cooks up in about an hour and a half, so you gabachos from the midwest can enjoy it just as much as mi familia over here in California and New Mejico. If you're looking to spice it up this holiday season (well, let's face it, real green chile isn't spicy at all), consider this heart warming dish to bring to the next potluck. I'll share the recipe: 1 large yellow onion 2 cloves garlic 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can (7oz) diced green chiles 1/2 tbsp Mexican oregano (whole leaf) 1 tsp cumin 2 tbsp olive oil 3/4 cup water corn tortillas jack cheese (optional) shredded chicken, cooked Dice the onion and garlic cloves...

I'll give you a picture of my decision-making process. First, let's get things straight. Here is how I feel in the hands of my God at times like these: Being a missionary isn't as easy as you thought, eh, Batman? This month in particular I have faced questions about the future. I don't think I'm alone when I write that every instance I attempt to face a big decision as an emerging adult, I find the inner noise violently thrust upon me. Today, at the grocery store checkout, I could hardly mutter a response to the friendly gentleman next to me in the checkout line; the thoughts are that deafening. As the questions run amok, as I attempt to reflect on past, present, and future, my body experiences the response. My temples feel the heat of the blood flowing and tension begins creeping up my neck to settle conveniently in my jaws. My shoulders tense and I experience lingering pain from a back injury from a few years ago. This link between our bodies, minds, a...

There is no wilderness so terrible, so beautiful, so arid and so fruitful as the wilderness of compassion. It is the only desert that shall truly flourish like the lily.    - Thomas Merton I can't say anything about love that hasn't been said before. But what helps keep me going when I feel dry is the reminder that we are all called to see the desert with eyes of hope. It is this hope that Isaiah recognizes when he describes the vision of God's kingdom. Isaiah 35:1-2 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad;      the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly      and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,      the majesty of  Carmel and  Sharon. They shall see the glory of the  Lord ,               the majesty of our God.  May our eyes see the goodness of the Lord, e...

Sunset over central New Mexico, from atop Sandia Crest, August 2011. In my house there remains a recurring conversation about our dreams. As we arise in the morning, readying ourselves for the day ahead, I hear the now familiar question, "How did you sleep?" now paired with, "Did you have any dreams?" At times this question is hard for me to answer. Many times we awaken with the last glimpse of our dreams fading into the morning, and nothing is left but that feeling of mystery. It seems all detail of the arc of the dream has been left behind in the night. At other times these dreams are vivid and remain with us and allow us to process our unanswered questions, our longings, anxieties, and even hopes. The  popular culture  of my generation certainly has an interest in it. Still, I find I can connect more with those dreamers that remind me of my own roots, who therefore give me ground to engage an ever present struggle to carry the rich history of my family wi...

I find it necessary to reflect on my relationship with the sporting world, especially as Facebook and the Twitterverse blow up with the praises of the San Francisco Giants. Don't get me wrong. I love San Francisco. It is my favorite city on earth, ahead of Madrid, Washington D.C., Barcelona, London, and Paris. Sports are about engaging in the tribal struggles that we humans have always needed to vent our aggression. All allegiances are about sticking through the tough times and celebrating the good. For that, I appreciate all my friends. But I must say, because I was brought into this world on the other side of the Bay, I'm going to have to agree with this guy. Yes, there's no such thing as a bandwagon fan in the Raider Nation. And thank the Lord for that.

Most nights I enjoy reading on the front porch of our house, especially when the cool night air sets in and my body rests easier after a long day among so many people. Today I read a woman's words that spoke to me through her experience among the marginalized in Latin America. Tonight her words hit me with the characteristic precision of a prophet and the earnest honesty of a poet. Though she wrote these words only a few months after I was born, they ring with the truth of so many gone before us. It was just what I needed to hear. I'll share an excerpt below, from Penny Lernoux : I feel like I'm walking down a new path. It's not physical fear or fear of death, because the courageous poor of Latin America have taught me a theology of life that, through solidarity and our common struggle, transcends death. Rather, it is a sense of helplessness--that I who always wanted to be the champion of the poor and am just as helpless--that I, too, must hold out my begging bowl; t...

I wanted to briefly thank those of you who have read some of these words I choose to share with you as a part of this blog, as well as those of you who have chosen me to represent the mission of Jesus as a partner in your prayers and your finances.  I have noticed a few anonymous donations come in over the past few months. Although I may have spoken to you at some point, may know you, or may never meet you (however we may share in this crazy and beautiful family that God invites us into), know that I deeply appreciate your gifts, as well as the faithful witness you provide me through such a simple act as donating a few dollars. Many of you support me in ways I will never experience consciously, but I get the feeling sometimes that heaven's energy is a little closer due to people like you! I hope that my choices for the sake of the unbreakable and eternal Kingdom of God can be my thank you. Of course I wish I could do more, and I always strive to do more. But in the meantime, I ...