I apologize for the delay in blogging recently. I have had a whole lot on my plate lately, and we were also in the process of switching computers at the office. I appreciate the patience of my readers. I thought that it might be good to do a series on parenting, perhaps in anticipation of a future parenting class here at Peace Lutheran. It has been an idea I have long been wrestling with.
Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Before I go on, I should write a disclaimer, that I am certainly not an expert on parenting, nor do I claim to be one. My hope is that as I work through some challenging parenting issues, it might be helpful to some parents as well as myself.
As a pastor, I frequently am reminded of the passage above from Proverbs 22. Most people who quote it to me are frustrated at seeing their adult children and/or grandchildren/great-grandchildren no longer attending church and worshiping God. Their frustration comes at the fact that they DID "train up their children in the way they should go."
While I understand thier frustrations, more than they know, it is not as simple as the Proverb makes it sound. What I think people are forgetting are actually a number of other factors involved. I see a lot of parents forcing thier children to come to confirmation. What kind of a message does "I had to do it so you have to do it too" send? I beleive that it sends a message that this really isn't important, but it's just something that you have to do, so jump through the hoops so we can mark this off the church-TO DO LIST. When confirmation day comes and goes, so does the worship attendance of many. What many parents don't know is that I can tell within the first two weeks of confirmation who is taking it seriously and who is not.
Another factor is that when their children grow up, they are making thier own choices and decisions. Sometimes, and in some cases often, those decisions are bad ones, or choices that lead to destruction or awful consequences. At the very least it is not what we would have them choose, but we say nothing to them because they are adults. My question is, are you no longer their parent? Do you feel like, "Well I have done the best I could at raising them, but they are on their own now, and I have to trust that they will start making better decisions"?
What about at home? It seems like much is left undone by parents who feel that the church will handle all things pertaining to faith. How many parents are praying with their children? It begins with the parents having a prayerful relationship with God. If that isn't happening, the chances are that thier children are not growing up learning how important and vital prayer is for their lives.
How about daily devotions? I realize that time constraints have taken hold of many families, and there doesn't seem to be enough time in the day for all the things we have to do. I am right there with you on that one! But according to the 1st commandment, is it right for us to try and maybe place God in some time slot, if there is even one available? Or should we make God our number one priority each and every day?
I can tell you this, and I know I am not alone in feeling this way...On days when I put God first in my life, and do devotions to start my day off, and pray about all the things on my mind and overflowing in my schedule, I have a whole lot less stress in knowing that God is there beside me, guiding my life and decisions.
Perhaps as parents, we should take a deeper look at some of these things I have mentioned, and put them into practice. If nothing else, it will serve to show our children just how important they are for our lives and faith.
Thank you for reading and God bless. More on Parenting and Faith tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Misunderstandings
James 3:13-14
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
There was a song not too many years ago by the band Bon Jovi entitled, "Misunderstood." I think
that can best describe ministry sometimes, and life for that matter. When communication is not as good
as it should be, or when it breaks down; whether that be in a job, in the church, in a marriage, with children, friends, or others, chances are, someone or something is going to be misunderstood.
Misunderstandings can lead to all sorts of problems. When expectations by one are not met, it can lead to frustrations. When one person thinks that things have been clearly expressed to others, and it keeps coming up again and again, it can quickly turn from a frustration into a major issue that divides. Divisions conquer relationships, groups, programs and ideas.
All of this leads back to good communication. Sometimes we think that we have communicated something well, but in actuality, it has not been fully received. So there has been a breakdown in
communication.
A misunderstanding does not have to lead to a major rift in relationships. But sadly it often does, because people aren't willing to admit that they might possibly be wrong. They often aren't willing to sit down and have an actual conversation with someone else to figure out where the misunderstanding occured. And last but certainly far from least, people are not willing to forgive. I guess we feel more comfortable with being proud and "right," then mending broken communication and relationships.
When there is a misunderstanding, see it for what it is. Do not overanalyze it. (I am very guilty of this most of the time). Approach the person or persons that you have the misunderstanding with, or who have misunderstood you with love, compassion, and forgiveness. And have an actual conversation with them about the matter. LISTEN to each other. That's the part that usually isn't taking place.
Thank you for reading and God bless!
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
There was a song not too many years ago by the band Bon Jovi entitled, "Misunderstood." I think
that can best describe ministry sometimes, and life for that matter. When communication is not as good
as it should be, or when it breaks down; whether that be in a job, in the church, in a marriage, with children, friends, or others, chances are, someone or something is going to be misunderstood.
Misunderstandings can lead to all sorts of problems. When expectations by one are not met, it can lead to frustrations. When one person thinks that things have been clearly expressed to others, and it keeps coming up again and again, it can quickly turn from a frustration into a major issue that divides. Divisions conquer relationships, groups, programs and ideas.
All of this leads back to good communication. Sometimes we think that we have communicated something well, but in actuality, it has not been fully received. So there has been a breakdown in
communication.
A misunderstanding does not have to lead to a major rift in relationships. But sadly it often does, because people aren't willing to admit that they might possibly be wrong. They often aren't willing to sit down and have an actual conversation with someone else to figure out where the misunderstanding occured. And last but certainly far from least, people are not willing to forgive. I guess we feel more comfortable with being proud and "right," then mending broken communication and relationships.
When there is a misunderstanding, see it for what it is. Do not overanalyze it. (I am very guilty of this most of the time). Approach the person or persons that you have the misunderstanding with, or who have misunderstood you with love, compassion, and forgiveness. And have an actual conversation with them about the matter. LISTEN to each other. That's the part that usually isn't taking place.
Thank you for reading and God bless!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Cheesy Brat Stew Recipe
As one of my brother pastors pointed out yesterday, This recipe is not the healthiest in the world, but it is good on a cold blustery fall or winter day. This Wisconsin dish will stick to your ribs and warm you up a bit. Comfort food from up North yus guyz!
CHEESY BRAT STEW
(INGREDIENTS)
8 BRATWORST LINKS cut into 1/2 in. pieces
4 MEDIUM SIZED POTATOES, cubed
16 oz BAG OF FROZEN GREEN BEENS
1 small, chopped ONION
1 cup grated CHEDDAR CHEESE
1 can CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP
1 cup WATER
(DIRECTIONS)
Place bratworst in large pot with the
rest of the ingredients. Cover and cook
over low heat for 30 minutes or until
potatoes are done. Serves 4-6.
(Crock Pot Directions)
Place all ingredients in crock pot
and cook on low for about 4 hours.
Give it a try on a cold blustery day this fall/winter. Let me know what you think!
Thanks for reading and God bless your day and your weekend!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Circuit Conferences/"WINKEL"
Yesterday, as I posted on Facebook, was our Black Hills Circuit of the South Dakota District of the Lutheran Church Mo-Synod first Winkel conference (or circuit conference) of the year--returning to it after not having any during the summer.
I am so thankful to be part of such a great circuit, and the truth be known, I was also part of a great circuit when I served at my first congregation in Iowa-East District. I miss those guys! But I am privileged to be part of such a great group of guys here in the Black Hills area, wonderful men of God, undershepherds who serve the Lord and others with humilty, love and care for each other and for the Lord's flock.
Our meeting yesterday got me to thinking about circuits and circuit conferences in general. I have, in 10 years of ministry been part of 2 outstanding circuits. But I have heard horror stories from other guys in the ministry, who have not been part of such close-knit circuits, where all the brothers get along so well and build one another up. It makes me sad to know that such groups exist even in the church, among brother pastors. However, it also shows the reality of sin within the church. We in the church are not exempt from sin. We pastors are also sinners in need of God's forgiveness. Ministry is very challenging work, and we don't all agree on how things should be done.
I can't imagine what I would do if I was in a circuit where we did not agree on matters of ministry and even doctrine in some cases, and where the brother pastors did not exactly get along. I suppose I wouldn't want to attend Winkels if that were the case. And what a disappointment that would be.
What I have found in the circuits that I have enjoyed the pleasure of being part of is this...It is a true joy to get together with these brothers in Christ; to share ideas, to build one another up in Christ, to comfort each other when needed, to count on your fellow pastors in this time and place, and to grow together in Christ as we study the Word of God together, worship together, and fellowship with one another. Praise be to God for these opportunities He lovingly gives us to get together.
God bless the circuits of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and God bless the Benton Circuit in Iowa East District, and especially may He continue to bless the Black Hills Circuit of South Dakota!
Thank you for reading and God bless you too!
I am so thankful to be part of such a great circuit, and the truth be known, I was also part of a great circuit when I served at my first congregation in Iowa-East District. I miss those guys! But I am privileged to be part of such a great group of guys here in the Black Hills area, wonderful men of God, undershepherds who serve the Lord and others with humilty, love and care for each other and for the Lord's flock.
Our meeting yesterday got me to thinking about circuits and circuit conferences in general. I have, in 10 years of ministry been part of 2 outstanding circuits. But I have heard horror stories from other guys in the ministry, who have not been part of such close-knit circuits, where all the brothers get along so well and build one another up. It makes me sad to know that such groups exist even in the church, among brother pastors. However, it also shows the reality of sin within the church. We in the church are not exempt from sin. We pastors are also sinners in need of God's forgiveness. Ministry is very challenging work, and we don't all agree on how things should be done.
I can't imagine what I would do if I was in a circuit where we did not agree on matters of ministry and even doctrine in some cases, and where the brother pastors did not exactly get along. I suppose I wouldn't want to attend Winkels if that were the case. And what a disappointment that would be.
What I have found in the circuits that I have enjoyed the pleasure of being part of is this...It is a true joy to get together with these brothers in Christ; to share ideas, to build one another up in Christ, to comfort each other when needed, to count on your fellow pastors in this time and place, and to grow together in Christ as we study the Word of God together, worship together, and fellowship with one another. Praise be to God for these opportunities He lovingly gives us to get together.
God bless the circuits of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and God bless the Benton Circuit in Iowa East District, and especially may He continue to bless the Black Hills Circuit of South Dakota!
Thank you for reading and God bless you too!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Roller Coaster of Emotions
Ok I am going to try and not sound too cryptic in this posting, but I also do not want to be too specific. Have you ever had one of those days that just yo-yo's you back and forth and plays with all your emotions? Or perhaps it is more like a roller coaster ride of huge Ups and Downs,Twists and Turns. Yesterday was such an emotional roller-coaster ride for me.
Naturally on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 I think we were maybe all expecting that a little bit--I know I was. But the day went from somber to good, to bad, to mediocre, to relaxing and funny, to bad again, then to worse, and finally to absolute speechlessness and confusion.
Yesterday, like for many congregations, was our Sunday School Rally Day (the first day of Sunday School after summer break). It was also the day we went back to two worship services instead of just one for the summer. There is always a huge buzz around our church on this day each year, with lots of excitement about things starting up again. I like that buzzing. But right before our first worship service I was greeted with terrible news. One of our parishioners, who has been in Missouri battling Cancer, I was told was not coming back (his cancer was incurable and he was in end stages). This was kind of a shock to me, because he had been doing better seemingly after his surgery. So I had to make that announcement, and then talking about 9/11 with folks here was a difficult adjustment alongside the joy of worshiping the Lord and enjoying the fellowship of the body of Christ.
We had a pot-luck luncheon for rally day, which was very poorly attended. I am, however, thankful for those who were present and enjoyed fellowship time with them. Perhaps we shouldn't schedule pot luck luncheons on the day when the NFL kicks off their Sunday games.
The rest of the afternoon I was very happy, spending time relaxing with my family and enjoying some laughter. It really is the best medicine! Then I decided to call my mom, who I had not talked to in a while. She wasn't home, but did call me back later. It was nice talking to her, at least initially, until she told me all that was going on. Here is where I won't go into details, only to say that the roller-coaster ride that was my day started up once again. It went from bad, to worse, to downright awful. I spent the rest of the night and some time this morning not knowing what to think about it all.
And then, as I was going over the Scripture readings for next Sunday, the Old Testament reading reminded me:
Isaiah 55:6,8-9
[6] "Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
[8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
[9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
I encourage you to "seek the Lord" when you are having an emotional roller-coaster of a day, or any time at all!
Thank you for reading and God bless! Hopefully your day today is less stressful!
Naturally on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 I think we were maybe all expecting that a little bit--I know I was. But the day went from somber to good, to bad, to mediocre, to relaxing and funny, to bad again, then to worse, and finally to absolute speechlessness and confusion.
Yesterday, like for many congregations, was our Sunday School Rally Day (the first day of Sunday School after summer break). It was also the day we went back to two worship services instead of just one for the summer. There is always a huge buzz around our church on this day each year, with lots of excitement about things starting up again. I like that buzzing. But right before our first worship service I was greeted with terrible news. One of our parishioners, who has been in Missouri battling Cancer, I was told was not coming back (his cancer was incurable and he was in end stages). This was kind of a shock to me, because he had been doing better seemingly after his surgery. So I had to make that announcement, and then talking about 9/11 with folks here was a difficult adjustment alongside the joy of worshiping the Lord and enjoying the fellowship of the body of Christ.
We had a pot-luck luncheon for rally day, which was very poorly attended. I am, however, thankful for those who were present and enjoyed fellowship time with them. Perhaps we shouldn't schedule pot luck luncheons on the day when the NFL kicks off their Sunday games.
The rest of the afternoon I was very happy, spending time relaxing with my family and enjoying some laughter. It really is the best medicine! Then I decided to call my mom, who I had not talked to in a while. She wasn't home, but did call me back later. It was nice talking to her, at least initially, until she told me all that was going on. Here is where I won't go into details, only to say that the roller-coaster ride that was my day started up once again. It went from bad, to worse, to downright awful. I spent the rest of the night and some time this morning not knowing what to think about it all.
And then, as I was going over the Scripture readings for next Sunday, the Old Testament reading reminded me:
Isaiah 55:6,8-9
[6] "Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
[8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
[9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
I encourage you to "seek the Lord" when you are having an emotional roller-coaster of a day, or any time at all!
Thank you for reading and God bless! Hopefully your day today is less stressful!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Art Work
It was great to see all the wonderful art displayed at the hospital yesterday. I think they do this a couple of times a year as a fundraiser. After making my hospital visits yesterday I took just a little time to go up and down both sides of the lobby area looking at all the paintings and other items. I think my favorites were the ones of labrador retrievers....I might be a little biased though, because I have 2 labs at home(ok one is a lab/collie mix). But there were some awesome prints of scenic views that were very well done also. I didn't quite have the bucks, or I might have had to take a few prints home with me. Oh well, it was quite nice just to take a little time and enjoy life and God's creation through the eyes of some wonderfully talented artists.
Here are a few of the artists names I wrote down, and the prints they had on display that I liked. You can Google them to see some of their paintings/photo prints. Or better yet, if you are in the Rapid City area, go over to the hospital's main lobby and check them out! They will be there today and tomorrow still.
Nigel Hemming-"Six Pack"
Jerry Gradamus-"Black Lab Pups", "Friends in the Field"
Mike Jones-"Tahoe Smoky Sunrise"
Ann Dahlgren-"A New Day 1"
William Vanscoy-"All Day Dreamer"
*Ken Messam-"Oxbow Bend"
*[I could not find this painter on the web]
Enjoy some good artwork and photography.
Thanks for reading and God bless you!
Here are a few of the artists names I wrote down, and the prints they had on display that I liked. You can Google them to see some of their paintings/photo prints. Or better yet, if you are in the Rapid City area, go over to the hospital's main lobby and check them out! They will be there today and tomorrow still.
Nigel Hemming-"Six Pack"
Jerry Gradamus-"Black Lab Pups", "Friends in the Field"
Mike Jones-"Tahoe Smoky Sunrise"
Ann Dahlgren-"A New Day 1"
William Vanscoy-"All Day Dreamer"
*Ken Messam-"Oxbow Bend"
*[I could not find this painter on the web]
Enjoy some good artwork and photography.
Thanks for reading and God bless you!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Whose are you?
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. Romans 14:8
The 1978 release of the Pete Townshend song "Who are you?" on the album of the same name, by the rock band The Who, became one of the group's biggest hits in the States. I like the song, except for a couple instances where a certain word is expressed. But the title of the song, and the main question in the chorus is probably the question that most of us would ask about each other, but perhaps also the question we would most ask about ourselves--perhaps as we look at ourselves in the mirror. "Who are you?"
Today, I would like to supplant that question with a different one, based on the verse above from our upcoming Epistle lesson next Sunday from Romans 14:8. "Whose are you?" I wonder if that wouldn't be a better question for us to ask others, and most definitely a better question to ask ourselves. Because "whose" you are, or who you belong to, will determine in large part, WHO you are as well.
For example: If, you belong to the Lord, then you will be about doing what the Lord has given to you to do in this life, and also in death. Mainly, believing in your heart that Jesus Christ is your Savior, confessing Him with your mouth, and living your life in such a way as to reflect the light of Christ to the darkness of this world and of other people's lives. If you belong to the Lord, then you will be repentant of your sins, turning away from your sin, and turning back to God.
We were bought at a price, we are not our own. The truth of the matter is, Jesus purchased and won us with His precious blood, sacrificed for us on the cross. We belong to the Lord. It is who we are, and more importantly, it is WHOSE we are!
Thanks for reading and God bless!
The 1978 release of the Pete Townshend song "Who are you?" on the album of the same name, by the rock band The Who, became one of the group's biggest hits in the States. I like the song, except for a couple instances where a certain word is expressed. But the title of the song, and the main question in the chorus is probably the question that most of us would ask about each other, but perhaps also the question we would most ask about ourselves--perhaps as we look at ourselves in the mirror. "Who are you?"
Today, I would like to supplant that question with a different one, based on the verse above from our upcoming Epistle lesson next Sunday from Romans 14:8. "Whose are you?" I wonder if that wouldn't be a better question for us to ask others, and most definitely a better question to ask ourselves. Because "whose" you are, or who you belong to, will determine in large part, WHO you are as well.
For example: If, you belong to the Lord, then you will be about doing what the Lord has given to you to do in this life, and also in death. Mainly, believing in your heart that Jesus Christ is your Savior, confessing Him with your mouth, and living your life in such a way as to reflect the light of Christ to the darkness of this world and of other people's lives. If you belong to the Lord, then you will be repentant of your sins, turning away from your sin, and turning back to God.
We were bought at a price, we are not our own. The truth of the matter is, Jesus purchased and won us with His precious blood, sacrificed for us on the cross. We belong to the Lord. It is who we are, and more importantly, it is WHOSE we are!
Thanks for reading and God bless!
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