Monthly Archives: February 2023

 I should probably write about what I know best, which is music. When my inspiration runs dry, it’s where I go. We all have opinions, preferences of music. Worship and music can become a battleground in a congregation unless care … Continue reading →

Our walk through Lent is a forty day journey.  Our lives have been filled with journeys:  ups and downs, moving ahead and setbacks, short treks, or long hauls.  Perhaps you’ve journeyed through sickness, through the death of loved ones, through … Continue reading →

        Several stories in the Bible are about reunions, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, and the Prodigal Son, come to mind.         My grandmother was one of six girls. During my young years, there were four elderly sisters remaining and … Continue reading →

        I know folks who suffer with fears and anxiety. I find myself reading and searching for memes, scripture verses, devotionals and such to forward to them.  I’m hoping something will “stick” in their minds and jar the anxiety and fear enough … Continue reading →

Bishop Trout was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1921. He graduated from Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus. He also received a Doctor of Divinity from Wartburg College in Iowa. After ordination, he pastored congregation in Eau Claire, … Continue reading →

Many Christians, but particularly American Protestants, have an extremely limited understanding of church history. They know about Paul, of course, and Martin Luther, and then not much of anything until they get to dear old pastor Bergdahl who confirmed them. … Continue reading →

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”  Genesis 3:19. With these words a smudge … Continue reading →

February is Black History Month. I want to share with you the story of Daniel Alexander Payne, the first black ordained Lutheran pastor in America. He was born of free parents in Charleston in 1811. Orphaned at the age of … Continue reading →

Today we celebrate Presidents’ Day.  We pause to observe the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.   Both were strong leaders among men, serving our country during difficult times.   It’s fitting that we remember them and their contributions to our … Continue reading →

        I will share that sometimes when reading Genesis or similar Books of the Bible, or Biblical texts that go on ad infinitum about genealogical lines and who is related to whom, I skim or move on to another chapter. Some … Continue reading →