It's time to celebrate what is lost - being found! Tara talks about the Parable of the Prodigal Son in a new way during this fourth week in Lent. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and ...
Mar 22, 2022•15 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Our words and actions are a source of blessing or curse. Tara muses about what could be if life was a journey of blessing where "the road rises to meet us." There are no wasted trips this week of St. Patrick’s Day. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s T...
Mar 15, 2022•13 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Tara and teaching artist Deb Eck have a thoughtful conversation about the life-giving and subversive power in the simple act of making things. Against the backdrop of war, Tara finds words of empowerment in this week's readings for Lent The poem Within this Strange and Quickened Dust is found in The Ordering of Love: The New and Collected Poems of Madeleine L’Engle . To order you own "Sunflower Journal" to support this fundraiser for the children of the Ukraine, visit Deb's website at: Dryadarts...
Mar 08, 2022•28 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Welcome to Holy Shenanigans and the first week of Lent for 2022. This week’s Jesus story tells of him being tempted to listen to distract voices - ones attempting to derail him from his calling. In this time of Lenten contemplation, Tara offers a song, Teach me to Listen , to center our souls and help us listen to voices of love. There are many ways to practice Lent - how will you nurture your soul over the next 40 days? Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pas...
Mar 01, 2022•15 min•Season 3Ep. 15
In this week’s podcast: Jesus climbs up to a high place so good that his disciples don’t want to leave. Tara tells a Holy Shenanigans Story about the transformative power of friendship. Special guest Sarah DG ponders about the trans-figurative power of love in her reflection on 3 ½ Questions About Love Tara wraps things up with a prayer by Thomas Merton. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020....
Feb 22, 2022•15 min•Season 3Ep. 14
In this week’s podcast, Curious Forgiveness , Jesus calls his followers to love their enemies and we also hear about Joseph of the Technicolor Dream Coat, who uses forgiveness to mend brokenness in his family. In 3 ½ questions about love, Marilyn S. shares her recipe of curiosity and wonder to help us believe in our future. Get ready to take some notes on this week's recipe of love - as well as some advice from the lyrics of Martha Wash’s song, Soaring Free - so this Valentine's Day we “Don’t ta...
Feb 15, 2022•19 min•Season 3Ep. 13
In this week’s podcast we hear a Jesus story about healing that flips the tables of life as we know it and blesses people in experiences of woe and need. Special guest, Rev. Mack Smith answers 3 ½ questions about love and reminds us that "God loves you like crazy!" Stay tuned for a lively conversation about blessing and healing. Come and sit... Listen to the needs of people around us... And engage in some table flipping, holy shenanigans. In honor of Black History Month, this episode includes a ...
Feb 08, 2022•15 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Tara muses about being afraid and our need to belong. Along the way she tells a Jesus story about going into deep, unknown waters, talks with an eight-year old about love, and plays a song about finding a sense of home--even in uncharted waters. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wa...
Feb 01, 2022•14 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In Jesus, Jubilee, & Joy, Tara tells a story about a teacher who helped her to find her voice. Then she brings that voice-amplifying teacher on to answer 3 ½ Questions About Love. Learn more about Dr. Joy Harris-Smith at her website . Keep on the lookout for her new podcast That PTA Meeting launching soon! Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with h...
Jan 25, 2022•20 min•Season 3Ep. 10
When you have good news you want to share it, make it seen, heard, and known to everyone. I think it springs from compassion, whether it be expressed as a thoughtful act or caring conversation. This episode features remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a portion of his "I have a Dream" speech. This episode also includes a new segment called 3 1/2 Questions about Love, with special guest Laura Hanley. Laura is a board-certified social worker and psychotherapist practicing in the frozen t...
Jan 18, 2022•15 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this week’s podcast we learn how Jesus’ miracle of turning water to wine helps us learn how to do a new thing. How can “imagination help [us] penetrate unseen worlds”? Pass your cup, 'cause there is plenty of good wine (or green tea) to go around… Imagination is the stuff of possibility, innovation and good wine. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry ...
Jan 11, 2022•13 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Have you ever had to take a detour? This week we learn about the necessity for plans B or C and all the way to Z. We kick off 2022 by taking a plunge into unfamiliar waters. No matter what detour you're facing today, believe that there is another way. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate...
Jan 04, 2022•11 min•Season 3Ep. 7
A New Year is upon us as we live into the season of Christmastide. The Magi are still on the move AND they are looking for love. How can love show up in 2022? Perhaps it shows up in the expansive possibilities of the word “AND” and piece of chalk, a doorway and a poem… Instructions for the Chalk the Door Blessing mentioned in this episode: Leader: Peace be to this house, and to all who enter here. May all who come to our home this year rejoice to find LOVE living among us; and may we seek and se...
Dec 28, 2021•12 min•Season 3Ep. 6
It's time for the hope, peace, joy and love of Christmas. The candles are are glowing - and the Nativity story beckons us on - into the Work of Christmas, inspired by wisdom from Howard Thurman. Tara shares a gift of a new Christmas song, The Lights of Christmas. The Lights of Christmas (Copyright December 2021, Tara L. Eastman / Lyrics and Music) What is the path we seek? One of hope, for the meek? One of courage, in the work of peace? One of joy sted of chaos, that we meet? Is there love &...
Dec 21, 2021•12 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Today’s show for Advent 4 is all about LOVE… Loving God, others & ourselves… Tara muses about how vulnerability (Yes, thank you Brene' Brown ) ,is essential to love, especially in the messiness of real life. Our special guest is Rev. Dr. Danielle J. Buhuro , from Chaplaincy Innovations and co author/editor of Spiritual Care In An Age of #BlackLivesMatter: Examining the Spiritual and Prophetic Needs of African Americans Living In A Violent America . The poem, All of It by Cleo Wade, can be fo...
Dec 14, 2021•17 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Tara is joined by Becca Ehrlich from Lost Resort on TBS , who describes how living with less makes room for more of the things that really matter. Becca Ehrlich is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and services as Associate Dean for Community Life at General Theological Seminary in New York City. Her book, Christian Minimalism: Simple Steps for Abundant Living was released in May. Check out her blog , Facebook page , Twitter & Instagram . You can read Tara’s st...
Dec 07, 2021•13 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Tara invites you to take part in #makesomething week and shares a story of a curious art class that made a way for peace in a nursing home. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theolo...
Nov 30, 2021•13 min•Season 3Ep. 2
We need hope to carry us in the rough waters of life. Tara shares a story about how she learned to swim in the deep end of the pool and how hope overcomes fear. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and...
Nov 23, 2021•15 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Tara tells a story about how a puzzle project gone wrong became a lesson in finding real peace. She also explains how Jesus is a totally different kind of King. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and...
Nov 16, 2021•11 min•Season 2Ep. 52
“Are we there yet?” is the persistent question of the traveler. Tara unpacks that question in regards to the spiritual journey. She also shares a devotional resource she is finding personally helpful by Katie Haseltine : All the Things: A 30 Day Guide to Experiencing God's Presence in the Prayer of Examen. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her l...
Nov 09, 2021•15 min•Season 2Ep. 51
In this deeply personal episode, Tara honors some of the people that inspired her along her life journey and shares an original poem, Yellow Leaf. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and...
Nov 02, 2021•13 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Tara tells a Jesus story about the kind of truth that leads to freedom... and how Luther's Reformation, Tutu's philosophy of ubuntu and the hymn We are One in the Spirit challenge us to be known by love...above & beyond anything that tries to divide us. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a gr...
Oct 26, 2021•14 min•Season 2Ep. 49
We all need to be seen. Tara talks about tattoos and how judgement keeps us from really seeing others. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton S...
Oct 19, 2021•15 min•Season 2Ep. 48
Tara ponders a story about humility and shares a new song about based on the works of Welsh poet, clergyman and songwriter George Herbert. Run, Rise & Rest Enrich, God, heart, mouth, hands in we, With faith, with hope, with charity That we may run, rise, rest with thee. What is the calling of this day The act of love, along the way, Just one thing, we can give today. Heart, Mouth, Hands Run, Rise, Rest Enrich, Lord: heart, mouth, hands renew, With faith, with hope, with love to do. That we m...
Oct 12, 2021•10 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Do small things with great love is a lesson from the Teresas that Tara ponders today. She also talks about simplifying during the #100daydresschallenge. To learn more about the challenge, go to wool& . Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theologica...
Oct 05, 2021•10 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Tara unpacks a Jesus story about intimate relationships. Guest Father Luke Fodor talks about Father Bernard’s Blessed Biscuits , a new social enterprise of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church and the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County that supports recovery and mental health efforts. If you are in the Syracuse NY area, Tara invites you to bring your pet for a blessing! The Blessing of the Animals service is Friday 8/1/21 at 6pm at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Liverpool, NY. A blessing ...
Sep 28, 2021•16 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Guest Drew Schroun from the organization Sleep In Heavenly Peace shares a story of hope and Tara talks Thomas Merton. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program...
Sep 21, 2021•18 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Tara tells a Jesus story that reminds us to care for one another with tenderness and welcome. She downs an intense cup of coffee and then relates a childhood dream - starring Jesus himself - and how her Sunday School teacher chose tenderness to help her feel seen, heard and welcomed. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music a...
Sep 14, 2021•13 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Happy Birthday Holy Shenanigans! This week we ponder a Jesus story about identity, calling and the power of setting boundaries, hear a birthday story about a stolen cupcake, get some advice from the poet Rilke on how to live into doubts, and hear an original song by Tara called Cross Roads. As we stand on the threshold of the autumn season and all the changes it brings, let's take a minute to fill in our blanks of “Get behind me _____, so we can get on down the road.” Send Tara a Text Message Su...
Sep 07, 2021•16 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Content warning: This episode is about suicide prevention. If you or someone you love is considering suicide, help is available from the National Suicide Prevention Line at 800-273-8255 (voice) and 741-741 (text). Tara is joined this week by Michelle Snyder, the primary workshop presenter for Soul Shop , an organization that equips faith communities to minister to those impacted by suicide. Also mentioned in this episode is the Semicolon Project , a non-profit organization that “envisions a worl...
Aug 31, 2021•18 min•Season 2Ep. 41
