Author: Ben

Last weekend, I preached a message on overcoming shame. I mentioned an article that landed on my phone which is very helpful in terms of processing negative feelings of any kind. Below is that article in its entirety. By Stephanie Harrison As a researcher on the psychology of happiness, I’ve seen how this can create problems for…

For God’s anger lasts only a moment, but the Lord’s favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 These words reflect the thoughts of a songwriter in ancient Israel. This psalm could be almost 3000 years old. Their experience of God tells them God’s goodness…

What do these things have in common? Taking a trip A home cooked meal Taking a test Getting married Welcoming a newborn into your home A new school year Throwing a party Christmas This appears to be a random list without a thread connecting them, but there is an association. All these things either take…

I am back from Chicago where I attended my first Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Church Council meeting. I now am on the church council for the entire ELCA. I am honored to fill this role for the next two years. I am happy to report that it is good that Community Lutheran Church…