The Rock

The final piece of our newly expanded and improved Prayer Garden was delivered this week. It’s approximately 20 inches high, and weighs just over 2 tons. We couldn’t be more proud!

The total cost for this baby, including delivery, was just under $500. As it settled into it’s new home I told Art, you know, there is a very good chance that this thing is still going to be sitting right here long after you and I are dead and gone.

It’s always an interesting and humbling thought to get those occasional reminders that we have been called to help create and support the kind of church that will continue to change and bless lives long after our time.

The only person I know who can inspire that kind of generosity and devotion is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Someone should write a hymn about that. Something like…

“On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand”

I'm Dreaming of a White Easter?!

We just finished up with our 2007 Easter Egg Hunt. The temperature was in the 30’s and as we gathered at church to hear the Easter story, sing songs, and hunt for eggs, snowflakes were swirling all around us.

After having the air conditioning on for over a month, a lot of us have our heaters back on. But even with mittens you can still find eggs. And even though tomorrow morning’s outdoor Sunrise Service is going to be cold, cold, cold, the announcement will be just as wonderful… He is risen indeed!

Lean On Me

Last Saturday we had approximately 20 people from Shepherd of Life working on a home for Habitat for Humanity in South Dallas. It was early in the project so we got to help with framing. That was a first for me and it was a lot of fun. As we began lifting the walls in place I found myself across from Art, our youth and family ministries director. Guess which one of us not only looks the part, but actually has some skills.

Bond... James Bond

Bible Studies at Shepherd of Life are always interesting. Our love for the scriptures and desire to share and learn from them are at the heart of why all of us do them, but there are people here who have a gift for making them fun as well.

This month we did a 007 Bible Study. The idea was to begin '07 by looking at 07 ways that we can become better, stronger and more effective agents on behalf of our Lord. Ace and Carolyn made the supper which featured foods that have been included in James Bond movies. There were roses on the table, a chocolate fountain and a champagne toast at the end of the evening that was offered by a man who looks just a bit like Sean Connery.

Being a traditional Lutheran church we still like him best. So, if you ever visit us be sure to ask for Brian, as a former president of the congregation and our very own James Bond look a like, he will undoubtedly welcome you in style, but be prepared, for he may also look you straight in the eyes and ask you what risks and sacrifices you've made lately while serving our Lord.

Leaving on a jet plane

This is a picture that my daughter took at DFW on the evening of New Year's Day. Ray Davidson was giving us an incredible tour around and in between the runways at DFW.
For some crazy, irrational reason I've always felt uncomfortable flying and yet I'll be doing just that this coming week. Oh well, it gives me a lot of opportunities to say the Lord's Prayer!

The Ice Man Cometh

It’s been an interesting weekend here. All of our local meteorologists were practically hysterical about the possibility of ice in our region. Consequently, a number of churches canceled their services Sunday morning.

We continued as usual and around 100 people made it to worship. Many of them grew up or have lived in the Midwest. Weather is a funny thing, but this picture is even funnier. It was sent to me by a member named Wilmer.

I loved my four years in Iowa and Minnesota, but the winters here are definitely easier. Good luck, God’s blessings and be careful to all those who have to face the real deal.

Merry Christmas Mom

Dear Mom,
I've been thinking about you all day long and I kept debating about why finding a Christmas picture of you and writing a note makes any sense at all. I just wanted you to know that you would be so proud of your grandkids. David just graduated from college this past Saturday and Steffanie is now in law school. I'm glad they were able to be here for Christmas this year and they just arrived tonight... The anniversary of your death and the beginning of a life that I can't even imagine.

This I do know, you loved Christmas so much and always made it special. I wish you could be here with us. It's still hard to believe that it's been ten years today. I think of you often and before this day ended just wanted you to know how thankful I am that I was your son.

The Frozen Monk

I guess “The Frozen Monk” sounds like an Alaskan legend, or perhaps a popular drink among Catholics. Then again, maybe I’ve just been taking too much cold medicine this week. This I do know, we don’t get even a dusting of snow very often and the little monk who sits outside my study window sure looks like he’s enjoying it. May all who find themselves traveling today get home safe.

My Father's World

This is where I go jogging each week. It’s one of the paths that runs through River Legacy Park. When I need to clear my head or pray or just looking for a little inspiration this is where I go.

Today is Christ the King Sunday and I took this picture following church. It’s the end of November so there aren’t many leaves left, but what a blessing it is to spend even a few minutes in a place that can remind you of hymns like this…

This is my Father’s world
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is king, let the heavens ring
God reigns, let the earth be glad!

Let Them Eat Cake

Here is a picture of our grandson Colin. Last Saturday he celebrated his first birthday and guess what? It was like the best birthday party I’ve been to in ages. We had great weather, zesty Mexican food, cold Coronas, and a jump house that the grown ups played in along with the kids. Oh yeah… and we had lots of cake!

I’m not sure if Colin’s parents will be able to afford a party like this every year, but if this kid can inspire that much fun after being around for just one year, I can’t wait to see how the next few turn out.

Ho, Ho, Ho

Ho, Ho, Ho? Already?! Yes, believe it or not, even though Christmas is still 45 days away, I’m already getting into the spirit. It’s not even Advent and Ruth and I have already bought and listened to a new James Taylor Christmas CD.

That’s just not like me. So what’s the deal? I’m not really sure myself, but I think it has something to do with all of the conflict, violence, war, roadside bombings and school shootings. Though Christmas itself may not change any of that…

I’m finding that I really need to hear again the wonderful story about the birth of Jesus. And that I can hardly wait to see all of our kids (like Alexandra here) all dressed up like angels and shepherds. So, don’t be surprised if you hear me humming: “O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.”

I know it’s early, but I’m really ready for a little peace on earth and good will towards all.

Who's Your Daddy?

On Reformation Sunday many of us had a moment during worship we won't soon forget. As people were kneeling around the altar for communion, one of our toddlers came walking up. As he wandered around the circle he kept asking: Where's my daddy? Where's my daddy?

My initial response was to think to myself... Right here, my little man. He's right here in the bread and wine of holy communion. Of course, that's not what he meant and everyone knew it. Fortunately, one of our moms knew exactly what to do. She took him by the hand and led him back to his mother.

I love this picture of Matt and his son Austin, it was taken recently at our church's Halloween party. Austin is not the little boy who found his way to the communion rail last Sunday, but it sure is a nice reminder of the joy that comes to every girl and boy who is held in the firm and loving grasp of their father's hands.

The Chicken

Twenty years ago this woman basically called me a chicken. (It had something to do with commitment issues) So just to prove her wrong... I married her. Pretty romantic huh? Actually, it's been all that and more. So in just a few days we are heading down to the hill country in order to celebrate 20 years of marriage. Probably find a little Bed and Breakfast somewhere and you can probably guess what else... That's right, I'm taking her to Wurstfest in New Braunfels and making her do "The Chicken" along with a bunch of other polkas. And if she dances real good, I just might buy her a beer and sign up for another 20!

Habitat for Humanity

In early October around 30 people from Shepherd of Life went over to Dallas in order to spend the day measuring, cutting, hammering, caulking and painting. Debi, Zane and Annette put it all together and provided a great lunch. If you want to make a difference in your community get in touch with your local Habitat for Humanity. This coming Saturday people will be gathering to dedicate four new homes on Moffat street. Four families will now have their very own home and just being one small part of it became one of the best days of 2006. Thanks gang... great job!

Why I Love Baseball

Last night the Cardinals defeated the Mets to advance to the World Series against the Tigers. That’s going to be a rematch of the 1968 series that I remember listening to on the radio during P.E. as a kid.

And it was this amazing snow cone catch by Chavez that reminded me again of why I love baseball. So often the things that Christ calls us to do seem beyond what's possible. But you just keep giving it your best and every once in a while you do something unexpected and wonderful that surprises everyone... including yourself!

The Journey

There are images that stay with you for a long time. I won't try to add a 1,000 words to each, but some are certainly worth a few. PJ