Hi Fr. Michael, my husband and I were parishioners at All Souls back when you were in Seminary. We have followed you off and on since we left (we are still Anglican - in Monument, Colorado!). Since discovering your substack, we've really enjoyed your preaching - in particular how you've tailored your sermons to be a discipleship tool for small groups. Our small group has greatly benefited from discussing thoughts and teaching you've shared. Thank you for providing that resource and making it so accessible! I was also moved by your most recent post about your health journey - as no doubt you've observed, vulnerability tends to beget vulnerability and I have no doubt that the humble and difficult honesty with which you've shared will trickle down in unforeseen ways among your flock. Expanding your reach may have more to do with leaning into the breaking, than with the resulting weight loss. I am thankful for you, the gifts God has given you, and the ways you're offering them for the strengthening of his people. May the Lord continually bear you up as you shepherd the flock through this present trial (Ps. 68: 19)
Hey, Laura! That was such an incredibly kind and supportive thing to say. I’m thrilled (and humbled) to hear that anything I’ve written or said is blessing people as far away as Colorado. Thank you for the message, and if you and Ryan are ever near Largo, let me know!
I want to continue with you. If I’m not already paid, 6.00 a month is fine with me. I need a push to be more active and walk more. It is important for me. I ask for help in my prayers and maybe this will encourage me to do the work.
We miss you as well. When I’m doing my work, I often run into documents where you are named. I was looking for something in our bulletin archive yesterday and kept running into J. Michael Strachan giving the sermon. ♥️
Thank you for sharing. I have to stop making excuses or ignoring what I should do. I am now inspired and motivated to embrace the whole package - mind, body and soul. 🙏🙏🙏
Lots of people feel that push and pull between helping other people make the right decisions and making those decisions ourselves. I know I do. I said to another priest last Sunday, “The hardest part of preaching isn’t preaching itself but actually living out what you preach.”
Vickie I also am a recently retired licensed and registered dietitian in Florida. Many blessings on your journey. Knowledge and discipline are not the same. Ask for Gods help and he will assist.
For me, it feels productive to take things I’d normally do sitting down, like reading or praying, and do them on the treadmill. I’m not running or even jogging yet. I’m just putting one foot in front of the other and finding the progress brings me joy.
I‘m thrilled with your commitment and faithfulness in adapting these new habits as a result of following Jesus! I’m with you. I’m in. I need the community and accountability.
Hi Fr. Michael, my husband and I were parishioners at All Souls back when you were in Seminary. We have followed you off and on since we left (we are still Anglican - in Monument, Colorado!). Since discovering your substack, we've really enjoyed your preaching - in particular how you've tailored your sermons to be a discipleship tool for small groups. Our small group has greatly benefited from discussing thoughts and teaching you've shared. Thank you for providing that resource and making it so accessible! I was also moved by your most recent post about your health journey - as no doubt you've observed, vulnerability tends to beget vulnerability and I have no doubt that the humble and difficult honesty with which you've shared will trickle down in unforeseen ways among your flock. Expanding your reach may have more to do with leaning into the breaking, than with the resulting weight loss. I am thankful for you, the gifts God has given you, and the ways you're offering them for the strengthening of his people. May the Lord continually bear you up as you shepherd the flock through this present trial (Ps. 68: 19)
Hey, Laura! That was such an incredibly kind and supportive thing to say. I’m thrilled (and humbled) to hear that anything I’ve written or said is blessing people as far away as Colorado. Thank you for the message, and if you and Ryan are ever near Largo, let me know!
Congratulations. An amazing feat. Make it a permanent lifestyle change to maintain the weight when you hit your goal. You are doing great.
That’s the goal!
Well put and well done, Fr.
Keep up the good work!
My family and I will be in your neck of the woods in July. Hope to worship with you again.
That would be great!
I want to continue with you. If I’m not already paid, 6.00 a month is fine with me. I need a push to be more active and walk more. It is important for me. I ask for help in my prayers and maybe this will encourage me to do the work.
You’re right: there are many who will benefit by you sharing your journey. I’m in!
We miss you as well. When I’m doing my work, I often run into documents where you are named. I was looking for something in our bulletin archive yesterday and kept running into J. Michael Strachan giving the sermon. ♥️
Awesome! I miss you and All Souls!
Well done, Father! 🙌🏽
Thank you! I've got a long way to go still!
Thank you for sharing. I have to stop making excuses or ignoring what I should do. I am now inspired and motivated to embrace the whole package - mind, body and soul. 🙏🙏🙏
Amen, Vickie! You can do it! Thank you so much for sharing this. Let’s take this Journey together!
I would love that. I'm embarrassed to admit that I am a retired dietitian with a lifelong struggle of living the yo yo life.
Lots of people feel that push and pull between helping other people make the right decisions and making those decisions ourselves. I know I do. I said to another priest last Sunday, “The hardest part of preaching isn’t preaching itself but actually living out what you preach.”
Vickie I also am a recently retired licensed and registered dietitian in Florida. Many blessings on your journey. Knowledge and discipline are not the same. Ask for Gods help and he will assist.
You're an inspiration.
The treadmill isn't my favorite way to exercise but I'll start.
Now I've said it and must start doing it.
I love my treadmill! It’s one of my favorite parts of the day.
Wow!! How did you come to like it😂🙏. Very inspired! Will subscribe.
For me, it feels productive to take things I’d normally do sitting down, like reading or praying, and do them on the treadmill. I’m not running or even jogging yet. I’m just putting one foot in front of the other and finding the progress brings me joy.
Progress not perfection — that’s my motto for my piano students. Now I need to take my own advice😂.
I‘m thrilled with your commitment and faithfulness in adapting these new habits as a result of following Jesus! I’m with you. I’m in. I need the community and accountability.