As my kids got older and moved out, I did what any reasonable parent would do—I bought a dog. Not to replace them (obviously, they are irreplaceable and also significantly taller), but to bring a little comfort, and someone who still thinks I’m the center of the universe. When Noah left for St. Olaf College, … Continue reading Day 2: Dog Groomer
Day 1: Send Off
Today is the first day of my sabbatical, and naturally, I am celebrating by… waiting for the doctor to call. Not on a beach. Not reading a book. Not doing anything remotely sabbatical-ish. Just sitting here, aggressively sipping tea and trying to swallow like it’s an Olympic sport. Nothing major—just strep throat that has decided … Continue reading Day 1: Send Off
Sabbatical Starts March 22
I was a weird kid—in the best way. Every Sunday after church, I’d rush home and play church with my stuffed animals. I directed an imaginary choir, wrote my own sermons about loving people (remember, this was the South in the 1970s), and served Holy Communion to the dog using bread and Kool-Aid. Reverent and … Continue reading Sabbatical Starts March 22
Post Christmas Sermon
I don't usually write my sermons down, but for I did for this Christmas Eve 2025. Mostly for myself, so I can remember my words. If you like to read sermons, may this one encourage you this Christmas season. Grace and peace to you from the Christ - child that brought love into the world … Continue reading Post Christmas Sermon
My ABC’s with Jesus
I love creating children’s ministry curriculum for a variety of settings—whether it’s Children’s Church, Sunday School, baby book clubs, milestone events, baptism classes, First Communion preparation, or at-home family devotions. What I’m most passionate about is equipping parents and grandparents to nurture faith at home. This fall, the Children, Youth, and Family team at my … Continue reading My ABC’s with Jesus
What Makes My Church Special to Kids
Today I wrote a letter to the families at Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Twin Cities, who attend the Minneapolis campus. While we can't meet the needs of every family, I think we do a good job on providing opportunities for kids in worship. Below is what I wrote: What Makes Bethlehem Special for Kids – … Continue reading What Makes My Church Special to Kids
VBS – The Generosity Project
If you are looking for a fun stewardship event to host this fall, check out the Generosity Project here. It is curriculum designed for congregations to talk about money, value, and faith intergenerationally. As a contributing writer to the Generosity Project, the CYF team at Bethlehem and I decided to create a Vacation Bible School … Continue reading VBS – The Generosity Project
A Storytelling Directory
One thing I have been working on for my DMIN from Portland Seminary are a couple of prototypes for projects. One project I am thinking about creating is a Storytelling Directory. Below is the entry essay and a couple of simple audio storytellings. By no means is this a complete project. Thank you for checking … Continue reading A Storytelling Directory
Parenting is a Calling
Parenting is a calling. It's a fact. But I could also add parentheses in front of that statement because families come in all shapes and sizes. The parentheses can be (co)parenting, (grand)parenting, or (foster)parenting, and those are callings, too. So when I use the term "Parenting is a calling," please insert a parentheses as necessary. … Continue reading Parenting is a Calling
Unexpected Death
Another death happened today. My friend's dad died. Not by cancer, not by old age, not by overdose. Just life happened, and death is a part of life. But what is so hard about death is that it comes when you are not expecting it. Death can sneak up out of nowhere. Now, I am … Continue reading Unexpected Death
StoryBoard 