    (…continued) One of the most universal of Christmas traditions is the Christmas tree. Putting up a Christmas tree in a public area is much safer than putting up a nativity scene; but even the tree has in many places become controversial.  To make sure no one is offended, many have taken to calling them […]
1717) Christmas Traditions (part two of three) Read More »
   Two old girl-friends from high school ran into each other as they were going into a high priced restaurant.  They introduced their husbands, chatted a bit about school days, and then each said they had to leave. They were meeting some others inside for dinner.  “We are here for our wedding anniversary,” said one,
1716) Christmas Traditions (part one of three) Read More »
 Above picture:  North Korean Christians gathering in secret for prayer. —————– From the December 5, 2017 reading of “Standing Strong Through the Storm,” posted at: http://www.opendoorsusa.org  (no author’s name is listed) ——————— In the United States we have the freedom to worship when and where and however often we choose. Many Christians take this great privilege for
1703) Worship in North Korea Read More »
   (…continued) Ernie was able thank his neighbor in person for the money. But how do we thank God, who we cannot see, for all he has given us? Prayer is one way, but the emphasis in this Psalm is on worship—“Worship the Lord with gladness,” it says. “Enter his gates and his courts
1532) Psalm 100 (b) Read More »
   Once upon a time there was a single dad named Ernie, who had two kids in elementary school. His ex-wife had abandoned the family, was nowhere to be found, and contributed nothing. Ernie’s factory job paid the bills, but just barely. As long as there were no extra expenses, he was able to
1531) Psalm 100 (a) Read More »
From a funeral sermon.      It has been said that every time someone dies it is like a whole library has been destroyed, because the accumulated knowledge, experience, and wisdom of a lifetime is lost. I thought about when I heard Ed died. Ed experienced so much, read so much, and
   In a home for severely disabled children, Catherine was nurtured for twenty years.  The child had been intellectually and physically disabled from the beginning and had never spoken a word.  She either gazed quietly at the walls or made distorted movements.  Her life seemed to consist of nothing more than eating, drinking, and
1507) Wasted Efforts? Read More »
By ELCA pastor James D. Engh, in the November 1995 issue of The Lutheran, pages 20-21. ———————    I face the altar on Sunday mornings before I turn to greet the congregation. And I pray silently: “O Lord, our maker, redeemer and comforter, we are assembled in Thy presence to hear Thy holy word.
1322) Treasure in Soiled Hands Read More »
Above Painting: The Angelus, 1859, Jean Francois Millet  (1814-1875) (see also the prayer at bottom of meditation) ********************************    (…continued)  This theme of remembering is also a big theme in the Bible.  God wants you to remember a few things about him and what he has done for you.  Not only that, he has
1237) Tools for Remembering (b) Read More »
Hebrews 13:8– Â Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, today, and forever. ******************************* Â Â Â I spent Friday afternoon at the Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Show. Â What started out 43 years ago as a small local Threshing Bee, has grown into one of the largest shows of its kind in the Midwest. Â It has a little
1236) Tools for Remembering (a) Read More »
