Today is October 31… known as All Hallow’s Eve, or Halloween. It was originally a day of prayer and remembrance in preparation for All Saints Day, November 1. All Saints Day is a holy celebration for all the saints who have entered eternal rest. For Lutherans, however, October 31 is known as Reformation Day. ItContinue reading “What happened to Grace?”
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The Trouble with Grace
As a Christian, as a Lutheran, as one who believes that Martin Luther was right, I profoundly believe that when there is doubt about how to handle any situation that we should “err on the side of Grace.” In its purest form, Grace is unconditional. It is the unconditional love and forgiveness that we receiveContinue reading “The Trouble with Grace”
New Beginnings
It’s been a while since I last wrote here, but I have been thinking about it. In March, 2023, I adopted a new dog from a shelter. We also moved to a new location about 200 miles from home for a temporary job, so I have been busy with that and with training Jazmin. IContinue reading “New Beginnings”
Why do we struggle with Grace?
“The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be much esteemed were it not so common. Our Lord God has made His greatest gifts the commonest.” ~ Martin Luther I saw a meme on Facebook the other day that caused me to pause. It said, “May you be treated the way you treat animals.” Now,Continue reading “Why do we struggle with Grace?”
Grace… and Fascinators and Fedoras
When my daughter was in junior high school, she was spending weekends with me and the rest of the week with her father, since he lived in her school district. Church was always a priority when she and her brother were with me. We typically wore “church clothes” on Sundays. She and I would wearContinue reading “Grace… and Fascinators and Fedoras”
When Grace Isn’t Amazing…
For the past few years, we have lived in a world where truth is stranger than fiction, and where truth is not valued by many people. When we listen to the news or read a news report, we are skeptical about the veracity of the content. When my son was in junior high school someContinue reading “When Grace Isn’t Amazing…”
So… How DID I Get Here? Part 8 Epilogue.
If you have been following along with this blog about my relationship with various dogs over many, many years, you no doubt have come to realize that my dogs have been important players in my life story. Coco, Brandon, Sheba, Kaicee, *Charlie Brown, Shadow and Beau have all crossed the rainbow bridge, but they liveContinue reading “So… How DID I Get Here? Part 8 Epilogue.”
So How Did I Get Here? – Part 7e2 All Good Things Come to an End
(Trigger alert – if you have recently lost a pet). When I started this series, I knew this would be the hardest one for me to write. But it is necessary for me to heal. The pain is real as I write, but I believe that it will also lead to the peace I needContinue reading “So How Did I Get Here? – Part 7e2 All Good Things Come to an End”
So How Did I Get Here? – Part 7 e1 – Beau Goes to Church
Less than a year after we became a registered Therapy Dog team, my job ended at the church I was serving. Seeing God at work in this development, Beau and I were launched on an adventure we never could have imagined or hoped to have! After serving as a called pastor for churches in twoContinue reading “So How Did I Get Here? – Part 7 e1 – Beau Goes to Church”
So How Did I Get Here? – Part 7d – Beau as a Therapy Dog
Beau and I received our training at the Paws-Up community partner of Pet Partners Inc. The nice thing about this group of therapy dog handlers is they don’t just say… go and share the love… once you receive your certification. An experienced trainer goes with you on the first few visits so that they canContinue reading “So How Did I Get Here? – Part 7d – Beau as a Therapy Dog”
Grace Notes 