Yesterday was another good day and very good springboard into Easter weekend. Now for my musings …

-It was cold, windy and rainy yesterday morning. Surely spring is coming sometime, isn’t it?

-Very fun and encouraging to see the children walking around waving palm branches as we sang yesterday. It was also good to see many more children this year than on Palm Sunday a year ago.

-There was great energy in the whole worship service and a great spirit as well.

-There were a few who came to the altar at the end of the service.

-There were several who raised a hand and indicated they were seeking a change in their life.

-I shared a short children’s message with our elementary age children during the service. I love interacting with them because they will actually respond. Adults are not quite as comfortable answering out loud.

-I was very encouraged by the fact that we had a good number go to Winter Jam, a special night of concert with 10 bands that was in an arena about 45 minutes away. There were a couple more teens who went this year than went a year ago. Slow progress with teens, but it is still progress.

-It was great to observe that many people hung around a long time after the worship service talking with each other. I always think that is a good sign of real community and fellowship.

-I opened the sermon yesterday with this question and statement. “Have you ever felt conflicted by the praise you were feeling and the tears from burdens you were carrying? If so, you are in good company because Jesus himself was in this position on Palm Sunday. While we don’t want to stop praising Jesus for who he is and all he has done sometimes we find ourselves praising him through our tears.”

-Jesus knows. He knows you and knows your past. He also knows what you are facing and feeling. He knows the plans he has for you. He knows that he loves you and he knows your tears.

-Because of Winter Jam our small group did not meet last evening and we are not planning on meeting next week either. I miss when we don’t get together.

-Our son and oldest grandson will be arriving at our place late Thursday night. They are serving as missionaries in Kenya so this is a very special visit. Also, our oldest daughter, son in law and youngest grandchild will arrive that same evening. They will all be with us for Easter Sunday. It has been at least 15 years since my son was with us on Easter since he has been in ministry that long. I am not sure the last time our daughter was with us for Easter, but it has been a while. A fact that most people don’t consider is that ministry families are rarely able to be with their family on special days because we are serving on those days. This will be a very special Easter for a lot of reasons. Our grandson is coming to the states to visit some colleges in anticipation of graduating high school next year. Wow, how can that be?

Here’s hoping you have a week of God moments where you are reminded that you are loved and that God is with you no matter what you are facing or feeling.

Dennis