Monthly Archives: June 2016

There are times in our lives when we question what we thought we knew. We may even question who God is, and that’s okay. We’re in good company.  The Psalms give us great examples of what to do in those … Continue reading →

As Caroline and I scrambled to pack for our long awaited London trip, we were dismayed by the forecast – cold and rain every day of our trip. Who wants to see Stonehenge in the rain or walk drenched and … Continue reading →

As a subscriber to e-spirit, I recieved the following statement from Bishop Schaefer via email on Monday.  It is a message we all need to hear.  Read Galatians 3:26-29, and remember: God loves you unconditionally. Annie Bishop Schaefer’s Statement: Yesterday, … Continue reading →

I have heard it said that God has already picked out the new Pastor for JOY Lutheran. All we have to do is discern who that is. I feel a bit schizophrenic about all this. It seems at odds with … Continue reading →

Shortly before I was ordained, my pastor took me aside to give me some advice. “Don’t loose your spirituality,” he cautioned me. “Oh, that won’t happen to me,” I assured him with the confidence of  naive youth. Around 15 years … Continue reading →

“This is the day that through Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” These are the words from a song our youth group used to sing. These words remind us that God has constructed each day. … Continue reading →

By now you’ve heard about the tragic shooting in Orlando on Sunday. It’s being labeled the worst shooting in history because the number of deaths and injuries surpass any previous shootings. Whenever there’s a tragedy our theology and faith is … Continue reading →

It’s Sunday and I’m in St. Paul, MN taking a shuttle from the airport to Luther Seminary with six other people going to various hotels.  My trip so far has been, thankfully, uneventful and I’ve been able to get a lot … Continue reading →

You’ve heard of the three taboo topics: sex, politics and religion.  I’m not going to venture into the topic of sex today, but I am going to write about dreaded politics, and religion (a topic heard frequently in church)! In … Continue reading →

Mark is written for the Gentile people and so explains Jewish customs and refers to the Greek Old Testament scrolls in references.  It’s an account of Jesus’ life and ministry written for the community of believers, rather than an evangelistic … Continue reading →