One of my favorite Thanksgiving memories happened in holy surprise. I had been called to my first parish in Chicago, and traveling to see family wouldn’t be convenient. My wife…
Josh smiled as he watched his kids, ages 8 and 10, help carry one end of a single mattress. Carrying the bottom end, he coached the children as they made…
Every day, Living Lutheran offers a prayer from the ELCA resource Prayer ventures, which can be downloaded here. These daily petitions are offered as a guide for your own prayer life…
A new school year has begun. New teachers, new schedules, new routines and rhythms. This is an exciting time, but it can be difficult, and not just for students. All…
Let’s be honest: transitions are difficult. As summer comes to a close, families might despair at returning to a school schedule. Yet children, teens and adults thrive on structure. Does…
Focal verse “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Reflection Turn the calendar to August and you may see numerous things…
Focal verse “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). Reflection Summer mornings at the park…
I remember one Easter growing up in Toledo, Ohio, waking up very early for the sunrise service. My father, already at the church preparing worship, had pre-tied my necktie and…
Focal verse “Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in…
Focal verse “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” (John 4:29). Reflection “Mama, come look!” I can’t…
Focal verse “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God” (Isaiah 41:10). Reflection It doesn’t take much for my children to…
Focal verse “And you show that you are a letter of Christ, prepared by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets…
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