This week I haven’t had much time to probe the mysteries of the Christian faith, or question the traditions of the Christian Church. I’ve been at Bible Camp this week. Five teenagers from the congregation that I serve joined 115 other teens from twelve other Lutheran Churches for a week that is called “Campfirmation.” Have […]
Observations
Comments on sights seen and events occurred along the journey
A Day of Rest
No matter how we handle the Scripture most of us will agree that there is sage advice, perhaps even inspired words in its pages. One of these passages for me is, “Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a […]
Four Lessons Learned
This past week ten members of the congregation that I serve Desert Streams Lutheran Church traveled to the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission on a mission trip. The mission is located in Rock Point, Arizona, which is in the four corners area. It is a six hour drive for us, and for those of us who […]
A World Without Hell
Have you ever thought what your life would be like without hell? The existence of hell is being questioned with growing frequency. What was once thought to be a “given,” is being examined and reexamined. An increasing number of people are coming to the conclusion that hell is a mere figment of humankind’s imagination. Of […]
Incorporating Four Wholistic Lenten Habits
The Easter celebrations are over; the songs that so stirred our hearts and souls are fading. Lent has come to an end. The various disciplines that we chose have been completed—or possibly abandoned. We now look forward to the weeks and months ahead. One of the questions that I think we should ask ourselves at […]
Holy Week Thought #2 — Good Friday
Here are a few Good Friday factoids for you. Good Friday has been around since the beginning of the church. For the first three centuries, Christians commemorated Jesus’ death every Friday. (Friday Fish Fries are only distantly related to this church phenomenon.) In the early fourth century, the Friday before Easter was designated as the […]
Packing Holy Week Items pt.1
As I journey down the path toward a sane faith, I want to travel light. I don’t want to pack any religious rituals that I’m tempted to do just because I’ve always been told to do them. Nor do I want to pack a lot of preconceived notions. I don’t, however want to leave something […]
In Praise of Routines
Wow, Lent if flying by and Easter looms ahead! How have you been in developing your Lenten habits? For me, I’ve come to appreciate the routine. Things have been rather topsy-turvy in my part of the world lately. It has been difficult to discipline myself to practice thankfulness, express appreciation, eat fruits and vegetables, and […]
Continuing the Lenten Journey
How’s your Lenten journey going? Has it slipped by without notice, or have you felt your relationship with God being refreshed and renewed? I’m a tad late posting this blog this week. I attended a three day retreat entitled, “The Courage to Live Authentically,” Monday through Wednesday. I’ll write a later blog describing my experience. […]
Judgment Calls
Like a lot of people, I’ve spent several hours in front of the television, or on the computer following the Winter Olympics, even though I’m not much of a sports guy. I have marveled at what the athletes have done. Often they have accomplished moves that had I not seen them I would not have […]