Growing up, my father was the parent I wanted to go to town with. He was the one most likely to give in to an appeal as we shopped. As I got older, my father’s gift of humor delighted me. I enjoyed his love of stories and the twinkle in his eye whenever he […]
I don’t know about you, but I yearn for that which is true. I need something or someone in my life I can always trust. I need a Good Shepherd. No image of Jesus is more widely known or loved then that of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The one who gave his life, that […]
A few weeks before my father entered a long term care facility, he had reached into his billfold and handed me two five-dollar bills. Then he said, “I wish I could do more.” I was struggling financially at the time, but was taken completely by surprise at the unexpected gesture of love and concern. My […]
“I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land; and I will make you lie down in safety.” Hosea 2:18b I thought of Millie this morning as I read these words from Hosea. Hers was the only face I recognized, one Memorial Day, as I participated in a service at Fort Ridgley. […]
There used to be a tradition in my denomination, to set aside one evening during our Annual Conference, to recognize pastors who were retiring. Each retiree was given an opportunity to speak. Some would simply say, a thank you to everyone. Others would craft a story of an incident that represented their understanding of ministry. […]
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a theologian, pastor and author, who lived in Germany during World War II. His book, “The Cost of Discipleship,” was foundational to my understanding of Christian life. He wrote, “Only (the one) who believes is obedient, and only (the one) who is obedient believes.” His life became a demonstration of that faithfulness. […]
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Why art thou disquieted within me?” I was discouraged and upset, when these words came to me. I don’t remember ever committing them to memory, though I must have learned the verse in some early Sunday School class. My memory is set in the old King James […]
