I know that what I am about to reveal is blasphemy here...but I have always believed in being honest with others and oneself. And people say that confession is good for the soul.

So here goes: Lately I have lost my Claynection. I haven't had an interst coming here. I did not get all excited about Clay's blog(he was his usual charming self, but I didn't feel it). I just don't feel tied into Clay right now.

Truth of the matter is there has been so much going on in my life since the first of the year. There have been major pastoral issues on my plate. Since I don't think anyone here goes to my church I can safely say one of the issues is that a lesbian couple has put me at the center of their troubled relationship...They didn't teach us about that in seminary! How can I be their pastor when one is jealous?

However...beyond the pastoral issues, there is something else very exciting that has taken my Claynergy (Clay energy). About four years ago I had a vision for a mission...an arts center. This would be an outreach to at risk kids to help them find their voice and then give them avenues to use it in healthy ways.

Well...God has said, "it is time." I am working with the Juvenille Justice system here as a partner to get this off the ground. There is energy behind it...and not just mine. There is hope that this idea can become a reality and transform peoples lives.

It's so exciting. It will take an incredible amount of work! But it is worth it!

So, although I don't have the Claynection right now, I am convinced that God brought Clay out of obscurity in order for me to keep my head above water for a time such as this.

So ...we will see where we go from here...