I just bought a brand new smartphone. It’s fun to play with all the new features and enjoy the afterglow of having something new and admirable. But I’ve been through this before. Soon the feelings fade and I’m left with an electronic device that will either be a help or a hinderance. It can be … Read more
Remember a birthday like this? It’s present opening time and under the ripped paper anticipation turns to dismay. Before you is a gift you will never ever use. Showtime! Smile big, gush with thank yous, throw in a bear hug and on to the next gift. They’ll never know their gift was a dud. The … Read more
Things have changed in America. Christianity and the teachings of Jesus aren’t as openly accepted any more. Have you ever felt like you didn’t know what to say or how to act around someone whose beliefs and life were very different than ours? It’s not just you! This is tough! We see Christians compromising on … Read more
Recently, our church had the opportunity to spend some time in Psalm 37. It seems like the perfect Psalm for American conservative Christianity as we explore how to be true to what we believe in a land that seems to have turned on many of the things we hold as foundational. Let me recommend, that … Read more
Christians have a unique way about them. When faith in Jesus comes into our hearts, when we know that our sins have been forgiven, when we have the freedom to live life according to God’s design, we stick out in a crowd. We have a different way of approaching life. We have confidence that we … Read more
For over a decade, Bethel Lutheran Church has held an enormous rummage sale with the expressed purpose of raising money to support our families who send their children to Christian schools and those going into professional church work. Simple. People give us their old stuff, we sell it to people who want to buy it. … Read more
On the Tuesday of Holy Week I found out the hard way that tennis shoes are not the best for gardening. A metal garden stake made it through my shoe and a good ¾ inch into my foot. Good timing! Many thanks to all of you who saw the obvious irony with Jesus’ pierced feet. … Read more
The final day of my sabbatical has come and gone. Today has been like so many other Mondays at Bethel Lutheran Church. We had a staff meeting. I worked on some worship services. I corresponded with all sorts of people about all sorts of things. Today has been very different too. So many Mondays I … Read more
The year was 2009, and I can remember the meeting vividly. The Leadership Team of our congregation passed a sabbatical policy for called staff. I felt it was a nice gesture but honestly had no intention of using it. I love my job. It doesn’t get much better than walking with people through the ups … Read more
Holiday travel time is upon us. Chances are at one point or another in the next month or so you will travel somewhere for an extended period of time. I know how it is with traveling. Packing is the worst part. As my family has grown through the years, it has gotten rather ridiculous. How … Read more