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How do we find hope when the world feels overwhelming, our faith is shaken, or the future seems uncertain? In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman joins chaplain Reverend Ellen Corcella and psychologist Dr. Natalie Hamrick for a powerful conversation about moving beyond despair and discovering new possibilities through faith, creativity, and action. Tara shares how creating a community mural became an unexpected source of hope for both herself and a stranger having a difficult day. Dr. Hamrick explores how attachment theory can deepen our relationship with God, challenge the belief that love must be earned, and help us release shame in favor of divine acceptance. Reverend Corcella reflects on how taking meaningful action—even when we cannot predict the outcome—can help us face uncertainty with courage. Together, they explore spiritual struggles, church hurt, unconditional love, and the power of small acts of creativity and compassion to inspire others. The episode also includes a guided meditation inviting you to release shame, embrace God's love, and reconnect with your worth and purpose. Discover how to cultivate hope even in difficult times, trust in possibilities you cannot yet see, and take the next faithful step toward a more loving world. Because hope isn't about waiting for certainty. It's about choosing to create, love, and act even when the way forward is unclear. 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

What happens when a place meant to offer belonging, healing, and connection becomes a source of spiritual harm? In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman talks with author and journalist Becky Garrison about religious trauma, spiritual narcissism, and how to recognize the difference between a healthy spiritual community and a toxic one. Becky discusses her new book, Gaslighting for God: A Satirical Guide to Save Yourself From Spiritual Narcissists, and shares practical red flags to watch for—including a lack of accountability, unhealthy power structures, financial secrecy, and communities where saying “no” isn't respected. She also offers some important green flags: being heard, feeling safe, having your boundaries respected, and knowing that you can show up as your authentic self. The conversation explores why satire can be healing, how trauma can affect our search for belonging, and why sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is listen to our bodies and walk away from a community that isn't healthy for us. At the heart of this conversation is a simple message of hope: You are not alone. There are survivors, resources, and healthier communities where love, connection, and belonging can be genuine. Come join Tara and Becky for a Holy Shenanigans conversation about smashing idols, finding shalom, and making room for spiritual communities that do no harm. 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

What happens when we stop thinking of art as something created in isolation and start seeing it as a way to build community, nurture hope, and create change? In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, recorded live at Wild Goose Festival 2026, Tara talks with artist and creative visionary Sarah Skinner, Lumen Solis at Instagram, about the transformative power of art. She shares the story of the Witnessing Wall, a collaborative art project that grew from grief and resistance into a living expression of connection, hope, and beloved community. Together, Tara and Lumen explore what happens when we let go of control, invite others into the creative process, and allow our art—and ourselves—to ripple out into the world. They talk about creativity as a spiritual and even liturgical practice, the courage to face difficult realities, and the unexpected ways community can catch us when life gets hard. And, of course, there are a few holy shenanigans along the way—including a goose with wings and bells. You don't have to think of yourself as an artist to join this conversation. You simply have to be willing to make something beautiful, share your gifts, and discover what happens when creativity calls us back into community. Blessed Are the Burned-Out Apr 7, 2025 Written By Sarah Skinner Before the palms, before the cross, before the sunrise—this is for you. For the hands tending Sacred Refuge, for those who feel they must be more than human— this is your invitation to pause. To remember that you are holy. That you are human. That you are held. In my work in ministry, I have walked alongside hundreds of pastors and church workers. And I know: You are tired. This blessing is one small offering in return— a moment of restoration in the Holy Currency of Wellness. A reminder that you, too, are part of the ecosystem of grace. Let me take your hands, and place this blessing in them. Blessed are the burned-out, the ones with sermon notes in the margins of bulletins, who haven’t sat through a full worship service in years because they’re always making it happen for someone else. Blessed are the ones who stayed late to fold bulletins, to run through sound checks, to clean up candle wax— so someone else could experience sacredness. Blessed are the ones who can’t cry during the Good Friday service because they know they have to lead the Easter one. Blessed are the cracked-voiced singers, the undercaffeinated liturgists, the ones whose hearts are full of beauty and whose bodies are just so tired. Blessed are the pastors who write resurrection sermons while quietly grieving the loss no one else knows they’re carrying. Blessed are the ones who bring communion to others, not remembering the last time someone blessed them with bread. Blessed are you— in your imperfection, your overwhelm, your quiet ache. You are not failing. You are not alone. You are not unseen. You are standing at the edge of something holy. And so—before the week begins, before you take up basin and towel, before you preach the cross and sing the tomb open— Come. Not as leader. Not as shepherd. But simply as you. Breathe. Be held. Let this blessing carry you for once. You do not have to resurrect the world. Just remain. Just be. Just breathe. The presence of the Holy One is already here. You are not the tomb’s keeper. You are not the dawn’s engine. You are the one the Holy One would sit beside in the garden— before the palms, before the cross, before the sunrise— just to say: “You are enough. Let me hold your hand awhile.” 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Change is inevitable—but that doesn't mean we're always prepared for it. As summer turns toward autumn, Tara welcomes back Reverend Dr. Becca Ehrlich of the New Breath Spirituality Center for a deeply honest conversation about what happens when life shifts beneath our feet. Change can bring excitement and possibility, but it can also bring anxiety, grief, fear, and a whole mix of emotions that our bodies experience long before our minds know what to do with them. Becca, a spiritual director and somatics practitioner, introduces us to the world of somatic spirituality and invites us to pay attention to the wisdom of our bodies. What does it mean to feel our emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them? How can we expand our capacity to handle what life throws at us? And how might our bodies actually become part of the way we experience God? Tara and Becca talk about grief, life transitions, nervous-system regulation, co-regulation, movement, prayer, and the surprising ways our bodies can help us process change. Along the way, they explore Becca's own experience of leaving a faith tradition after 20 years and the complicated “both/and” of grieving what we're leaving while making room for what comes next. They also discover a beautiful connection between somatic practice and spirituality—from Joan of Arc's embodied courage to the simple physical act of crossing yourself during prayer. You don't have to be calm all the time. You don't have to have everything figured out. And you don't have to navigate change alone. Sometimes the invitation is simply to notice, breathe, listen, and make a little more room for what you're experiencing. And at the end of it all, there's this beautiful reminder: You are loved. ❤️ 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

As summer begins to give way to fall, our calendars fill up, routines change, and we find ourselves standing at crossroads—wondering what to let go of, what to carry forward, and how we want the next season of life to feel. In this special episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman explores compassion through the stories of Jacob wrestling with God and Jesus feeding the crowds in the wilderness. What happens when we stop running from our regrets, fears, and uncertainty—and instead choose courage, connection, generosity, and hope? Drawing on the image of a table, Tara invites us to consider not just what we put on our tables, but what kind of table we are creating. Will it be a table shaped by ego and scarcity, or one where compassion makes room for everyone? As you prepare for the busy season ahead, pause for a moment. What are you ready to release? What are you determined to keep? And what would happen if compassion became the central ingredient in the life you're creating? Come wrestle, wonder, and make a little room for some holy shenanigans. 🍂 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

As August begins with a joyful chorus of "Rabbit, Rabbit," Tara Lamont Eastman explores the rich traditions of Lammas, Lughnasadh, and the first harvest. From playful rituals to ancient celebrations of bread and gratitude, this episode reflects on how harvest seasons invite us to gather, give thanks, and recognize the people who have nurtured our lives. Marking ten years of ordained ministry, Tara shares personal stories of the mentors, friends, and communities who offered "good soil" during life's most challenging seasons. Drawing inspiration from the work of Diana Butler Bass and the agricultural parables of Jesus, this conversation reminds us that spiritual growth flourishes through love, hospitality, and shared abundance. The episode also features Tara's original song, "Good Soil," and concludes with a blessing inviting listeners to celebrate the harvest within their own lives and the people who have helped them grow. Whether you're observing Lammas, Lughnasadh, visiting your local farmers market, or simply looking for hope in an uncertain season, this episode offers encouragement to cultivate gratitude, tend your soul garden, and become good soil for 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

When life feels hard, it's easy to wonder, Why bother? But what if God's kingdom grows precisely in those unexpected places? In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman reflects on Jesus' parables of the sower, the mustard seed, and the yeast to discover how God's generous love takes root through even the smallest acts of mercy and hope. Sharing the story of transforming a tiny, clay-filled garden into a place of beauty and abundance, Tara explores what it means to prepare our hearts as "good soil" and partner with God in cultivating new life. Whether you're facing rocky ground, stubborn obstacles, or wondering if your efforts matter, this conversation offers encouragement to keep planting seeds of grace. Because God's love has a way of growing where we least expect it—and even the smallest acts of faith can become gardens of hope. Join us as we imagine what might flourish when we choose to sow generously, trust God's surprising abundance, and become good soil for faith, hope, and love. 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

In this summer ☀️ episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman reflects on the simple yet powerful image of a cup of cool water 💧 and what it means to offer refreshment, hope, and welcome in a weary world. Beginning with the everyday care of fresh flowers, Tara explores how small acts of love and kindness can nurture life, just as cool water helps flowers flourish. Drawing wisdom from the prophet Jeremiah, Jesus' words in Matthew 10, and the life and poetry of George Herbert, this episode reminds us that our words, our presence, and our unique gifts matter. If you've ever wondered whether you're "too much" or "not enough," this conversation offers an invitation to embrace your beloved identity and trust that God can use your everyday acts of compassion to make a lasting difference. Together, we'll discover how courage, hospitality, and faithful living become a refreshing welcome for others—and for ourselves. May this episode encourage you to offer your own cup of cool water through words of hope, acts of kindness, and the unique gifts only you can share. 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Summer is here, and with it comes an invitation to embrace the sacred practice of faithful fun. In this episode of Holy Shenanigans Podcast, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman explores how joy, play, rest, and community can become powerful spiritual practices that renew the soul. Drawing from experiences at the Wild Goose Festival's silent disco, community Pride celebrations, and the June Rainbows photo challenge, Tara reflects on the biblical call to Sabbath and the importance of creating spaces where all people are welcomed, celebrated, and loved. Along the way, she shares stories of unexpected connection, healing, belonging, and moments of "life to the full" that remind us that faithful fun is more than recreation—it's sacred work. Whether you're feeling weary, overwhelmed, or simply looking for inspiration this summer, this episode invites you to stop waiting for "someday" and make room for joy today. Discover how practices of rest, playfulness, acceptance, and community can help you experience renewal and abundance in everyday life. Join us for a summer conversation about faithful fun, Pride, Sabbath, and the holy shenanigans that surprise, encourage, and transform us all. 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

In this special Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈 episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman welcomes Rev. Holly Clark Porter for a heartfelt conversation about faith, identity, belonging, and the expansive love of God. Drawing inspiration from Matthew 9, Tara and Holly explore how Jesus continually reached across social boundaries to embrace those who had been marginalized, misunderstood, and excluded. Together, they reflect on the meaning of Pride, the history of Stonewall, the importance of visibility and welcome in the church, and the ways faith communities can participate in healing and reconciliation. Along the way, Holly shares stories of love, ministry, and her journey as a queer pastor, while offering thoughtful resources for those who are new to Pride celebrations or seeking to better understand LGBTQ+ experiences. The conversation concludes with a beautiful reflection on love, humanity, and the sacred work of learning to see one another more fully. Whether you're celebrating Pride, exploring questions of faith and inclusion, or simply seeking a message of hope, this episode invites you to lean into love, embrace our shared humanity, and remember that all people are beloved by God. Welcome to the Holy Shenanigans neighborhood—where it's always sacred and never stuffy. 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

In this windy Pentecost episode of Holy Shenanigans, Tara Lamont Eastman reflects on the simple childhood joy of flying a kite and how it connects to spiritual renewal, communion, and the movement of the Holy Spirit. Through stories, scripture from Acts 2, prayer, and poetry, Tara explores what it means to lift up our hearts, release burdens that weigh us down, and open ourselves to bold new directions inspired by God’s Spirit. Like a kite carried by the wind, Pentecost invites us to trust, let go, and move forward in love. This episode offers:  A reflection on Pentecost and the Holy Spirit as wind  A kite-inspired spiritual practice and prayer  Connections between playfulness, faith, and renewal  Encouragement to embrace new beginnings with courage and joy  An original Pentecost poem celebrating freedom, wonder, and grace So grab your metaphorical kite string, step into the wind, and discover how the Spirit may be calling you toward something new. 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Step into the spirit of Easter and Spring renewal with a conversation about creativity, nature, and the sacred rhythms of everyday life. In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman sits down with floral artist Kate Fenstermacher of Bough and Bend Floral to explore how beauty, art, and the natural world can help us slow down, heal, and reconnect. Together, they reflect on the power of flowers to mark life’s most meaningful moments—from joy to grief—and how creative expression opens the door to deeper connection, mindfulness, and personal growth. Kate shares her journey of building a floral business rooted in belonging and authenticity, while Tara offers a moving poem that reminds us: we each carry a universe within us. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, emotional healing, or simply a gentler way of living, this episode invites you to embrace the “simple gifts” of life—and discover how renewal is always within reach. ✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:  How creativity supports healing and mental health  Why nature helps us feel more connected and grounded  The spiritual practice of slowing down and simple living  Encouragement for personal growth during seasons of change 🌿 Perfect for listeners interested in: Easter and Spring reflection, mindfulness, creativity, nature, and meaningful connection. 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

In a world where loneliness is more common than ever, what if the path back to connection is simpler than we think? In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, Tara shares a heartfelt story of an unexpected friendship that began with ordinary morning walks—and became a lifeline of encouragement, belonging, and lasting connection. Through this personal reflection and the powerful story of the road to Emmaus (Luke 24), we explore how meaningful relationships are often formed in the most everyday moments. What can a simple walk and conversation teach us about healing, hope, and spiritual growth? And how might we already be encountering the sacred—without even realizing it? You’ll be invited into a gentle, imaginative Lectio Divina practice to experience scripture in a fresh way, while also reflecting on your own relationships:  When was the last time you truly felt encouraged?  Who might need your encouragement today?  And what could happen if you simply reached out? This episode is for anyone longing for deeper connection, navigating loneliness, or seeking to rediscover the presence of God in everyday life. ✨ You might just find that the walk you’ve been needing… is already waiting for you. 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Experience Holy Week in a deeper, more imaginative way. 🌿 What if you didn’t just read Scripture—but entered into it? In this Holy Week episode of Holy Shenanigans, we explore the transformative practice of imaginative prayer, rooted in Ignatian spirituality, and how it can help you encounter Jesus in a more personal, sensory, and meaningful way. Through a guided reflection on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1–11), you’re invited to see, hear, and feel the story unfold—placing yourself within the scene as the crowds cry “Hosanna!” and Jesus enters Jerusalem. Together, we’ll explore: How Lectio Divina and Visio Divina can deepen your experience of ScriptureWhy imagination is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and renewalWhat it means to “see with the eyes of your heart” during LentHow creative practices—like poetry and reflection—can become forms of prayerThis episode also includes an original poetic prayer inspired by Palm Sunday and a gentle invitation to carry imagination, hope, and openness with you throughout Holy Week. Whether you’re new to contemplative practices or looking to refresh your faith journey, this episode offers a meaningful way to experience Scripture anew. ✨ Perfect for: Lent reflections, Holy Week preparation, contemplative prayer, Christian meditation, and spiritual formation. 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

In this Lenten reflection, we step into the wilderness with Jesus and explore what it means to encounter God in seasons of hunger, testing, and uncertainty. Drawing from Matthew 4, this episode reflects on the powerful symbols of stones and bread—reminders that even in life’s most difficult moments, God’s presence is closer than we think. Have you ever found yourself in a “wilderness” season—feeling stretched, uncertain, or searching for meaning? Through scripture, story, and gentle spiritual practice, you’re invited to remember who you are and whose you are. What if the very places that feel empty are actually filled with God’s provision? This episode offers encouragement for anyone navigating hard seasons, inviting you to notice the sacred in everyday life and to trust that you are not alone. You’ll also be guided through a simple, tangible Lenten practice—carrying a stone as a reminder of God’s nearness wherever you go. ✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:  What Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness reveals about faith and identity  The deeper meaning of stones and bread in the biblical story  How to recognize God’s presence in your own life  A simple spiritual practice to carry through the Lenten season Whether you’re observing Lent or simply longing for reassurance in a challenging time, this reflection offers a moment to pause, remember, and be renewed. 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 Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.