Refreshed for a New Year?

What do you do in order to get refreshed or rejuvenated?  It may be getting that extra sleep you so badly need. Or, perhaps you decide to "unplug" from social media, computer work, and television for a period of time. Perhaps reading a good book stimulates and refreshes you. Or, if you are a strong extrovert, you get refreshed by spending time with friends and family.  Perhaps, working out with some kind of exercise program gives you renewed energy.

As we all experience there is a balance to life- the challenge to balance work and family, work and your personal life.  I am convinced that achieving a balance is simply an impossible task. It is more like a challenge to navigate life, focusing on the top priorities of our life

Beginning a new year is a great time to reflect on what your priorities are and how you can hold on to these as you navigate the year ahead.   Whether it  is practicing your faith, working out, seeking more fulfillment in your job, having more fun with friends, serving others in need by volunteering, the new year is a great time to get refreshed and to chart your course for the year ahead.

My hope and prayer is that God will guide you in this year ahead to help you navigate the waters of this world. And, I hope God will give you the peace and inner strength to do so.

Peace,
-Pastor Durk Peterson

What Are You Practicing These Days?

As many of you know I love to golf. It’s my hobby and great outdoor joy.  Five years ago I decided to set a couple of goals: improve my golf score and play a round of golf once each week.   In order to accomplish these goals I started going to the golf range to hit balls and to the practice green to work on my putting.  Practice has helped me to improve my game and enjoy the game more than ever.

When it comes to our life of following Christ as a disciple, are we setting goals for improving our life of worship and service?  If so, what are your goals?  If not, what goals do you wish you were pursuing?

Yes, the gospel is what God has done for us by sending Jesus to die and be raised for us.  God gives to us, loves us, forgives us, and empowers us with the Holy Spirit. In response to what God has done, discipleship is what we do in response to the good news of Jesus.

In what ways do you want to improve the depth and commitment of your discipleship? What practices will you engage in in order to improve?  Perhaps it may be a new or renewed commitment to worship weekly. Note: worship patterns have changed dramatically in recent years with the explosion of youth games and tournaments along with races, competitions, and fundraisers. Or, maybe you are ready to begin giving a regular financial offering as expression of your trust in God and engagement with Cross Lutheran’s mission.  Or, maybe you are ready to volunteer in church, school or community to make a difference.

The rewards of practicing your faith are numerous. You will be filled with more joy, hope, and strength for the week when you worship.  You will grow in your awareness of God’s blessings for you and providing for you. You will make a difference in the lives of those in need.

It’s time to come up with a plan to respond to the gospel.  God is with you in this and will provide you with the strength and commitment to accomplish it. 

In Christ’s service,

-Pastor Durk Peterson

When the times get tough....

Remember the last time you came up against a major challenge in life?  Perhaps your challenge includes such things as illness, losing your job, experiencing marital difficulties, a falling out with a friend, financial pressures, or the loss of a loved one.

At times such as these, what was your response?  Did you lash out in anger, experience deep frustration, sink into depression, walk that road of grief, turn to alcohol or drugs, reach out  to loving and supportive friends, or seek professional help?

Christian minister and author, Chuck Swindoll once wrote that 10% of life is what happens to you and 90% is how you respond to it.  I find his insight very helpful and encouraging not only for me personally, but for those I have the privilege of ministering to as a pastor.

Bottom line? We all face challenges and obstacles in life. We all encounter pain and discomfort.  John Ortberg's recent book brings this into perspective with his title Everyone is Normal Until You Get to Know Them. 

What I trust and believe with all my heart is that the Lord our God carries us, is present with us, works through us, gives us hope, infuses us with patience, and provides us comfort through the love of Jesus. Jesus loves us. He died for us. He was raised for us. This we know and this we can trust.

Peace,
-Pastor Durk

It's Time to Get Refreshed!

So, what are you going to do this summer for fun and relaxation?   With the great weather and opportunity to do all things outdoors, what do you enjoy the most? 

I love to go out on early morning bike rides with four of my bike buddies and to take walks with my wife, Susan.  I enjoy golfing and taking in the beauty of golf courses and experiencing great weather.  Being outdoors in the fresh air and sun is refreshing and rejuvenating.

Summer is also a great time to take vacations, whether going on a road trip, travelling overseas, visiting relatives and friends, or taking in sight seeing anywhere.  Yes, summer is the time to seize the day and enjoy life!

When it comes to your life of faith in Christ, what refreshes you?  What gives you energy and motivating to love, grow, serve, and worship? 

I always find myself thanking God for the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus and the Spirit of God. It is the Spirit that works in us the gift of faith. It moves us to do good works to benefit others.  It opens our mind, heart, and life to the working of God’s love.

How is the Holy Spirit working in your life these days?  How is it refreshing your life and moving you to love and serve others?  If

So, this summer, take full advantage of the opportunities you have to get your life and faith refreshed.  Be open to how God promises to open your heart and change your life.

Here is to new energy and new life!

-Durk K. Peterson

Parent Transitioning Time

My wife, Susan, and I have children, both of  whom are in college. Our son, Eric, is in his first year at UND in Grand Forks, ND and our daughter is a senior a Luther College.  Both are doing well in college and love their life and studies in college.  I am so happy that they've both found a match or fit in their college. This is the joy I am experiencing as a parent.

The challenge and unexpectedly hard road for me is not having them at home.  Like many parents of high school age children, our home was buzzing with activities. There were school events, sporting events, music events, vacations, outings, etc. And, now, it is quiet. Too quiet. Unsettling quiet.

While my wife did double fist-pumps in the air when our children moved away to college (she does all the laundry), I cried. Tears of grief mingled with tears of joy that they were heading off into a new life.

I realize some of you will be sympathetic to my transition issues. Others of you may be mumbling, "Well, just get over it and move!  Celebrate you time now as empty nesters! 

God calls us in a special way as parents. We are called to model the Christian faith for our children. Called to raise them to love the Lord our God. We are to set a good example and teach them the ways of life and this world.   We are called to love them through all the ups and downs of life.

I guess I am going to have to deepen my level of trust in God during this time of transitioning as a parent.  I've feel like I am starting to turn the corner and enjoying more time with Susan and more free time.  Yes, part of me feels guilty (I am a Lutheran!), but most of my heart is at peace with God and the new opportunities that await.