Rev. Don Stein (My Friend Don)

God be praised! Mother and child are both healthy.

Please pray for safe delivery for an expectant mother and child.

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.

Revealed: the far-right, antisemitic men’s club network spreading across US Old Glory Club has at least 26 chapters with participants including military personnel, lawyers and civil servants

New from me: details on the sold Glory Club, which has set up at least 26 lodges across 20 states, and whose members include antisemitic podcasters, a national guardsman, and a defense contractor with secret clearance www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

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.

YouTube video by Concordia Publishing House - Topic Lift Every Voice and Sing

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.

a man in a white robe is standing in front of a purple background . ALT: a man in a white robe is standing in front of a purple background .

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?

😔