Happy July everyone. That means there is officially one month left of my sabbatical. It’s been an interesting experience for me as I’m sure its been an interesting experience for you all. During this last month, I am dedicating time to “re-entry” meaning some reflection and planning for when I’m back to ministering full time…

It really shouldn’t be a surprise, we do live in Florida, after all. But, just in case you hadn’t noticed: It’s hot outside.  And maybe rainy too, which just means that it’s steamy hot. Again, we do live in Florida. We should expect this. But that doesn’t keep us from complaining about it. It doesn’t…

Grace and peace to you from St. Louis, Missouri. We are up here for some days as we reconnect with family and see some sights. Just yesterday, my girls got to see Concordia Seminary, where I studied to be a pastor. They were sweet about it, but I don’t think they were terrifically impressed –…

Do you want to be healed? It’s an odd question that Jesus asks a man in John 5. Our initial response is, “of course I want to be healed, Lord.” But soon after our initial response, some other things can creep in. After all, the Bible tells us that this man had been under this…

This week I get to do a little sabbatical breaking and go to the convention of the Florida-Georgia District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. If you’re unfamiliar, this is a business meeting of the churches in our District. Just under 200 churches will be represented, each with two votes – one for their pastor,…

I’ve been on a few airplanes the past couple of weeks. Trip to Indiana, trip to Kentucky, trip to California. Airplanes are funny places. People are kind of weird on airplanes. Not much of anybody really *wants* to be on the airplane, they just want to arrive at their destination without too much hassle about…

My morning devotion today came from John 14, in a part of that chapter, Jesus says “I do not give to you as the world gives.”  That brings up the question, “how DOES the world give?” What is Jesus differentiating Himself from? Perhaps it is giving out of self-interest, giving simply to receive something back.…

The girls brought home their yearbook this week. They’ve spent time going through pictures, showing me where they end up in the yearbook and pictures of their friends and teachers. It makes me think of my collection of yearbooks in the guest room, gathering dust. Pictures there too of people that had been close, pictures…

This is my first week of sabbatical. This is a great gift that the congregation has given me to take some time to rest, retool, and refresh in order to get ready for the next part of my ministry. I am truly grateful for everyone who has stepped up to help make this possible. One…