As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation today, some have wondered if it is time for another Reformation. In typical Lutheran fashion I would answer that question, “Yes and No.” No, in the sense that what Martin Luther taught starting 500 years ago is still true and is still being taught in many…
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9, ESV) The missionaries to America that we have been focusing on during this mission series have what I call a heroic faith. They have endured much more than…
So far in our series on the 2017 Des Moines Quilt Show we have highlighted the quilted faces that were exhibited, the amazing things quilters can do with just a few simple shapes and some of the special exhibits at the show. Now it’s time for the best of the rest. Enjoy. “Beach Walk” by…
If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the…
There is more than one way to rob a bank. Let me explain. Time and weather had taken their toll on the interior of the Wells Fargo Bank in downtown Owatonna, robbing it of its amazing beauty. So the bank embarked on extensive renovations that involved placing an elaborate system of scaffolding and platforms throughout…
Along with the American Quilting Society’s competition quilts and the quilts on display from the 500-member strong Des Moines Area Quilters Guild, there are always several special exhibits at the Des Moines Quilt Show. Here are some images from some of the special exhibits that caught my attention this year. Most impressive to me was…
There are only a few basic shapes in the world but as this collection of quilts from the Des Moines Quilt Show illustrates, quilters these days can create some pretty incredible things with just a few shapes. It definitely helps that quilters today can choose fabrics in an almost limitless number of colors. Squares, circles,…
Artists of all varieties are drawn to faces. The many fine artistic quilters that are around these days are no different. In this first installment of my impressions of the Des Moines AQS Quiltweek quilt show, I focus on quilts that highlighted faces. This quilt by Hiroko Miyama is entitled “Lily.” Artists never…
“From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed the exact times and places where they should live. God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.…” Acts…
Lutherans, and others who follow the teachings brought to light during the Reformation, will mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. As they do so they face a future that is uncertain. And, strangely enough, they are just fine with that. Luther and his supporters faced death threats throughout their…
Mirror Neurons 