About me (Sharolyn)

I love life, and like to squeeze the most out of it.

Vocationally, I am a Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament (pastor) in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), serving congregations in central Texas, in this big cultural time of transition. Relatedly, I am also a Godly Play Trainer, certified by the Godly Play Foundation to mentor the spiritual practice of Godly Play.

Also vocationally, I am a gardener, a mother, a sojourner into the state parks, a quilter, a walker (really saunterer), and a half-baked yogi.

Much of what I reflect on in this blog is faith, life, and the spirituality of children…especially made known through Godly Play. It is a method of spiritual guidance with children. I am an accredited Godly Play teacher and trainer of teachers. I was drawn initially to Godly Play, like many people, for my own children. I wasn’t interested in “training” my children to be lockstep “Christian soldiers.” Instead my hope for them is to think critically (and GRACE-fully) about the model of Jesus’ life as a servant of creation, the people and the earth they walk on. Godly Play quickly became a passion that synthesized my love for sacred place, the Montessori teaching method, a global Christian community, de-commercialization of childhood, storytelling and ultimately, a deep respect for the child’s spirituality. I have been working (playing?) with Godly Play since 1996.

My early education included completing a Bachelors of Science degree in Architecture, which I’m convinced was the most perfect synthesis of church history, culture, and moderating light. I also have a Master of Divinity degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, a year of specialized study at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and a Spiritual Guidance of Children certificate from the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York city.

I was married for thirty years, and from that was gifted the presence of three daughters in my life. And God’s grace continues even after the death of one of these daughters to cancer. These life experiences have brought even more wonder and longing for the mystery of God’s presence so often glimpsed in walking along by children (of all ages) on their spiritual journey.