Resurrection Sunday

Easter sunday is such a time of hope and life!  We have the celebration of the Resurrection, the fellowship of the church, and the prospect of “new life” in those who have not yet heard the incredible news of Christ’s sacrifice for us.  This morning our Worship Pastor, Dale Jones, really knocked it out of the ball park.  From the moment the service began until the moment he passed the baton to me for the message, he had us totally focused on Christ.  (of course, he’s not responsible for my many mistakes after he passed me the baton…lol)  It’s such a joy and honor to serve alongside a brother in Christ who truly desires to lead us in Worship.  

SIU WINS!!!

Hey a big shout out to all my friends in southern Illinois!  I was watching the opening round of the NIT last night and saw several people that I knew in the crowd.  The SIU arena was Rockin’!  It’s always great to be connected to a group of people through a shared love of a sports team.  I know others out there that feel the same way, (I’m talking about you Leland), it’s just a great feeling to root for the old home team.

Three Funerals and a Birthday

Yesterday was Caleb’s 5th birthday.  To celebrate we went to Springfield and ate burgers and ice cream at Culvers and then we went to get his birthday present…FISH!  He got a beautiful fishtank with 8 fish.  As of this morning we had performed 3 fishy funerals.  What a way to teach you child about the cycle of life…have him watch his birthday present die.  (I’m pretty sure I lose dad points for this)  He was enthused when he found out he could go pick out new ones though…all’s well that ends well!

Wonderful Wednesday

I used to think that the busiest day to be a pastor was sunday.  In fact my typical sunday schedule is pretty crazy:

• 5am – arrive at church
• 7am – Trustees Meeting
• 8am – Early Worship
• 9:30am – Sunday School
• 10:45 – Late Worship
• 3:30pm – Church Council
• 5pm – Discipleship Period 1
• 6pm – Discipleship Period 2
• 7:15pm – Choir Rehearsal
• 8:45pm – GO HOME!!!!!!!

But I have decided that Wednesdays are worse.  I think it’s just the mentality of working all day and then participating in all the church activities that evening.  I have to wonder…for those of you in ministry as well as those who are not, what do you do to get yourself prepared and “fresh” for Wednesday nights? 

Is Easter too scary for kids?

I took part in a very interesting discussion yesterday that I would love to get everyone’s opinion on.  Our church is going to see a dramatic presentation of “The Promise” this evening.  It is a portrayal of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  Some wondered if we should not take children to see it because of the graphic nature of Christ’s death on the cross.  What do you think?  Is it ever too young for a child to understand the sacrifice that Christ made?  Is there a difference between seeing pictures in a children’s bible and seeing it portrayed by people?  I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Not Goodbye

This past weekend I lost a friend and co-laborer.  John Raffety was an encouragement to me in many ways.  He always had a smile and a good word.  He loved to go on mission trips and share his talents with others.  He loved to sing the praises of the One who gave His life for him.  Thursday morning we will lay his body to rest, but it will not be goodbye, for he has gone to the place that has been prepared for him.  And I will see him again, some day.

Sickness Round Two

Man, this bug that’s going around is a nasty one!  I got sick again this past wednesday and Rachel picked it up yesterday afternoon.  Thankfully the kids have yet to succumb to it’s attack.  I have learned a few things while laying around trying to keep my insides on the inside, here are my observations:

1.  TV really does stink these days.  Not only is the content less than desirable, but they just repeat everything over, and over, and over, and over, and over…get the idea? 

 

2.  Never accidentally mix Gatorade and Diet Coke.

 

3.  Having your son run across the room and jump up on you for a hug is really great when you feel well, and really scary when you’re trying to keep your lunch down.

 

4.  It’s easy to lose weight when nothing stays in your system for more than 15 minutes.  I’m thinking of coughing on a bunch of sugar pills and then reselling them as “the new diet miracle drug”.

 

5.  It’s amazing how fast you can run up a flight of stairs when the only open bathroom is located on the second floor.

 

6.  Laundry doesn’t go on vacation just because you’re sick. 

 

7.  Friends DO go on vacation just because you’re sick.  (Or they at least wear gas masks within 50 feet of you).

 

8.  The lack of anything good on TV does make it easier to get sermons written.

 

9.  Hugs from your kids DO make you feel better.

 

10.  Are you still reading this?  I figured you’d be bored with it by now.  What do you know…now if I could only get my kids to pay this much attention.