I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve- an Advent devotional for Dec. 23, 2017

This Advent season I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might be more of one or another. I invite you … Continue reading I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve- an Advent devotional for Dec. 23, 2017

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing- an Advent devotional for Dec. 22, 2017

This Advent season I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might be more of one or another. I invite you … Continue reading Hark! The Herald Angels Sing- an Advent devotional for Dec. 22, 2017

It Came upon the Midnight Clear- an Advent devotional for Dec. 19, 2017

This Advent season I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might be more of one or another. I invite you … Continue reading It Came upon the Midnight Clear- an Advent devotional for Dec. 19, 2017

In the Bleak Midwinter- an Advent devotional for Dec. 10, 2017

This Advent season I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might be more of one or another. I invite you … Continue reading In the Bleak Midwinter- an Advent devotional for Dec. 10, 2017

The Kingdom of Heaven- God’s work and our stewardship

I had the joy of being with the good people of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wayne, Nebraska this morning, leading worship and preaching. Thank you Pastor Jeanne Madsen for the invitation, and to the congregation for the warm welcome and hospitality. Thank you also for the “road food” and cookies that were sent home with me to share. The sermon was based on the … Continue reading The Kingdom of Heaven- God’s work and our stewardship

Preaching on Stewardship- July 30, 2017

Every Monday I share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching. This week’s stewardship nuggets based on the appointed readings by the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary are as follows: Sunday July 30, 2017: Revised Common Lectionary- Time after Pentecost 8A Lectionary 17 First Lesson: 1 Kings 3:5-12 Psalm 119:129-136 Second Lesson: Romans 8:26-39 Gospel of Matthew … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- July 30, 2017

The rain falls & the thunder shakes

I was able to be home today worshipping at Salem Lutheran. That means that I was also able to help out a bit for worship on piano. Our organist had the idea to play and sing “God Bless America” as the postlude today acknowledging Independence Day in the United States on Tuesday. She invited me to join and help lead the song on piano while … Continue reading The rain falls & the thunder shakes

Life as a Disciple, is Life as a Steward- a joyful one, but not always easy!

I was invited to lead worship and preach today at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah, Nebraska by Pastor Tyler Gubsch. Thank you Pastor Tyler for the invitation, and to the whole congregation for the warm welcome. I shared some words of gratitude about mission share and greetings within the announcements earlier in worship, and therefore, omitted them in the sermon that follows. The message was … Continue reading Life as a Disciple, is Life as a Steward- a joyful one, but not always easy!

Preaching on Stewardship- June 25, 2017

Every Monday I share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching this week based on the appointed readings by the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary. Here are some longer than usual stewardship nuggets for this coming weekend. Sunday June 25, 2017: Revised Common Lectionary- Time after Pentecost 3A Lectionary 12 First Lesson: Jeremiah 20:7-13 Psalm 69:7-10 [11-15] … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- June 25, 2017

Reflect, think, pray, and be

On this week that we move from the shouts and songs of Hosannas, to an Upper Room and a garden, to a sham of a trial and shouts of “Crucify Him,” to the cross, the tomb, and then another garden around the tomb… Allison and I took a little time yesterday afternoon to revisit a beautiful place that is special to us. With my mother-in-law … Continue reading Reflect, think, pray, and be