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I wonder if I should start off with a prayer: (yes, always a good idea) Dear God, May the words that I write and speak be a direct reflection of who I proclaim that you are. Amen. There may have been times when we may at times sense a disconnect. Perhaps it is from our … Read more…

The story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 is a reminder to us all about having a faith that is persistent. But persistence is only a piece of the puzzle; another major part is the revelation that we don’t have the corner on the Jesus market. None of us holds all the truth when … Read more…

Are we living with an abundance mentality, or are we living in a scarcity mentality. An abundance mentality believes that there is and will be enough to provide for mine and the needs of others, even when I don’t see it or necessarily possess it. It allows for a sense of trust that God will … Read more…

There are times when I get tongue tied talking to God. Recently, there have been things on my heart and mind that I just don’t have the words to say, to express verbally, some things weighing so heavy on me. Now, I know many words; I like words and I like using the appropriate word … Read more…

A tourist is walking down a long stretch of deserted beach on the ocean when he comes upon a startling scene; thousands and thousands of starfish have washed up on the shore and will not survive the day as the tide recedes. Then the tourist spots a local man, picking up the starfish, one by … Read more…

As we prepare to celebrate the July 4th holiday, we might pause a moment to reflect on what freedom means in our lives as Christians. One could argue that in these United States, the word freedom has become a catch-all word for being “free to do what you want”. And in some respects, that is … Read more…

When Paul writes in his letter to the church at Rome about boasting in suffering, did you ever think to yourself, “Boasting? Boasting? Heck, I’d rather just avoid it altogether!”  I’m pretty sure that we don’t spend much of our time looking for ways in which to suffer so that we can boast about them. … Read more…

Well, when we are talking about disciples of Jesus, it is someone who is learning, listening and growing from the teachings of the master. So, when Jesus tells the disciples (and us) to go and disciplize others in His name, he is sending us OUT to teach, to share, to show and to do.  Making … Read more…

I have recently read something I found fascinating. There has been a great deal of research done into the correlation between our sense of happiness and our personal health and longevity. It would seem that happier people have better overall health, fewer heart attacks, less incidence of illness, stronger immune systems and ultimately live longer. … Read more…

I’ve just returned from Synod Assembly, which for us, is essentially a large tribal meeting of ELCA Lutherans in a specific geographical area. We worshiped together, discussed and voted on business together, prayed together, laughed together, rejoiced together and lifted one another up in ministry. We listened to ministry moments to find out what our … Read more…