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For me, every day is a lucky day. #stpatsday #lovemywife

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Curious what we are talking about this Lenten season? Join us at noon and 6:30pm each Wednesday for worship! (at Immanuel Lutheran Church)

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Day 3: temptation. Need I say more. #lent #40picsin40days #photojournal

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Day 2: journey. As in, my journey towards good health starts with more exercise and better eating habits. #lent #photojournal #40picsin40days

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Lent Journal, Day 1 Ash Wednesday

What are you looking for?  The first words of Jesus recorded in John's gospel, in the first chapter.  He asks the two men following him, who had just left John the Baptist, what they are looking for.  This question speaks to the direction I seem to be leaning more heavily in favor of these past few weeks, with regards to my own preaching and in my own discipleship thoughts:  ask, then serve.  

In past times, I've often asked the question of service, "What can we give you?" or "What can we do for you?"  Seemingly well meaning questions, to be sure, and good, honest, devout people have and will continue to ask them.  These days, though, I seem to be leaning more on the question, "What do you need?" as my question regarding service.  This has been a developing topic and evolving thought to speak more to the person's need, rather than to my need to serve.  

Sometimes I can't offer what the person needs. That's not the point of asking the question. Asking the question, like Jesus is doing here, "what are you looking for?" is more about discovery rather than solution.  Investigating deeper with the person in need means allowing ourselves to be vulnerable too, rather than mightily supplying the need.  We can vulnerably sit with their need, pray with them and ask God the questions that we have in our hearts too.  

Ashes remind us that we are vulnerable.  Frail.  Weak.  Fragile.  In need as well.  That these lives we live where we juggle the daily and weekly and monthly trials that keep surfacing... are finite.  Our lives here will end. God will call us to our end, which is the new life eternal promised in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  That our bodies are merely dust, and our bodies will return to dust.  But our end is in God, who is never-ending.

Prayer for the day:  Gracious God, be with me and all people beginning their Lenten disciplines and journey with us to reorient and discover closer relationships with you.  Guide us into ways of deeper understanding and faith, that we may grow ever closer to you.  Help us listen and help us grow.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

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Day 1. Ashes, ashes... We all fall down. #lent #photojournal #40picsin40days

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March madness meets lent. #barnyardmadness #elca #elcagoodgifts

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Lent Photo Journal 2014

Take a picture each day that goes with the theme for that day.  Be creative, and write a sentence that explains why this picture was used for this theme.  If you need help, look up the bible reference for that day to gain inspiration.  Create a new album and post them on instagram, twitter, tumblr, or Facebook!  Make sure Pastor Dave has your info.  Day 1 = March 5th, so get ready!  Late entries are always welcome.

Day 1:  Ashes                              Genesis 3:19

Day 2:  Journey                            Mark 1:11-13

Day 3:  Temptation                       Matthew 4:1-11

Day 4:  Go and sin no more          John 8:1-11

Day 5:  Restore                             Psalm 23

Day 6:  Bread                                John 6:35-48

Day 7:  Light                                  John 8:12-13

Day 8:  I am.                                  John 8:53-59

Day 9:  Gate.                                 John 10:7-10

Day 10:  Shepherd                        John 10:11-15

Day 11:  Life                                  John 11:23-26

Day 12:  The Way                         John 14:4-7

Day 13:  Vine                                John 15:1-3

Day 14:  Rock                               Luke 6:46-49

Day 15:  Shouting                         Mark 11:7-10

Day 16:  Authority                        Mark 11:27-32           

Day 17:  Plotting                          Mark 14:1-3

Day 18:  Disciples                       Matthew 4:18-22

Day 19:  Betray                           Matthew 26:14 & 15

Day 20:  “Eat this bread”             Matthew 26:26-29

Day 21:   “Drink this cup”            Matthew 26:26-29

Day 22:  Stay awake                   Matthew 26: 39-41

Day 23:  Kiss                              Matthew 26:47-50

Day 24:  Arrest                           Matthew 26:55 & 56

Day 25:  Deny                            Matthew 26:69-76

Day 26:  Trial                             Luke 23:13-19

Day 27:  Forgiveness                Luke 23:32-34

Day 28:  Paradise                     Luke 23:39-43

Day 29:  Mother and Son          John 19:25-27

Day 30:  Forsaken/Forgotten    Matthew 27:46

Day 31:  “I thirst”                       John 19:28

Day 32:  Finished                     John 19:30

Day 33:  Spirit                          John 19:30

Day 34:  Breath                       Mark 15:37

Day 35:  Earthquake               Matthew 27: 50-52

Day 36:  Curtain                      Mark 15:38

Day 37:  Darkness                  Luke 23:44

Day 38:  Prepare                    John 19:38-42

Day 39:  Tomb                        Mark 15:46

Day 40:  Arise                         Luke 24:1-7

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New Ash Wednesday blessing? #changeapproved #lent

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Same five year old with pastor. #lovemyjob

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From a five year old promising to love angels and everybody. #lovemyjob

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The intermission at the Pentacle Theatre to see The Importance of Being Ernest. (at pentacle theatre)

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Yes, yes I should. #sermonday

Let Idris be your conscience.

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Yup.

5 signs you’re in a relationship with the White Sox. It’s okay, we don’t blame you.

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Ended our night with a play at the Pentacle theatre. Salem.