About
In the Meantime
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you’re here!
I have done a lot of reflecting about my life, trying to make sense of it and connect the dots. Later events and circumstances have given richer meaning to earlier seasons. Just like you, my life has been filled with blessings and suffering. Through it all, my faith has been tested and, with God’s help, has actually increased. Praise the Lord!
We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories I want to share with you about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. Although these stories are from my life, God is the main Character.
My prayer is that these stories and resources will encourage you to reflect on your life and the Lord's ongoing presence, boundless love, unfailing mercy and abundant grace in it. Reflection can help us to heal and to grow in our faith. Our stories are important and powerful and God calls us to share them with others. As we share our stories, God uses our experiences, loves, blessings and suffering for the good of others and to His glory. You have wisdom to share, important things to say and the world needs to hear from you!
I hope that these stories and the resources will help you understand who you are, Whose you are and why you’re here, and, in the meantime, prepare you for eternal life with God in heaven when life on earth is over.
We are all God’s precious children. God is with all of us all of the time. Look for Him!
Richard Selke
My name is Richard Selke. I am married to Susan and we live in Houston, Texas.
I am a fifth generation Houstonian. I was educated in the Houston public schools and am a graduate of Lamar High School. I received my undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin, my Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The University of Texas School of Law and my Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. I am a retired Elder in the former United Methodist Church (pre-May 1, 2024) and a licensed Attorney and Counselor at Law in the State of Texas. I have served as an officer and director of numerous civic and charitable organizations and am a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
I spent the first season of my career in the real estate industry serving clients as an attorney, broker, asset manager and developer in markets throughout the United States.
I was raised a Presbyterian, became an Episcopalian and joined the United Methodist Church in 1995. I was baptized at Woodland Presbyterian Church and grew up at St. Phillip Presbyterian Church. I was a member of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church for twenty-three years where I served on the Vestry and held various financial-related positions. In 2001, I was a member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church when the Lord called me into professional ministry. After graduating from seminary, I pastored United Methodist Churches in Los Fresnos, Dripping Springs, Lago Vista and Austin. My last pastoral position was as Executive Pastor of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church in Houston.
Susan and I have three daughters and seven grandchildren. Our son, a Marine Sergeant, served in Iraq and Afghanistan and struggled with post-traumatic stress, moral injury and traumatic brain injury. He took his life in 2011.
Since then, we have been involved with several veteran-related non-profit organizations including Team Rubicon and Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).
In 2015, as advocates with IAVA, Susan and I contributed to the passage of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act. The SAV Act has played a critical role in the quest to reverse the heartbreaking rate of veterans’ suicide in our nation.
I enjoy being with my family and friends, hiking, hunting, fishing, gardening, woodworking, outdoor activities and travel. As a former runner, I completed two New York City marathons.