Honest Reflections of the Heart

It’s already late February. My birthday has come and gone, a big one actually this year in terms of milestones. (Yay for a new decade… I think.) Where has the year gone? I haven’t blogged as often as I like. I have been still figuring out what life is like in a new place, Nebraska, and in a new capacity, as the Nebraska Synod Director … Continue reading Honest Reflections of the Heart

Joy

The following is a reflection that I shared in worship on Wednesday December 14th at Salem Lutheran Church in Fontanelle, Nebraska as part of the congregation’s mid-week Advent worship series on “Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.” The focus passage for the evening was Luke 1:47-55.  The beautiful words of Mary’s Magnificat ring in our ears. Perhaps the song we’ve been singing on Sundays during offering … Continue reading Joy

David- Legacy, and Gratitude within and because of God’s Promises

This past weekend I was invited to preach at Calvary Lutheran Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Calvary is served by pastors Sheryl and Chris Kester Beyer. I preached on 2 Samuel 7:1-17, the focus text for the Narrative Lectionary for the day, and as part of the congregation’s stewardship focus and Consecration Sunday. If you prefer to listen, the congregation shares their sermons via podcast here, otherwise what … Continue reading David- Legacy, and Gratitude within and because of God’s Promises

Choir of the West- 90th Reunion

For three years while in college at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), I enjoyed one of the greatest gifts of this world- being a part of a fantastic choir and family of friends, musicians, and servants. This past weekend, members of the choir from its 90 years gathered for a reunion and beautiful concert. I unfortunately was unable to attend in person because of recently moving … Continue reading Choir of the West- 90th Reunion

The Importance of ‘Bounce’ in Leadership

Back in college choir there was a warm-up that we would often do before concerts and performances to get us fired up. The words were simple enough, but as we said them, we built with intensity and expression, physically and verbally. Together the group would say in rhythm: I’m going to do, whatever I do with real energy. I’m going to do whatever I do … Continue reading The Importance of ‘Bounce’ in Leadership