50 Years by the numbers

A half-century is only a half-breath of eternity

God has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the Lord is gracious and merciful. Psalm 111.4

A half-century is only a half-breath of eternity.
God has been gracious and merciful in all his deeds,
in all my needs,
in all his ways,
for all my days.

Married to one amazing woman (Joy) for 58% of my years
Been a father for 50% of my life.
Been a son for 100% of my life.
Been a brother for 96% of my life.
Been enrolled in school for 48% of my years

Nations visited:
Canada, Mexico, Iceland, Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland), Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Italy, Vatican City, Monaco, France, Netherlands, Togo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania

Where have I lived?
Born in San Pedro, CA (8 Weeks)
North Seattle, WA (2.5 years) (Baptized here; Dad graduated from College)
Dubuque, IA (2 years)
Spearman, TX (1 year)
Dubuque, IA (1 years) (Dad graduated from Seminary)
Peterson, MN (3 years) (Kindergarten here)
Brooklyn Park, MN (7.5 years) (Confirmed here)
Seattle, WA (2.5 years) (graduated HS here)
Portland, OR (1 year)
Issaquah, WA (3 years) (Graduated College/Engaged/Married here)
St. Paul, MN (2 years)
Stavanger, Norway (1 year) (Christian born here)
Laguna Beach/Aliso Viejo, CA (3 years) (Annika born here/Graduated Seminary/ordained here)
Anoka, MN (2.5 years) (Samuel born here/first Call)
San Pedro, CA (20 years) (Peter born here/second Call/Graduated with my D.min here)

94% of my life lived west of the Mississippi River
57% of my life lived on the west coast of the US
2% of my life lived on the west coast of Norway
40% of my life lived in CA
38% of my life in Midwest
17% of my life in Pacific NW
6% of my life was in a small town
10% of my life in a mid-size town
84% of my life was in a larger city or suburb
It is a six minute walk from where I was born to where I have lived for the last 20 years.

Denominational Affiliation History/How changes happened
American Lutheran Church (1975-1987)/Merged into ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (1988-2003)/accepted a Call from an AFLC congregation (Solid Rock)
Association Free Lutheran Congregations (2003-2005)/accepted a Call from an AALC congregation (Trinity)
American Association of Lutheran Churches (2005-2023)/Joined the clergy roster of the LCMC
Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (2023-Present)

I’ve worked in worship and young adult ministry in 2 congregations
A youth minister in 1 congregation
I’ve been ordained for 44% of my life.
A pastor in 2 congregations
Preached in the US; Canada; Norway; Sweden; Denmark; Tanzania
Preached about 1,144 sermons

I’m glad I was born :)