Silent Night

Silent night,

Holy night,

All is calm,
All is bright…

These are the opening words of one of the most recognizable of Christmas hymns.  Whether Catholic or Protestant, this hymn will be sung at Christmas Eve services all over the world.  But as a first call pastor’s wife, I’m finding that all is not calm.  Between Advent services, two Christmas Eve services, and a Christmas morning service, where is the calm? 

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

Martin Luther wrote in his Catechism that before our feet touch the floor each morning we should recite the creed and pray the Lord’s Prayer.  I must admit, I fail in this Lutheran dictate more times than I succeed.  Between my alarm clock blaring the “best mix of 80s, 90s and today”, the sound of my cat crying to be fed, thoughts of the upcoming morning battle with my pre-teen daughter, and the call of the bathroom, thoughts of my God seem to find their way on to the back burner of my mind. 

What would Katharina do?

What would Katharina do? 

 Two months ago, my Marty and I were getting some much needed “us” time at a local dinner.  While we were enjoying our BLTs a single lady of our approximate age struck up a conversation with us.  As it turns out, she is Lutheran and shopping for a church since she is new to the area.  So, as I often do, I invited her to church. 

Things that make you go hmmm

Marty had a situation this last week that got me thinking.  A few times late in the week, we received some hang up calls at the Black Cloister.  Since we have caller I.D. on our phone, we noticed these calls were all from the same caller.  When we returned from church on Sunday, there was a message from this same number on our answering machine. On returning the call, Marty discovered the caller was a previous member of our congregation.  She had been a member for a few years, but due to a disagreement at church she decided to worship elsewhere.   

It turns out; she was calling to give Marty a piece of her mind.  She was upset over a donation of technical equipment she made to the church a few years ago.  At the time, the church was in need an updated computer.  She graciously donated a new computer to the church office.  At the time, it was a wonderful gift that was much appreciated.  But as we all know (and most of us loathe) our technology is constantly in need of upgrading and replacing. 

Beauty is only skin deep... or is it? Beauty Secrets of the Bible

We’ve all heard the adage “beauty is only skin deep”.  And of course, for the most part, this is true.  But even our ancient sisters of the Bible understood the importance of putting their best face forward. 

The most important part of any beauty routine is cleansing.  Most dermatologists will recommend a lady to wash her face twice a day.  But as Christian women, we can add a spiritual cleansing to that routine as well.  Taking time to meditate daily (preferably on God’s word) will help to “wash away” the dead layers of impurities we are surrounded by daily.   I am convinced that daily cleansing of our souls will rejuvenate our lives and spirits, making our inner selves glow for all to see. 

The Black Cloister

Marty and I are making our way to the Black Cloister later this week.  I feel like a new bride who is preparing to see her new home for the first time.  I am overflowing with both excitement and anxiety. 

Marty isn’t as excited about moving to a new home as much as he is excited about meeting his first “flock”.  When Luther first returned to Wittenberg after the reformation, he laid the ground work for his ministry at the cloister by preaching a series of sermons called the Invocavit Sermons.  Luther was distressed to see how the Devil had taken a foot hold in the lives of the people he served.  And while my Marty isn’t worried about starting his ministry with fire and brimstone sermons, he does plan to start his time in our new village by preaching a series of sermons on faith stories, starting with his own. 

Justification Through Faith

Ask me a question and I will have an answer.  It's a character flaw.  I ALWAYS have an answer.

When my children were two years old...

              "Momma, what is that?", "a microwave, it helps Mommy cook food."

              "Momma, what is that?", "a train, it helps people travel to far away places."

              "Momma, what is that?", "a telephone, it helps us talk to people who are not here right now.

              "Why?"

Ah, the "why" question.  How I know it well.

Movin' Movin' Movin'

Okay, I know it’s been a month since I’ve last blogged; but that’s life in the fast lane…

Marty graduated from seminary a few weeks ago!  I know, it’s HUGE!  A feast was had.  Much ale and victuals was consumed to celebrate.  Now to get back on the Weight Watcher wagon, ugh. 

Marty has also interviewed at a wonderful upper mid-western village church.  We were told the interview went well and the committee will recommend Marty to the church council.  And even though I am not a “cheese-head” I was promised by the parish elders that the villagers would not egg the parsonage (thank you very much).   But they could not promise that if we were to move there that I would be safe from mockery for my indiscretion.   Boy, these people take their football seriously!

Parents Just Don't Understand...or do they?

The fourth commandment reads “thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother”.  Luther’s Catechism puts honor higher than love.  I love reading, pizza, and watching TV.   But, while love is a great emotion, to honor a person is to comprehend not only a love for them but also a kindness, reverence, and most of all that we act in a way that shows high regard.     

Help Wanted:

HELP WANTED: Pastor's wife. Must sing, play music, lead youth groups, raise seraphic children, entertain church notables, minister to other wives, have ability to recite Bible backward and choreograph Christmas pageants. Must keep pastor sated, peaceful and out of trouble. Difficult colleagues, demanding customers, erratic hours. Pay: $0.

There is no doubt in my mind that the “job” of Pastor’s wife is a difficult and demanding one.  The prospect of which I find daunting, to say the least. 

Let Me Introduce Myself...

Let me introduce myself.  My name is Katharina Luther.  You can call me Katie.  I am married to the Protestant Reformer, Martin Luther.  (I like to refer to him as Marty).  Some consider me to be one of the most important participants of the Reformation.  Why?  Well, because I helped to define the Protestant family life.  I am also credited for setting the tone for clergy marriages.  The powers that be felt I was even important enough to be commemorated on the Calendar of Saints.   Look me up…Dec. 20.