This morning didn’t go exactly as planned, therefore these musings are coming out a little late. But I do have musings, so let’s get to them.

-My wife and I had a good friend from college visiting with us over the weekend. She was my wife’s roommate when we got engaged. It was great to see her and to have her worship with us. Contrary to her accusation I did not plan the sermon with her in mind.

-We had a lot of children in attendance and their energy made for a lively building.

-We honored a couple of graduates during our worship time. It is always great to see the maturing of youth in your church, which makes graduation Sundays meaningful. I have only been here for a little over a year so I haven’t seen as much of the growing as many others in the church. But I still love honoring graduates, high school and college. Seeing the relief of finishing something and the excitement of taking their next steps is awesome.

-Our attendance was good and we had a new couple attend who have already said they plan to be back next week. New people attending is always a positive, especially when they were unchurched before visiting.

-Our small group was very small again. It is time to make some changes. We discussed some options last evening and I loved the heart of those in attendance to do whatever it takes to reach, and impact, more people.

-There seemed to be a wall, or at least a thick curtain, present while I was preaching yesterday. People were listening and there was a good response to the action steps at the end of the message. But there was a palatable feeling of resistance during the message. It is not surprising because we are focusing on relationships and what God’s Word says about healing hurts from relationships. I am encouraged by some who have expressed what is happening in their heart and mind concerning their relationships.

-I am very burdened, and excited, for the next message in this series of sermons. I believe that this next message may be the real key to significant healing in relationships. Prayers are appreciated as I plan, pray and prepare for this message. I will have to really focus as I prepare because this is going to be a week of contrasts. I have a funeral tomorrow and a wedding on Saturday. So I am preparing a funeral message, finishing the prep for a wedding and preparing the sermon for Sunday. Good news, I won’t be bored.

Here’s hoping that you find something to be focus on this week that will remind you that you are loved.

Dennis