Vibrant Faith Devotions By Our Members

Gordon Storlie - July/August 2010

Passing on vibrant faith can be accomplished in many different ways. I happen to find that my passions fall under Service and Caring Conversations. I am a person that holds his beliefs more privately and close to my heart so you will not hear me preach or get religious about my faith.  Is that wrong?  I don't believe so, I am just doing things the way I was brought up and the way my heart tells me is right for me.  We all do things for a reason and we may not even know what the reason is.  If doing something makes us feel good about ourselves—while helping others at the same time—then it is a good thing.

Service: On behalf of our church I bring groceries, fresh vegetables, backpacks, and school supplies to 360 Communities (formerly Community Action Council).  I can't tell you what a wonderful feeling it is to see and hear all of their wonderful comments and reactions.  They tell me how great our gifts are and how much their clients look forward to receiving all that we provide for them.  This response from those at 360 Communities makes me think about how great our church is and how so many people make an effort to help others.  Talk about meaningful, it makes my heart swell with pride because I am part of a group that does many things for others.  They also asked if we are doing the garden again.  Are we?  I told them we have increased the size of our garden and that they can expect more this year—that got them excited!

Caring Conversations: The other part of my story relates to dealing with elderly people.  I think we all know how this can be so rewarding and sometimes very, very challenging.  Our older citizens are sometimes lost in what is going around them—health issues and coping with changes they can't seem to understand. 

Sometimes elderly people do not get the time or assistance they need from their children.  I have been in this situation and have been guilty of that with my mother—but that doesn't mean we can't change our actions.  My visits to the assisted living home where my mom resides are always fun, not only with mom but with the other residents.  As you may know, I always have a comment of some sort and when I go into their home I can just see the residents waiting for me to say something tease them.  In return I get a laugh or a smile.  It is a feeling to give their lonely or depressed face a smile and a feeling of worth.  Isn't that what life is all about?

Cheryl Bahnsen - June 2010

Are you aware of the daily opportunities to share your faith?  Every person has a God given need to be affirmed and we can give the gift of affirmation by listening, encouraging and showing that we care.

I have a daily devotional book that I picked up and read to Joan. The next day, I called and asked if she wanted to hear the devotion. The third day, she called me to thank me for taking a few minutes to show her I cared. Joan used to make time for devotions and had gotten out of the habit. She wanted to let me know she found her devotion book and was starting to make time for devotions again.

I challenge you to be more alert to those that need a simple word of encouragement.

Share your faith. It does make a difference.

Staci Thompson - June 2010

When I got a new car several years ago I thought it would be great to put a fish symbol on the back to show others that I am a Christian. The symbol I found is a fish with a little cross inside it. I assumed that most people knew what this symbol meant so I was a little surprised when a co-worker asked me about it one day.

“What does your fish mean?” she asked. I referenced the story of the loaves and fishes which led to a conversation about our faith experiences as we were growing up. As a child she went to church and knew God but had fallen away from Christianity as an adult.

One morning she emailed me a link to a daily devotion series that she had started receiving. I started getting the devotions too and we’d comment on how they related to whatever challenges or successes were going on at work or in our personal lives. She started looking for a church home and would share her church experiences and ask my opinion. We’d also pray for each other and our families and friends during various situations.

Seven years have passed since we started working together which has brought each of us to different jobs and new life situations but our faith friendship has continued.

And now because my faith has grown during this time too, I’m even more prepared to answer the question “What does your fish mean?” whenever the opportunity to talk faith with someone comes about.

Quentin Du Lac - May 2010

My name is Quentin Du Lac, I attend Sunday School and sing in the Chorister Choir. Daily devotions for me are saying a prayer before I eat and a prayer when I go to sleep! Now before I run and play let me not forget to pray, Amen.

Singing and dancing are another way that I praise the Lord, I have my own copy of the Christmas concert songs from several years ago and I like to sing and dance to it a lot. These songs are special to me as Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year!

KTIS 98.5 FM is what I listen to at home and in the car, asking Mom and Dad to please turn up the songs. Hopefully I will hear these songs I like so much at church and can sing along as I do most of the time. I hope your family will listen and enjoy the songs that this station plays and we can all sing them together at church someday!

Lucky Rimpila - May 2010

I have had and still am enjoying a wonderful faith journey in my life. My parents brought my sister, bothers and I to Sunday school and made sure we attended confirmation and Luther League. I didn't have to be forced to go as I looked forward to those times and the fellowship. I enjoyed every aspect of church very much.  My pastor in Hastings, MN wanted me to attend the seminary and become a pastor, even to the extent of letting me preach part of the sermon on Good Friday when I was seventeen. I then started writing poetry and published numerous poems relating to my faith.

When I started running short of words, the Lord blessed me with the ability to continue my poetry through stained glass.  I love to design and create stained glass pieces that might have a faith journey impact on others. Pieces to tell a story or invoke thoughts for others that might relate to their own lives and journey.
Prayer has always been and continues to be the guide given me in my daily life as well as what direction God has for me in the future.

Juli Skillman - April 2010

Devotions—where do I begin? That was the question for me. My parents did devotions and I would do a little devotion now and then but they seemed to have little impact on my life.
There was a patient in the hospital where I work whose husband was frequently reading his Bible and would give handmade cross bookmarks to the staff. Though his wife was very ill, he seemed to be at peace with it. One day, I asked, “Where do you start when you read the Bible?” He stated nonchalantly, “How about the beginning?” I thought, well that was a stupid question! Not being a big reader, the Bible was intimidating for me. First shot, I just started reading. I found it worked better to use a study Bible and a “read the Bible in 2 years” series of booklets. This helped me to get a better understanding.
Since then, I have used a variety of daily devotions. Some seem to impact me more than others. Ultimately, I have realized that it isn’t the devotional material that I am using as much as where my thoughts and heart are. My preference is to have my time with God first thing in the morning before my head gets cluttered with my “to do” list. Frequently, I read the verses 3 times. This helps me to focus; and then specific phrases will jump out at me. Sometimes, later in the day, these phrases will come back to me or will be repeated by a friend! It is like God is telling me “I am always with you!” But, I have to admit there are also times that I read my devotion as I am brushing my teeth before heading into traffic and I can’t even recall what I read! This makes me realize how much I need my time with God.
Thanks be to God! that He always takes time for me even when I don’t take time for Him!

Arnie Yeske - April 2010

Its 4:00am; the house is quiet, not even the dog stirs at this early hour. The day’s hustle and bustle will soon grab my attention and the distractions will take me away from the single most important relationship of the day, “GOD.” It is at this time that I find my peace, my communion with the Lord.
In our busy lives, it sometimes seems impossible to find this time, and yet, when we do, there is harmony in our lives. The Lord said, “knock and the door shall be opened, seek and you shall find.” Part of Vibrant Faith is seeking God’s word each day. A time to ask God for direction, forgiveness, and to give thanks for all that he has given to us, a time to truly listen with our hearts and reflect on what we hear.
God does speak to us in so many ways. Our Vibrant Faith is built on his word, “If you had even the faith as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, move, and it would move.” That’s what I’m working toward. Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.

David Anderson - March 2010

Prayer time is very important. Pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective (James 5:16). His ears are open to their prayer
(I Peter 3:12). When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you (Matthew 6:5).
I've used various devotional resources that are available,  and I try to end each day with prayer. I want to thank God for the day He has given me.  Life is a miracle and a gift, and I thank God for it.  I thank God for the gift of my family, immediate and extended, and ask God to continue to bless each one.  I pray that God will strengthen and heal those who I know have special needs or problems. I pray for forgiveness! I am guilty of sinful thoughts and acts every day, and I am thankful that when we confess our sins, He has promised to forgive and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.  I give thanks for Jesus who has made forgiveness and eternal life possible through faith.  I pray for a night's rest and the hope of another day. "Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever."

Melanie Kubischta - March 2010

I want to express my great delight with our service on Sunday, January 10 with Gracia Grindal.  As I was paging through the RECLAIM book before the service, I thought, “I want to take this home and read it!”  and I was fully prepared to sneak one out of church!  Imagine my delight when I was told we could actually take one home!  Thank you.  I have to chuckle when reading parts of Luther’s Small Catechism; I remember sitting in the kitchen as my mom was baking, reciting the answers to “What does this mean?”  I was raised in a small town and everyone knew me – I had to know the answers!
I loved what Gracia said about the hymns in this book.  I agree with her – we should know them by heart – store up these words in our hearts to be able to call upon them in our times of need and rejoicing.  I’d like to use this book and these songs the entire month of January – or any other month, for that matter.  We just don’t sing these beautiful hymns enough.
I’m old enough to remember the little black hymn books at church.  I think I was about 5 years old when we received our new red hymnals.  I remember that they were cleverly stacked up in the front of the church forming a white cross.  It was exciting!
Thank you for the thoughtful gift of RECLAIM so that I may reclaim and refresh my spiritual life and “Lutheranism”.

Jon Heimarck - February 2010

Last summer, when we heard that Christiania had chosen—of the four keys for passing on a vibrant faith—the one called “Devotions,” my first instinct was that we’d really blown it. I really liked the idea of service, as a means of getting out our name and spirit, and Christiania was not at all weak on rituals and traditions, either. I would have been pleased with either choice in lieu of devotions. Even faith conversations seemed more accessible. What were devotions, after all? I thought of ablutions, and vespers, and all the other little monastic rituals, and it creeped me out, frankly. Or I thought of someone from the outside coming in and telling me how to study my Bible. I didn’t feature that either. So I held my breath, and hoped for the best.

I think the first insert hit the bulletin in September or so, and the cause was not furthered inasmuch as the pages were odd-shaped, compared to the regular pages, and I always hate that, being 100% Norwegian. But the first devotions insert was printed on goldenrod-colored paper, and I think that saved it. I’ve always been a devotee of the word goldenrod. There’s something lordly in the sound of it. (I don’t even want to contemplate my own reaction if the first insert had been printed on fuchsia!)

Then I began to read the words, and the spirit filled my heart. Like the sunrise, it was plain that a great deal of thought had been expended in its preparation. I began to look forward to next inserts, and now I keep my own copy with me at all times, in my back pocket. When I need sustenance, I reach into my pocket to find my daily bread. Hallelujah in two dimensions!

It just goes to show that every time I am smug in my own faith, having a closed spirit, God delights in playing a prank on me to show me that He’s in charge of knowledge of Him, and then reveals surprise and wonder. Praise to the heavens—and make time for your devotions!

Alice Storlie - February 2010

Growing up at our home was always about church centered activities. We always said our prayers at meal time and bedtime. Our meal time prayers included the “Come Lord Jesus” prayer before our meal and a prayer after our meal which was this prayer: “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good and his mercy endureth forever.” As Don and I established our home devotional life we stopped saying the prayer after our meal but taught our children about prayers before meals and at bedtime. They are all grown and have families of their own and I pray that those growing up practices follow them into their home life.

Over the years, I have taken several bible studies which included the Bethel Bible Series and CLCW Bible studies in small groups which were called Circles. The Bethel Bible Series was an intense two year study that I took before we had children. It was a course taken so that we could teach it to others in the church. I, however, never did teach it. I am really enjoying the Bible study that we have on Thursday mornings here at church. Of course, the people in our group make it a fun and enjoyable hour every week.

Don and I never got in the habit of having a devotional time together but we do read the Daily Guidepost devotional everyday on our own. I feel strongly that a reminder everyday of the word from God has to help us get through a multitude of worries and problems in our day.

I have grown up in the church and yet there are times when I feel that I don’t pray enough for help in my daily life and to thank God for the many blessings I have been given. I think I will have that as my New Year resolution.

Zandy Thalhuber - January 2010

We're trying to do more devotions as a family. We use the sheet that Brock (age 6) brought home from Sunday School. There was an activity about the wind and that works for our family because we all like to be out of doors a lot. We listened to the wind and talked about how God made it. My son said it was “awesome.”

At dinner it was suggested that we talk about our favorite thing God made. One of the boys said the dog. It led into a discussion about who feeds the dog and who should feed the dog. We stopped devotions that evening.

I brought out the Bible one night and one of the boys complained, “Not the Bible again!”. It gave me a chance to talk to them about listening and respect. Then I realized we should be using the Spark Story Bible instead of the big grown up Bible that they don't understand. That really works. The boys know Mr. Squiggles is colored in on every page so when we read the Bible story they look for him. It's fun to read with the kids now.

With some patience on my part and the kids getting used to our new devotional habits, praying at dinner is fun too. Even Brody (age 2) reminds us to pray at dinner!

Brian Smith - January 2010

Devotions? I'm not a success at it, but, I'm not a failure. Failure only happens by not trying.

I learned that early on from my mom and dad who tried to get our family of 7 to sit quietly long enough to read a bible verse, “mini-sermon,” and prayer. Not very successful. But, not a failure!

My efforts at doing traditional devotions - a quiet place, devotional, bible and time to savor the lesson and ponder how I‟ll apply it in my life have been largely unsuccessful, mostly because I tried and quit and tried again and finally stopped trying.

However, I do spend about 30 minutes almost every day during my commute to/from work having “drive-time musical devotions.”

What's that? It's very simple!

My car radio is either on WCCO for news and weather, or KTIS (98.5 FM) for contemporary Christian music. Wow, what a contrast! From news and stories that can crush my spirit (click) to songs that lift my spirits. When I spend my commute dwelling on God-filled music and ponder its meaning for my life- that's musical devotions.

Until Christiania's decision to focus on Devotions, one of the 4-keys of the Passing on Vibrant Faith program, I haven't consciously thought about the practice of doing devotions. But with that challenge and reminder of how important it is in my faith life, I'm making an effort to think of my commute as not just time listening to the radio, but the conscious practice of doing daily devotions.

Try it! It's so easy even I can do it!

Cheryl Bahnsen - December 2009

When I think of devotions, I have a memory of my father sitting in a chair in the early morning hours reading his Bible and the daily text from Guideposts. I am still touched by that vision in my mind and am thankful to have experienced God loving parents throughout my life.

 Though my parents divorced in my mid teens, the importance of quiet time with God has remained a focus for me. In my early adult years, I remember receiving a subscription to Guideposts and after a couple of years developed my own daily devotions.  My parents started a faith walk with each of their children and this faith walk has pulled us through many situations. I am amazed when I look at the faith my sister has after losing her daughter to a tragic car accident at the age of sixteen. My brother, at 41 years old, had bypass surgery. My step brother, at the age of 37, died in a training maneuver in Poland while serving the United Stated Army. God has been faithful through all of this.  My daily devotions vary and I use several items to continue my faith walk. Christ in Our Home and Portals of Prayer can be picked up outside the church office. I also use a great resource called One Year Mini for Women, which provides daily inspirations from God’s Word. I recently added the Daily Texts Bible Verses and Prayers donated to our congregation from the Mount Carmel Ministry.

Britta Dumke, Youth Director - December 2009

While I was growing up, every night before I would go to sleep my mom would sing my sisters and I “Jesus” songs and read us a few stories. After we sang a few songs and read a few books my mom would make the sign of the cross on our foreheads and say “the Lord be with you,” and we would reply “also with you.” After awhile it became a routine and we started saying it to one another not only at bedtime but also as we went off to work and school.

I have learned a personal devotional life can take place, at any time, and in any way that works for each individual. I spend time with God each day when I am driving in my car listening to music or going for a walk through the words. I also receive a text message each day with a bible verse. When I wake up each morning, I read the verse and then reflect on it throughout my day. As I reflect on the verse it help me keep my focus of God and his word rather than the words of others.  

Al Godfrey,  Council Chairman - November 2009

Each morning the first thing I thought about was, “what do I need to get done today?”  Life was about never ending lists.  I have a list for work projects, another list for home chores and another list for taking care of others.  At the end of my day, my satisfaction was based on how many tasks I checked off that day. 

Up until a year ago, devotion occurred on Sundays between the hours of 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM where I reflected on scripture and the sermon of the week.     But is that it? I found a definition of devotion that described it as quiet time where one is attuned to God through the bible or prayer.  This definition does not necessarily create emotional appeal for Christians to check in with God daily.     

One of the goals of Passing on Vibrant Faith is personal and family devotion.   At church council I was given a gift, a paperback that lists daily devotions for 2009.  Devotion is something that I now start off with each morning.  The daily text or prayer now acts as my compass compared to lists.  It provides me with a daily challenge, a refection for all that I need to be grateful for,  and helps me listen to what God is telling me to do or work on that day.  God calls me to do his list, not mine. ”

Anne Romstad,  Worship Commission Chairman - November 2009

When I was growing up our family had no devotional habits.  Church once in a while, maybe, but no prayers or scripture readings by ourselves or as a family.  Then when I married Paul I developed a devotional habit with him but I was worried sick, literally, about doing them in public.  I was so shy I couldn't even lead in silent prayer.  Paul reminded me that out Lord was not interested in how we pray or lead a study, but rather, through prayer, reading devotional materials, silent meditation, that we develop a relationship with Him.  Our Lord longs for that. 

The easiest way for me to practice devotional habits is to attend worship and bible studies, sing in the choir, and read devotional materials that I have at home.  Some of them include Christ In Our Home and the DAILY TEXTS: Bible Verses and Prayers for each day of the year.  I try to read a new psalm each month too.  Now we have the Taking Faith Home  Sunday bulletin inserts.   Those are really good - lots of variety and choices, and easy to use.  So I've started using those, too, and I'm hooked.  Devotions help us realize that the Word is full of grace and truth and that Our Lord wants us to be part of that.

Tom Carlson, Music Director - October 2009

I start each day (before breakfast) with two sets of daily devotions.  The first is an Augsburg Fortress publication called "The Word in Season".   This consists of a daily Bible reading, of which one to two verses are singled out for a short meditation and prayer.   After the prayer, there are two to three additional readings, and in the back of the pamphlet, a weekly prayer.   For the other devotion, I rotate yearly through one of the devotional books I have by assorted authors.

In addition, for the past several years I have been reading through the Bible yearly with the help of a publication called "The Grand Sweep, 365 Days from Genesis to Revelation".   It gives the chapters to read each day, followed by a discussion of the chapters read and a short prayer. 

I would feel quite lost without these daily conversations with God and the study of scripture.   It helps me start each day with a grounded feeling in the Word. 

Pastor Dave Mesaros - October 2009

About 15 years ago, I was challenged by a senior pastor to give up something for Lent.   It just didn't seem like the Lutheran thing to do and I never practiced this discipline before.   I decided the more aptly Lutheran thing to do was to add something to my life to enhance my spiritual enrichment.    So I decided I would start doing daily devotions through the Lenten season.

When Lent ended, I concluded that the daily devotion was enhancing my spiritual and professional life.   I tried many different devotional guides, but settled on a daily lectionary series called "For All the Saints".   Each day an opening and closing prayer are offered along with the three Bible readings from the two-year lectionary series and a reading from a giant of the faith like Martin Luther, CS Lewis, and others.   Over two years, nearly the entire Bible is read with insights from prominent theologians.  

For many years, Brenda and I read the devotions to each other in the spirit of history (the Bible was intended to be read to others before reading became common).  Everyday I am presented with an opportunity to see what God is up to in my life and what God wants me to be up to in other's lives.   I check the online devotions and other materials, but keep coming back to "For All the Saints."  I can't but help sing the hymn in my head every time I pick up the books!    In some way I feel that the great cloud of witnesses gathers every morning with me during this devotion.