It All Adds Up

Dear friends, It is a strange thing–after 18 years of parish ministry–to not be leading a community through Holy Week this year. I did, however, have the opportunity to preach during chapel at Wartburg Seminary yesterday. I offered what was……

God Provides

This sermon was preached at Glenwood and Canoe Ridge Lutheran Churches, Decorah, Iowa as part of our annual Thankoffering Worship Services. It’s based on Exodus 17:1-7. If you’d prefer to listen to it, find it at https://soundcloud.com/stacey-nalean-carlson/. If you’re interested……

I’m Ready

This sermon was preached at Glenwood and Canoe Ridge Lutheran Churches, Decorah, Iowa on August 11, 2019. It’s based on Psalm 33:12-22 and Luke 12:32-40. If you’d prefer to listen to it, find it at https://soundcloud.com/stacey-nalean-carlson/. Psalm 33:12-22 12Happy is……

Tell

This sermon was preached at Glenwood and Canoe Ridge Lutheran Churches, Decorah, Iowa on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019. It’s based on Luke 24:1-12. Thanks to the rostered women of the Upper Iowa River Conference who shared their experiences of……

Storming

Listen to this song at https://soundcloud.com/stacey-nalean-carlson.

 

Storming

 

I want a gentle rain that comes in time to nourish life.

I want a soothing word that whispers truth without a fight.

I want the journey’s end to be so clear we cannot stray.

I want to know your love, the length, the depth, the breadth, the height…

 

But instead it’s storming.

And I don’t know which way to go.

Are you here beside me?

I want to trust you’ll lead me home.

 

I need grace tangible: fresh baked bread and warming wine.

I need your word to claim: You are my precious, lovely child.

I need your promise kept: I am with you. You are mine.

I need to know your peace, the brokenhearted reconciled.

 

But instead it’s storming.

And I don’t know which way to go.

Are you here beside me?

I want to trust you’ll lead me home.

 

I know I’m not alone. You’re not going anywhere.

I know what’s broken now will be made whole and beautiful.

I know that death is real, but it will never be the end.

I know the song goes on and dancing feet are powerful.

 

So we sing through the storming

Until we know the way to go.

You’re right here beside me.

And when you’re with me I am home.