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Christ Makes the Body Grow

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The last line in one of the chapters of Leaning on Jesus  I read for last week's Friday morning Bible study stuck out to me, given a conversation earlier in the week about refuting decision theology.  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16, emphasis added) Christ  makes the body grow; I got to witness this gracious action of His firsthand Sunday. Tirzah mentioned she planned to make a same day roundtrip trek to Santo Domingo for the Baptism of LAC's newest MK Augusto; with no particular reason to be at "my" church, I decided to tag along. Within ten minutes of leaving the neighborhood, we witnessed two cars driving erratically and later, at a signal, passing a liquor bottle back and forth! Man, it wa...

What was last week again?

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The title was my reply when a coworker asked me yesterday morning how last week was for me.  It's either a sign I'm crazier than the minimal level of crazy you have to be in order to live this overseas life and keep a smile on your face, or a sign that my side (lodging and transportation) of the annual FPH conference, bringing together the DR seminary's distance seminary students and their pastoral mentors, ran like a well-oiled machine. In this case, it was the latter, in large part thanks to my protege and her Regional Business Manager husband . I spent a minimal amount of time in Palmar, but I happened to be there the morning of the group picture. I did have SOMETHING to do with getting everyone here...and making sure they all left ;) Way back in November, not-so-conveniently just as I set off on a combined work trip/vacation in Europe, it was time to purchase twenty-six plane tickets. This was something even I'd never done on such a scale, so Dana & I collaborat...

If not now, when?

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I rang in 2025 in Kingston, Jamaica, with a work team of volunteers from Memorial Lutheran in Sioux Falls, SD. The front of their matching shirts was emblazoned with the title phrase; the trip came together quickly but all in God's perfect timing after team leader Melinda volunteered at LAC's regional conference in August .  As per usual, I arrived in-country with a couple days of prep time. By the time all was said and done, I'd made the rounds of three stores.  Arriving late on a Saturday night, one of the team's first experiences was a joint Divine Service with members from both Faith and St. Andrew. Pastor Ite enthusiastically accepted music teacher Mindee's offer to accompany the hymns instead of using pre-recorded versions. No trip to Kingston is complete without the world's 4th best ice cream . Grape Nuts (yes, like the cereal) for me. One of the three stores I'd hit up prior to the team's arrival was a hardware store, all the while  knowing  we...

Full Days, Fuller Heart

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'Twas the day before Christmas...and I went to the bank at 7:30 am. It was as filled with the magic and wonder of the season as it sounds. No, really! Regional Business Manager Stan & I got there before they opened and were 3rd in line.  As if anything could top NOT waiting 2 hours, I made pumpkin baked oatmeal  to fuel me for a marathon day. I knew it'd be a long haul, but I was giddy with excitement for each of 4 events:  1. Lunch at the Shavers'.  I got there early and put myself on sous chef duty...until this little cutie absconded with my apron.  Kris's adorable place settings went up a notch with "under the plate gifts," a family tradition she decided to bring to the DR. I made mashed potatoes for a bunch of Idahoans. I'm not sure how much stock to put in a 2 yr. old's opinion, but he was LICKING the bowl. His idea to take a picture with Tía Erin, not mine 🥰 2. English Advent service at the regional office.  3. Spanish service of Lessons ...