Godly Living
Posted on July 7, 2026
by Rev. Jonathan Conner
What does it mean to “do devotions”? Christians often hear the encouragement to establish a regular devotional life, but practical guidance is often in short supply. In this article, Pastor Conner explores devotions as a formative Christian ritual—one that anchors us in God’s Word through regular habits of Scripture reading, confession, prayer, and blessing. Rather than prescribing the way to do devotions, he offers a flexible, scalable method that can be adapted for individuals and families alike, helping Christians embody their faith in the rhythms of everyday life.
Adoption
Posted on July 6, 2026
by Tyler & Kelsey, Parents
After years of infertility, Tyler and Kelsey chose adoption and began their journey with Lutheran Family Service. Their story reflects faith, hope, and perseverance. In God’s perfect timing, they welcomed their daughter, Janie, and saw years of prayers answered.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on July 1, 2026
by Sarah Anderson, LCSW, PMH-C
What is the true vocation of a pastor’s wife? Sarah Anderson, LCSW, PMH-C, explores the importance of supporting a husband in ministry while maintaining healthy boundaries, honoring individual gifts, and resisting unrealistic expectations. This encouraging article reminds pastor’s wives that their calling is unique and rooted in faithfulness to God, not in meeting every expectation of the congregation.
Life Advocacy
Posted on June 28, 2026
by Kim Laube
Lutheran Family Service joined fellow Lutherans and hundreds of pro-life advocates at the 2026 Iowa March for Life, where participants gathered in worship, prayer, and public witness to proclaim the God-given value of every human life.
Mental Health
Posted on June 24, 2026
by Dreena Wertz, LPC
Summer travel can be exciting, but it can also bring stress and anxiety for individuals and families alike. Learn five practical strategies to help manage travel anxiety, stay organized, and focus on creating meaningful memories with family and friends.
Parenting
Posted on June 22, 2026
by Jamie McWade, LMHC
Children grow and mature over time, not overnight. As Christian parents, we are called to approach each stage of development with patience, grace, and realistic expectations. Discover how understanding childhood development, following Christ’s example, and seeking support when needed can strengthen your family’s journey.
Godly Living
Posted on June 18, 2026
by Rev. David Gunderson, tLMFT
A teenage crash on icy roads turns into an unexpected lesson — not about driving, but about grace. When failure meets mercy, a deeper truth emerges: like a loving father, God doesn’t condemn us. He helps us begin again. Discover how His grace empowers us to move forward, no matter how often we fall.
Godly Living
Posted on June 14, 2026
by Rev. Jonathan Conner
Christianity is not merely something we believe; it is something we do. In this second installment of Doing The Faith, Pastor Conner explores the often-neglected practice of reading Scripture and why regular Bible reading is essential for Christian growth. Drawing on Psalm 1 and insights about habit formation, anticipation, and desire, he introduces a simple approach called Word Before World and The Regular Return. The goal is not merely to read more, but to cultivate a lasting habit that shapes our minds, strengthens our faith, and directs our hearts toward the happiness found in God’s Word.
Adoption
Posted on June 9, 2026
by Tiffany Bergman, Adoption Case Worker
Choosing an adoptive family is one of the most important decisions an expectant parent can make. Learn what factors to consider, how open adoption works, and what the adoption matching process looks like at Lutheran Family Service as you create a plan for your child’s future.
Parenting
Posted on June 4, 2026
by Janel Lincoln, LMSW
Long summer days can test any parent’s patience. Learn why “good enough” parenting, emotional connection, presence, and healthy repair after mistakes matter more than perfection when raising resilient, confident children.
