Such a joy…

…last evening to be with dear friends the Klingers and Van Ulfts and get in some six-handed pinochle (the night ended up one game for the men, one for the women). I’m afraid Stephanie made such a yummy cheese dish for appetizers that I made a pig of myself and had zero room left for dinner itself. When I thank God for the companions he grants us along the way, these folks are always included:

A Little Touch of Crazy with an Awful Lot of Joy

Life has been…challenging! We’re still in the process of moving Cindi’s dad (hereafter, Opa) from the house next door to us, down to a duplex a block and a half away. The end is clearly in sight! We got the worst of the heavies moved in the last couple days. But the move has been hard on Opa. He fell one night and his apple watch called 911. The EMTs had to break through his front door to get to him. He also ended up in the hospital for a couple days due to some medication they gave him. But he made it home last Tuesday and was able to join us for Thanksgiving. Cindi’s aunt and her cousin came out as well. We ended up with 20 feasting together on Thanksgiving Day (missed the Mark Preus family this year!). And, with eldest daughter pregnant with #s 9 and 10 (identical twin boys), we’ve had extra trips to St. Louis for doctors appointments or watching the other 8. Aunt Sandy and Russ arrived on Tuesday (as I was going to get Dave from the hospital); Lauren had a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday that I took her to, while Cindi was busy cooking. Opa had a drs’ appointment, so we were very thankful that Sandy and Russ were here to take him to that. Lauren’s family arrived on Thursday and stayed through till after lunch today. And Cin and I baby sat the boys last evening as all the girls went to a Lindsey Stirling concert in St. Louis. Cindi and I caught a nap after everyone cleared out and then proceeded to do our usual decorating. Right now, we’re sitting in the living room enjoying the Christmas tree and (I must confess) THE SILENCE. Delightful! But what a great blessing to be able to be together. Here are some pics:

One of the most amazing things…

…about St. Paul’s is the Thranksgiving Day Matins. It’s 9:00 a.m.  Conventional wisdom would tell you that there’s no way you can have a church service on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. St. Paul’s is, like, WRONG. Not only can you have it, you can pack it out with the people of God joyfully gathering for a brief service of thanksgiving and praise to our gracious Giver God. And that’s my grandson Henry serving as the acolyte and crucifer.

Whew!

Today I finished recording through Dec. 19. Am now on break until Dec. 2. I’m looking forward to the days of not writing and catching up with some chores around the house. Cindi’s aunt and cousin will join us for the Thanksgiving feast, so that will be 20 of us sitting down to dinner this year. I think they arrive Sunday or Monday of next week. Best of all: I come back for three weeks, and then it’s a two week break. It’s been hectic this fall, what with speaking engagements and trying to get Opa moved and settled into new digs, and empty out his old house. 

A Holy Conversation

It was truly great to be with the saints up north (Fairgrove Michigan) for “A Holy Conversation” and to celebrate with Grace Lutheran Church and Pastor Haller their 75th anniversary. Here are some pics, though somehow I didn’t get one with Pr. Haller. He’ll have to send me the one the photographer did after the service:

One thing I definitely decided though: I’m finishing my commitments through next year and then I really and truly am DONE with the public speaking gigs. So, since I’m driving to three of the next ones, I have will only have to take an airplane for this one more time: out to Wyoming in August. If it’s local, I still may consider doing it (planning on something for Sem wives in early 2026), but aside from that, no go. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to go around the country and teach (well, also down to Dominican Republic!); I treasure the folks I’ve gotten to know, but for my own sanity, that stage of my life draws to an end next August. This year I’ve travelled to Colorado, Minneapolis, Chicago, Little Rock, Cullman AL and this last trip to Fairgrove. Meanwhile, the writing and recording of podcasts doesn’t stop, nor does the filling in for various services at St. Paul’s. Thus, the answer for future speaking invitations is “no” if it’s not in the immediate vicinity (as in, no overnights). 

And 40 Years Later…

…so back in early 80’s attended the St Dunstan Liturgical Conference in Queens. Put on by this man. Today he was at conference I was doing in Michigan. Good to see you Pr. Weldon!!!

My mom was after me for years…

…to get this sort of thing and wear it. Well, mom, I did it. It took a little while, but I finally got it done. 

So, I was preparing for today’s Issues Show on All Saints…

…and hunting in this blog for a particular sermon. I noticed it had a comment and I clicked on it and read it. It about brought tears to my eyes:

“Wonderful, Christ-centered Gospel Sermon! Thanks for sharing it. Then He will wipe away every tear. Now this message brought tears, as I thought of those who are already there, and as I remember that I (and all believers) are there in Jesus, and will be there. All Saints... Thanks - + Herb.” 

That would be our beloved Herb Mueller, former SID President and former First Vice President of Synod. He went home to Jesus some years ago now. He is still very much missed. 

Well, I told Cindi on the way home…

…I’m definitely getting too old for this. We had a WONDERFUL time with the saints of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cullman, Alabama. And we are totally jealous of their outstanding school facility. I got to do a presentation on how the hymnic deposit passes on the faith, and then we celebrated a beautiful Divine Service (Choir under Pr. Clark’s expert direction! Brass! Tympani! Organ! Strings!), at which I was blessed to preach. We enjoyed a wonderful meal at the elder Bussman’s (Mark and Vicki) with Pr. John, Emily and the boys on Saturday evening. We stayed at a fabulous little “cabin” near to the church owned by congregational members. It was all awesome and all such a blessing. BUT…the DRIVE. Seven hours there on Saturday. Seven hours home right after service today (which had me doing some driving in the dark - something I find myself increasingly incapable of doing. What gives with that?). Anywho, I’m not agreeing to anything like it in the future. My excuse: I’m just too old. 

A Blessed Day of St. James of Jerusalem!

I was blessed to serve the Mass (the Divine Service) today with my grandson Henry. His first time serving at the Lord’s altar: