The starship Aura has arrived home in Farmington Hills after a lengthy trip to the Nebraska system. The trusty craft and her crew of one survived the trip quite well and are happy to be back on native soil. And the crew listened to an audio novel version of the latest Star Trek movie, helping my return trip feel like I was traveling at light speed!
Obviously, I haven’t written anything in this blog in quite awhile. That’s due to my own experience of the hundreds of papers I wrote as an English major in undergrad and a student at the seminary. It’s hard for me to write anything unless I think it’s going to be really interesting and has a chance of receiving an A.
But a blog is simply a chance to share what’s on my mind, especially as it pertains to Prince of Peace. So that’s what I’ll try to do. Keep any grades to yourself, please!
My recent trip to Nebraska had a dual purpose. I’m enrolled in a Family Life Ministry masters program through Concordia University in Seward, and my first class was June 15-19. Just days before leaving for this class, I found that Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus, Nebraska had called me to be their pastor. (In case you don’t know, a call is like a job offer. I don’t have to accept it, but I feel God has sent it my way for a reason, and I must pray over it and consider it.) Since Columbus is at most a 90 minute drive from Seward, it made sense to piggy back the two.
There isn’t much to share about the side trip to Columbus other than the fact that there are people who love the Lord doing their best to follow His will all over the place, and it’s always a pleasure to meet them.
My 36 hours of classroom time studying “Marriage and Family Relations” was very good, and helped confirm my desire to pursue this family ministry path. I learned so many things, it’s hard to pick out a favorite. But I especially liked this little insight.
The oneness of a good marriage – where two different people unite in heart, mind, and spirit to walk together for a lifetime – is expressed in any variety of ways. No two relationships are alike. I think that’s a tribute to the creativity of our God!
On the other hand, when marriages begin to struggle and lose that sense of oneness, they tend to follow typical patterns. That’s the devil’s work. He can’t match the creativity of God, so tries to get people to fall for the same old tricks, generation after generation. The key to defeating him? Honest and open communication in an environment that safely allows husband and wife to share all their hopes and fears. In short, we defeat him with truth, with God’s help, because the devil is all about lies.
As a follow up to that class, I’ll be offering a marriage enrichment class in the fall. Stay tuned to future announcements about when and where that will take place.
Until next time, live long and prosper!
Pastor Tom
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