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Voices of Faith

What forced sabbath reveals about God

When the polar vortex hit Minnesota, our weekend crawled on for six days, Jan. 26-31. Where we live, even the mail was suspended on the coldest day. My kids kept…
God out loud
Voices of Faith

God out loud

And a voice came from heaven … (Mark 1:11). Upon returning to church after a long absence, the writer Nora Gallagher spent the whole first year crying. She would receive…
What <i>Tidying Up</i> can teach us about grace
Voices of Faith

What Tidying Up can teach us about grace

I first learned of Marie Kondo from my husband. At the time, we were relocating from one apartment to another before closing on our first home. Packing put Jay and…
A revelation of grace
Voices of Faith

A revelation of grace

On Jan. 6 the Western church observes Epiphany, the revelation of Jesus to the magi, who represent all nations. The Time after Epiphany is marked by more revelation stories in…
I’m a Lutheran: Momoh Freeman
Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Momoh Freeman

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Almelund, Minn. Immanuel choir director, pianist and organist. Keyboardist at another church primarily made up of Liberian immigrants. Group home caregiver. I pray for peace, tolerance and…
Light and darkness
Voices of Faith

Light and darkness

When I was a child, I needed a night-light and open bedroom door to let in light from the hallway so I could fall asleep. Even then, the remaining shadowy…
Perspective: Smartphones and a New Year’s resolution
Voices of Faith

Perspective: Smartphones and a New Year’s resolution

A Nov. 23 article from Reuters tells of a special vacation in Hungcheon, South Korea, where, for $90 per night, one can be locked in a prison cell, away from…
Perspective: Pruned open
Voices of Faith

Perspective: Pruned open

A few years ago, during a tour of the Portland (Ore.) Japanese Garden, our guide stopped in front of an elegant Japanese maple tree, its delicate leaves fanning out in…
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Voices of Faith

Uplifting gifts (part two)

Editor’s note: This collection of reflections is an online addition to our December 2018 cover story, “Uplifting Christmas gifts.” Ingredients for love Our daughter, Kristen, and her friends spent several growing-up…
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Voices of Faith

Uplifting Christmas gifts

Earlier this year, Living Lutheran invited readers and writers to submit personal stories of gifts that illuminated the true meaning of Christmas for them. From a kind note to beloved…
Peace on Earth, and pass the popcorn
Voices of Faith

Peace on Earth, and pass the popcorn

Advent and Christmas are filled with traditions that bring us together and help tell the story of our faith. For many of us, one such tradition is watching popular films…