Some years back, I spent some time working retail with Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse. You've probably heard this before, but I agree that it's a pretty good idea for nearly everyone to spend at least a little time working retail and/or food service, to see what it's like "on the other side of the counter." … Continue reading Retail Lessons for Life
Thanksgiving is a little weird, right? It's the one day a year we are required to be thankful, as if we shouldn't be thankful every day... But it’s also a really great day. A day filled with family, fun, football… and food! Thanksgiving is, after all, one of the High Holy Days of the Food … Continue reading The Perfect Recipe
Here we go! This marks the first entry of what I intend to be a weekly blog about life, ministry and yes, theology. With that in mind, I thought I would kick things off with some answers to questions you might be asking. So without further ado, here are some F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions): Who … Continue reading Welcome In, Welcome Back
I have tattoos. Two of them, actually. Ink is not for everyone, though it has certainly become far more mainstream to get tattoos, and lots of them, for that matter. Some people have very strong opinions on tattooing - whether or not it's attractive, whether it makes a difference if you're male or female, what … Continue reading Ink
Tomorrow is the seven-year anniversary of my ordination - the day I became a Pastor. I didn't declare myself a pastor, I wasn't elected pastor and I haven't even always wanted to be a pastor! It was the culmination of a long process that required hard work and sacrifice, but which ultimately was held in … Continue reading Pastors
Today, we set aside a national holiday to remember all those who have died either while serving our country’s military, or who have died since that service. For most of us, it means the day off work or school, and a three-day weekend. But it is also a really valuable time for reflection – to … Continue reading Paying the Price
I cannot say this enough: Talk. Communicate. Stop making assumptions. Don’t talk about people - talk to them. The longer you let things fester, the worse they get until they are irreparable. This goes for your marriage, kids, parents, friendships, and all relationships - with family, coworkers, bosses, teachers, pastors, neighbors, you name it. It … Continue reading If In Doubt, Talk It Out
Today, our church celebrates confirmation. Confirmation in the Lutheran church is just that: confirmation by these young people of the faith that was given to them in baptism, taught to them by their parents, grandparents, godparents, pastors and teachers, and grown and nurtured in them by the Holy Spirit. Today, they stand before their church … Continue reading Thoughts On a Confirmation Service
I remember a trip we took when I was growing up. I was probably seven or eight years old, and the trip was to King’s Island in Cincinnati. The overall trip included Mammoth Caves and the Air Museum in Dayton, but what really stands out in my mind, is how much I despised King’s Island. … Continue reading Fitting In
Honest Musings from a Regular Guy... Who Also Happens to Be a Lutheran Pastor 