The season of Advent often feels like you’re standing just at the edge of dawn. Have you ever been up in the morning for a sunrise? Then you know exactly what I’m talking about: The sky is still dim. The world is quiet. Yet there is just enough light on the horizon to tell you that morning … More Hope Refines
I want to begin this morning with a confession. Not a deep, dark, soul-wrenching confession… but just a light one. I hate walking barefoot outside. I do. I know some people love the feeling of grass between their toes, or the warmth of sand on the beach. I’m not that guy. I don’t know what … More Holy Ground and Bare Feet
It is horrible, and my heart breaks. George Floyd was restrained. He wasn’t fighting or resisting. In fact, he was begging “please.” Watching the video, I can think of no scenario where this response by the police officer could be justified. It is horrible, and my heart breaks. A beautifully spirited young woman in my … More Race, Violence and George Floyd
One of my favorite kinds of trees is the Jack Pine. There is nothing particularly special about the Jack Pine, except that it grows in the forests of the northern tier of our state. Jack Pines are about as common as you can get. They are not particularly regal or majestic trees. They can grow … More There is a Story
When we don’t want someone to understand what we are saying, we talk in code. We use words or phrases that “they,” whoever “they” are, won’t understand. When our boys were little, we didn’t talk about going out for ice cream…Lori and I would talk about possibly getting i-c-e-c-r-e-a-m. Interestingly, we use the same strategy … More Into the Fire
This article is reprinted from the Owatonna People’s Press, November 8, 2014. A week ago Sunday night, I received a phone call that police and fire units had arrived at Trinity Lutheran Church and were beginning the process of putting out a small fire that had ignited in the attic above our education wing. While the fire … More When A Community Comes Together
Test Driving Theology 