Today, as I write this, I spent half an hour working on the bathroom door knob. The spring had grown weaker over the last few months and it finally gave up latching at all. Now we’re interrupted in our morning routine by an inquisitive dog. Knowing that family and friends will be visiting for Christmas, I knew that I had to fix the latch for them.Do you have necessary repairs at your home? It’s ea...  Read More

What makes a gift that you receive valuable? It could be solely the purchase price, though most people will also factor in other factors. The effort it took to find the gift. Something that has been handmade gains value from the effort that went into its construction. The usefulness of the gift can increase its perceived value.There is a lot of thought that goes into the costs of gifts. It could b...  Read More

People often talk about their mindset, which is their default mental attitude or mental response to something. We talk about having a good mindset or one that holds you back. People try to change their mindset to be more adaptable to situations. Building mental flexibility is great, but I also think we should consider our heartset.Rather than mental, this is a default emotional attitude towards li...  Read More

It’s a common saying that no two snowflakes are exactly the same. Math and science say that this is true for complex snowflakes, even though around a septillion of them fall each year. Though large patterns repeat, there are microscopic or even molecular differences in each flake.The same can be said for moments in our lives. Yesterday was our annual Service of Lessons & Carols, during which there...  Read More

I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever.- Psalm 89:1aAdvent is a preparation for Christmas. The celebration and rejoicing are especially obvious this morning at our Service of Lessons & Carols. Through the season, we celebrate the birth of Jesus by singing joyful songs, eating delicious food, and enjoying the company of our friends and family. It can be easy to forget that Jesus was se...  Read More

Every year during the first week of Advent, I go down into the basement and haul up the large cardboard box with the artificial tree in it. Once the three pieces are stacked together and the branches are spread out to look nice, then it is time for me to do my part: I am the only one that can put the lights on the Christmas tree.Now, this is a sort of self-imposed rule. I have a specific way of ru...  Read More

Over the next two days, Magnus slowly got back to work. Christmas was on Saturday and several orders needed to be finished. He worked in a daze, mindlessly completing memories, not noticing the movement of his hands.Alvis stopped by at one point, ostensibly to invite Magnus to his Christmas Eve party, but Magnus knew he’d heard about the argument with Val. Magnus gave a few noncommittal responses ...  Read More

GLLM summer ministry offers Youth, Family, and Adult programs at three sites located along the shores of beautiful Minnesota lakes. Together, in vibrant settings in community and creation, the life-giving love of Jesus is shared.Green Lake has an "Early Bird" discount this year. Register here by February 13, 2025 for the discount! All Saints families can use the code 25OVERFLOWS for $25 off. Our b...  Read More

Magnus finally caught up to Val outside of Mr. Dakken’s place. The two were talking in the front step when Magnus arrived, breathing heavily through clenched teeth. “What do you think you’re doing?” He snatched the memory from Mr. Dakken’s hand. “What’s going on with this?”Val stood there, too stunned to speak.Mr. Dakken cleared his throat. “Now, Magnus, I quite like-”Magnus held up his hand, sile...  Read More

Magnus ran his hand over the sling again. His fingers bounced against the pebbled outside of the cast. He cautiously flexed his muscles. Though his wrist did not move, a string of ache wound its way up from deep within and along the inside of his arm.He scowled at the injury. He should be working. Instead, his stupid wrist was holding him back. He cursed his luck again and imagined what he could b...  Read More

Join us for worship on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24. More info and watch online here.4 PMFamily-friendly candlelight service with Holy Communion and a special Kid's Message. Kids are invited to stop by the Welcome Center before the service for a goodie bag of activities to do during the service or to enjoy at home. 9 PMEvening candlelight service with Holy Communion....  Read More

Magnus Stonhart shuffled through the chill, dark night while the knapsack slung over his shoulder glowed and thrummed and emanated sweet smells of all varieties. He preferred to work at night, when the world stilled and the crowds dispersed. Alone, he roamed the empty streets to gather sensations wherever he could. On summer nights it was pleasant, but the warmth of summer had waned. Christmas was...  Read More