Tangible Hope

This sermon was preached at Glenwood and Canoe Ridge Lutheran Churches, Decorah, Iowa on May 26, 2019. It’s based on Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5. If you’d prefer to listen to it, find it at https://soundcloud.com/stacey-nalean-carlson. Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 10And in the……

Feed My Sheep

This sermon was preached at Glenwood and Canoe Ridge Lutheran Churches, Decorah, Iowa on May 5, 2019. It’s based on John 21:1-17. If you’d prefer to listen to it, find it at https://soundcloud.com/stacey-nalean-carlson/. John 21:1-17 After these things Jesus showed……

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……

In the Wake of Sorrow

This was the closing song during Good Friday worship at Glenwood Lutheran Church, Decorah, Iowa on April 19, 2019. The tune worked on me for several weeks before the text took shape, and it was a few days later that……

Waiting

This sermon was preached at Glenwood and Canoe Ridge Lutheran Churches, Decorah, Iowa on March 17, 2019. It’s based on Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1; and Luke 13:31-35. If you’d prefer to listen to it, find it at……

Dear Mike

My brother, Mike, died at age 18 of a self-inflicted wound. Today is his birthday. He would have been 40.   Dear Mike, Another year. Another birthday without you here. When we left worship last night, the sunset greeted us……

Deep in the Wilderness

With worship being canceled due to winter weather, this sermon was recorded in my living room on Sunday, March 10, 2019. As a result, if you choose to listen to it (at https://soundcloud.com/stacey-nalean-carlson ) you’ll hear my cell phone alerting……

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.

Gather: Advent Day 21

Isaiah 40:9-11 9 Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, ‘Here is……

Gladness: Advent Day 18

Isaiah 51:3 For the Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places,and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord;joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song. Now let……