Anger

Why are we so angry?

Ok, let’s start with a tough question… Who was the last person you were really mad at?  I can get upset at other drivers who cut me off or with people who aren’t behaving in a way I think is normal.  Opening up the newspaper, it’s easy to become angry when I hear about tragedies and injustices taking place in the world.  However, if I’m honest, there are a number of occasions when I will become angry over the smallest things.  Have any of you ever been in a terrible fight with a loved one?  You may be so mad at them in one moment, but then maybe you have lunch, and you realize you were just hungry…  That may be a silly example, but I think it happens all the time!  So often, we lash out against the people who mean the most to us.  Many times we don’t even have an issue with them; deep down, we really just have our own unresolved issues.  If we can’t talk about these things, and figure out where our anger is coming from, I think it can lead to all kinds of terrible tragedies in our society. 

This week, we are looking at a Bible story about two people who were each called by Christ.  However, instead of building the Kingdom, they wind up lashing out against each other.  It’s sad, but I think it’s all too familiar.  Our society is so divided right now.  We love to focus on our neighbors faults, instead of utilizing their gifts.  Jesus invites us to take time to appreciate one another.  What would the world look like if we offered a Christ-like love to the world instead of our judgments?  I pray we might all find time to look into our own soul.  May we see our own callings and feel God’s love.  Let’s let go of the pointless hatred, and let’s start clinging to Christ and His sense of Justice and Love.

Blessings!

PB

Hearing the Good News

Sometimes, life can be a wild ride! Earlier this week, my wife’s car was hit by another vehicle.  The other driver admitted full responsibility, but he did not have insurance… bummer!  Then Kira and I both got incredibly sick from something we ate, and to top it all off we have both have had some crazy busy schedules recently.

 

I guess I’ve been overwhelmed.  Typically, when I start to feel that way, I will go for a long run or climb a mountain.  However, while I was recovering from food poisoning, running didn’t feel so good.  However, I did have a chance to sit down with an older member of our congregation.  He had a chance to share about some of the troubles in his life, and he also spoke about blessings.  He reminded me there are certainly difficulties that can overwhelm anybody, but we all have so much to be thankful for.  We all have so much to live for.  His words came at the perfect time and they really helped to reframe my outlook. 

This week I hope we can hear God’s Word of Compassion and Hope in our lives.  I also hope you have a chance to share these words with others.  Our lives are a gift.  Let’s go forth sharing this Good News!

Blessings!

PB

Slow Down...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day last week!  I am so appreciative of all the people in my life who have shown me so much love.  This week I hope and pray we could take the time to see the love that is right in front of us.  Life is crazy, and it’s easy to forget that God’s Sprit is here if we just slow down and listen for it…

Blessings!

PB

Inclusive Love

Is there something particular in your life that brings you joy?  I was reminded recently that I do not need an exhausting adventure to find happiness… I think having adventures is important, but I tend to find greatest joy in the relationships I have with others.  I baptized a child recently, and it was such a joy to see this little girl light up when she heard the news that she was a part of God’s family.  It was really a wonderful moment, and I am so blessed to have been a part of it. 

Let's give thanks for a love that includes everybody!

What relationships are you thankful for this week?  Is there someone who has gone out of their way to show an inclusive love to you?  As we prepare for Mother’s Day, I hope you can take some time to thank all the people who have shown you love and grace. 

Blessings!

PB

Making Room for Radical Grace

Earlier this week, I received a phone call.  The family on the other end of the line did not attend our church, but their mother was dying, and they needed a Pastor.  It was my day off, and I was actually up to my eyebrows in unfinished projects.  I was feeling stretched for time as it was, but these people were in a place of desperation.  I wound up visiting the family.  I listened to their stories, and I had the opportunity to share a few words of grace for a wonderful woman as she gave up her spirit. 

There are times, especially when I am busy, that I need to stop and take a moment to remember all the blessings I have in life.  When I sat down with this family, I didn’t think I had time for anything, but as they shared stories of love and grace, it reminded me how blessed we all are.  This week I hope you can all take time to appreciate the Radical Grace that is in your life!

Blessings!

PB

Helping Others

Before I became a pastor, I worked with a boy in Minneapolis.  He was really an amazing person.  I remember him being incredibly athletic and also very gifted academically.  However, he really struggled to apply himself.  I remember trying to convince him to study for his classes or go out for sports, but he preferred to play video games, drink, and use drugs.  It was hard for me to watch this kid fail his classes and really just give up on life.  Personally, I think I will always regret being unable to do more for that boy, but I know there are times when I failed to share my God given gifts as well... 

Have you ever struggled to find meaning in life?  Living in the world can be hard, and it’s possible for anyone to be torn apart.  The Bible says that each one of us is created in the image of God, and we all are here for a reason.  It can be difficult for people to believe this, but I have noticed that those who find ways of helping others tend to find more meaning and hope in life.  I love working with the kids in our youth group at CLC.  These kids are incredibly passionate about serving and caring for others.  There are certainly moments when we make mistakes, and we don’t wind up reaching the people we wanted to.  However, we are growing every day.  It’s amazing to watch these kids start conversations with people who are homeless, lost, and otherwise rejected.  It inspires me.  It also gives me hope. 

This week is Youth Sunday at Community Lutheran.  I hope you can come and hear a few stories from the youth.  They are connecting to God by serving others, and I think there is something we can all learn from that.

Blessings!

PB

Simple Things

Life has been pretty busy the last few weeks, but Easter was incredible!  I love this time of year, and I love all the hope that comes with it.  I’ve spent the past few weeks preparing for church services, Bible studies, and so much more.  It’s been great, but today I am also enjoying the fact that life is starting to return to normal. 

You can buy a lot of wild stuff of kids at Easter...

However, with a 13 month old baby, Easter also means lots of loud electronic toys that seem to appear out of nowhere... :) People love to give us singing and dancing rabbits, Easter eggs, and tons of other stuff.  It’s pretty fun to watch the baby interact with it all, but living in a fun house can also get a little exhausting.  One of his toys has started playing music randomly in the middle of the night… (This causes us to wonder, in our sleep deprived state, if burglars have broken into our house and are playing with baby toys…)  I guess it’s just hard keeping up with a one year old!  However, the baby recently started to become interested in story books.  These are not electronic, loud, or crazy.  They’re just normal children’s books.  He loves sitting on our laps and listening to a story.  It’s kind of cool to see something so simple become so incredibly powerful…

This week at community we are talking about the power of sharing our story.  This is how faith grows.  We don’t have to have an advanced degree in theology.  We are called to simply share who we are, and we are told to share the faith we have.  In the end, this is simple, but it has amazing value in the world!

Blessings!

PB