Rev. Don Stein (My Friend Don)

The individual who posted this image on Facebook believes America “faces the same jewish [sic] problem as did Germany.” Multiple LCMS pastors “liked” it. Any number higher than zero would be unacceptable.

It’s hard to believe, but next month marks 25th years since 9/11. We are going to hear how Jesus ministers to His people, even through the midst of tragedy.

Had a fun week. My wife and I are playing Abigail & John Adams in a production of “1776,” so we sang a little promo spot on a local production.

A curious phenomena. A church can post about the coming of the Third Person of the Trinity and get a single like all week. A church can post about thanking God for preserving earthly liberty, and over a dozen likes appear within an hour.

Antichrist. ăn′tĭ-krīst″ (Noun.) One who sets himself in the place of Christ. A false Christ. “Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” 1 Jn. 4:3

And just like that, everything is right in my world.

Another funeral this morning. Graves aren’t supposed to be so many. Committal of a baby this afternoon. Graves aren’t supposed to be so small. Death of a parishioner this evening. Graves aren’t supposed to be. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

I’ve seen addicts relapse. I’ve held the dying hands of the lonely. I’ve comforted mothers and fathers who have lost children. I have baptized dying babies. I don’t know if there is a grief that hits a pastor harder than seeing spiritual apathy in lukewarm Christians.

The dog found a bunny nest. And the doe. Now I have three crying little girls. And I’m hand-feeding cat milk to the lone survivor through a pipette.

When I left for vacation, the counter read “Inbox Zero.”

It’s been 15 years since time stood still. It hasn’t stopped moving since.

North Carolina needs Jesus.

We went mini golfing on a pirate ship. Did the Titanic thing because I’m romantic like that for her.

Given the news from across the pond, today is a good day to remember that excommunication is a punishment, yes, in that it is a consequence for wicked actions. Yet it is done in love and hope that the erring would, God-willing, turn from their wickedness.

Blessed Feast of Sts. Peter & Paul! Honor God’s precious saints by: 1. Thanking God for them. 2. Being strengthened in faith by their example. 3. Patterning our lives according to theirs.

Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord: Peace in our time, O send us! For there is none on earth but You, None other to defend us. You only, Lord, can fight for us. Amen.

Saving some lives today. You should consider doing the same.

Today is a good day to see the work of God in your neighbor, and to sing hymn 964 in the Lutheran Service Book. youtu.be/o4fxJ97LrSE?...

I am blessed far beyond my deserving. Still doing theatre with my beloved, all these many years later. This time, with our kids. Ragtime is going to be special.

Important conversation between my kiddo and my wife. 5yo: How will you find me my husband? Wife: Well, I pray for your husband, but you will find him. You will get to pick him. 5yo: But I don’t have a car! So pray for that, too.

The local community college has some truly ancient tables.

Had a real-life Jurassic Park moment in the cul-de-sac over. This bird has been terrorizing the neighbor’s kids for the last few weeks. I offered use of our dog for a day. “Maybe.”

One last PALS with the brothers at Holy Cross in Cary, IL. Honored to preach the Word.

One last PALS with the brothers at Holy Cross in Cary, IL. Honored to preach the Word.

We tried the Dragon Fart at God’s Chicken. It was pretty good.

Come, Holy Ghost, Fill the hearts of Your faithful people, and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Through the diversity of tongues You have gathered together the nations in the unity of the faith. Alleluia, Alleluia! Amen.

This church is not in the Texas district of the LCMS. Ask me how I know.

Counterpoint: It is a gift! A gift to the foes of Mordor.

I do not permit my wife to empty the dehumidifier bucket. That’s my job. (I’m the moisture farmer in this house.)

Secular courts should not redefine how a Synod has defined itself for a century and a half.

God bless America.

Can you imagine how empty the world would be if you turned on the radio on a Sunday afternoon, but you didn't hear anything about a place where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking and all the children are above-average? 😔

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” - John 15:13 On Memorial Day, we remember those who followed the example of the Savior, and give thanks to Him for His many gifts.

Three years ago today, the real work began. I’m starting to get the itch for another degree…

I had the joy of teaching 7th Grade Religion for the past few weeks. Such cool kids—and creative! Check out their “Pantocrator” work after we studied the Divine and human natures of Christ. (Also, they play the most cutthroat games of Review Jeopardy.)

The maple tree gave a ton of seeds this year, so we shucked ‘em and roasted ‘em with a drizzle of oil and salt. The taste is something like a nutty sunflower seed. Do recommend.

School picnic. Time to get stabby.

My wife is impressing our children by doing the Witch’s entire rap from “Into the Woods.” I love this woman.

Pineapple has no place on pizza.* *Unless paired with jalapeño. It’s stupid good.