Yesterday was an up and down day for me. I was not feeling well as the worship service began and did not stand during any of our music because I was saving my strength for my time of preaching. I hate when I feel that way on a Sunday morning. I started feeling shaky and lousy about half way through teaching my small group during our Sunday School hour. While I was preaching I felt puny a few times and sat on a stool during those moments. Of course I didn’t stay on the stool, anyone who knows me is not surprised by that information. I survived. So let’s get on to the musings …

-We had a few annoying technical issues yesterday. Mainly with my mic.

-A couple who visited our church for the first time last Sunday came back. That is always encouraging.

-I am sure my perception is a little out of whack given how I was feeling, but it seemed that most people were engaged in the message. This was the second in a three part series on “Breaking Free from Financial Bondage”. The real proof of their engagement will come when we offer some follow-up help concerning getting out from under financial pressure. If people respond then they are more than interested, they are actually engaged.

-I am excited at the possibilities for those who will get serious about getting out from under financial stress they are currently under. Relationships can improve, marriages can be healed and people can be free to really receive all that God has for them.

-It was very cold yesterday. We have had some nasty wind chill numbers in the past few days.

-Our Sunday evening small group was a tiny group yesterday. Even with the very small number we had a great time of study and sharing. There are some exciting things taking place in the lives of some in our group.

-I love getting reports from the groups and ministries in which I am not directly involved or attending. Hearing, or reading, about what is taking place and who is attending is encouraging.

-We seem to have been overwhelmed with many people struggling with physical needs in the past several weeks. Some are the expected winter issues but we have had a larger than expected number of people facing life-changing physical issues. This has led to some great acts of care and compassion. It has also led to some increased focus on prayer.

-Yesterday was the last Sunday of our fiscal church year. In starting the process of putting year-end numbers together and reflecting on what has taken place I am humbled and encouraged by what I am seeing. This has been a very good year in many areas of ministry. People coming to Christ, people stepping out in service, attendance on the rise, a great spirit in most of our ministries, giving up slightly and a wonderful sense of excitement and expectation.

Here’s hoping you are able to encourage someone today.

Dennis