Article: Habits of Unhappy People

Sometimes we forget that “winning in life” is NOT the goal of a Christian. By any tangible human measure, Jesus did not win. He was crucified and he died. That is definitely not winning. On that day, Pilate won, the Sanhedrin won and the chief priests won. Jesus certainly accomplished his mission of gifting forgiveness and salvation…

I attended a meeting a couple of weeks ago. That in itself is not odd, I have meetings every day. However, this meeting consisted of Lutheran pastors. We spent time talking about what is happening in our congregations. As this discussion progressed I discovered that two churches are close to closing and two other churches…

My two previous blogposts express the importance of integrity and truth. I want to add another character trait that Jesus lifts up as important for every child of God. Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 Meek? Really? We don’t use this word very often and it only…

Well, we step into a new year on Saturday. I know, I know, dates are a human creation, but this is the way we mark time, and a new year is upon us.  I don’t know what the new year holds for us as individuals or as a church, but I am sure of one…

I am currently visiting my father in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Rice Lake is in the northwest portion of the state. I believe the town is named after the lake and not the other way around. Although I leave for Chicago, IL tomorrow and then to Galesburg, IL after that, I am taking the time to…

How does Lent feel so far? Some of you know, it is my favorite season. One of the reasons I like Lent so much is the reflective nature of these forty days. But I also really enjoy the gatherings on Wednesday evenings. Being a life-long Lutheran, I can’t remember a time that my Wednesday evenings…