Bloggin' it up

Wow! We are now officially blogging! I appreciate the help from Eric Zimmerman to get us set up for this blog. I hope that it becomes a popular place for people to go and get the latest news, announcements and insightful thoughts from our church.

I am enjoying my first winter back in the north land, although I must say that I prefer snow falling at warmer temps than the below zero stuff. After a while the intense cold takes a toll on our bodies, our houses, our spirits. I had forgotten how much we appreciate summer, and why no one is ever around doing business at that time. Now I can't wait to be one of those folks who is "up at the lake" on weekends. I love that expression, "goin' up to the lake". There's a gazillion lakes between Wisconsin and Minnesota, but everyone has their personal favorite. Which lake is my personal favorite? I am quite partial to the Mother of all Lakes, the Big One, Lake Superior, Gitche Gumee. Growing up along the shores of Chequamegon Bay I realized that we had a little treasure cove hidden there; tucked away in the lower corner, guarded by Twelve Apostles for protection from the big lake. I am still a bit puzzled as to why they named them the Apostle Islands, and then didn't name them individually after the Apostles. Would you be a traitor if you went to "Judas" Island?

As we try and rejuvenate our lives in this spiraling economy, I am thinking of ways to rejuvenate my confirmation students. We will be at a gathering in a couple of weeks that I hope will be meaningful to them. I want them to experience the Holy Spirit in their lives. I will not be something I can explain to them in confirmation class, but if I can lead them to a better understanding of how the spirit works within us, and through us, I think that will lay a good foundation. They are a great group of young adults.

In a few more months the snow will melt down, and the ice will break up and float away. It will all look very new and different to us again, and we will feel reborn. I like that spiritual rejuvenation, and look forward to sharing it with my fellow Wisconsinites.