3 YEARS

Today marks 3 years since I have been ordained as a pastor.
3 years ago today, I stood before God and family and friends and made vows of a lifetime.
3 years ago today, I had NO CLUE the road I was about to travel, the sacred ground I was being called to.

In the last 3 years I have:

• doubted repeatedly
• been invited into some of the scariest and most exciting times in people's lives
• affirmed my baptismal vocation to word and sacrament
• held a newborn baby only hours old
• baptized many babies and a few older folks
• have felt totally and completely clueless
• presided over the Lord's Supper several times a month
• led funeral services for many faithful saints
• questioned what I was doing daily
• met more amazing people than I ever could have imagined

It has been quite the journey, this past synod assembly I sat in awe as they handed out the certificates for those who have been in ordained ministry for 35, 50, 60, and 70 years. I wondered about the stories they could tell, the sacred ground they have walked on, the wisdom they have gained, and the questions they have asked. I laughed as I thought about how God calls people into full time ministry and how clueless we sometimes feel, and the ways in which the Holy Spirit continues to affirm my call and walk alongside me - thanks be to God for the patient people who continue to teach me what it means to be a pastor and continue to affirm me where I am.

There are moments in which it is tempting to give it all up and go with a more "traditional" job, but for the most part I look forward to this coming year and to see what God is up to.

Wartburg Retread

It has been nearly 3 years since I have graduated from seminary.

It has been nearly 3 years since we were sent out from Wartburg, ordained as pastors, and placed into congregations.

It is the tradition at Wartburg Seminary that nearish your 3 year mark your class returns to "retread."

We had a marvelous time. I AM SOOO thankful that many of my dear friends and I were able to get together, to snuggle the babies that have been born since we left, catch up on life, and be together once again. There was a sense of going home for sure.



Those few days were good for my soul.

I wish I had taken more photos - I feel like I often say that however, I was consumed in just being with friends.

We did have to take a few "classes" while we were there, they were pretty low key, but we did take a few, conversation was good. I am thankful to no longer be bogged down by classes that is for certain.

Who knew going to a neighboring state would find me in beautiful 75 degree weather and sitting on green grass.... talking about having a debate as to why we live so far north. It was beautiful weather and from the time we left Iowa till we pulled up and into my northern Minnesota drive way 50 degrees had dropped. Mother Nature is cruel indeed.

I wish I knew when we'd all be together again or at least those who I hold nearest and dearest to my heart. We have already begun talks of where we will meet again and when - we are thinking that we won't be at WTS but rather somewhere fun somewhere random for us all. We have debated our options - perhaps a camp or a fun place. Hopefully we can commit to doing it and get it on all of our already way too busy calendars.

Ordination Anniversary

Click here to view this photo book larger

Today I sit back and remember this day with great humility, I am thankful for the call to ordained ministry and I am humbled to serve in full time paid ministry. It is an honor and a joy, I give God thanks and praise for all the ways in which I have been led and guided and look forward to the future. I am posting a copy of my ordination photobook today. The video tape never got started to record the service, so I created this semi-lengthy photobook to capture and help me remember the day and the details of the day.

Hope you enjoy a glimpse into my ordination day.

Thanks be to God for the call to ordained ministry.