This has been a different summer up to this point. We have had a lot more rain than normal, until last week the temperatures have been well below normal, our summer attendance has been much higher than normal and we are seeing incredible spiritual growth in many people this summer. Oops, I think I already started my musings …

-Our church participated with 6 or 8 other churches, and our local police, to give away two or three hundred backpacks filled with school supplies to elementary and middle school students. Our group also provided a free evening of swimming at the city’s large swimming pool and thanks to a generous donation from a local business we were able to pay for a meal for the students and their families as well. The weather cooperated, people were gracious and the volunteers served with joy. Thanks to all who brought supplies, gave money for supplies, helped with backpacks or who helped give them away. What a great time of watching churches work together and make an impact in our community.

-Yesterday’s message was looking at what Jesus said about solid foundations in your life and making sure your walk matches your talk. No matter what you say, your true convictions are shown by your behavior. Not just your public behavior but what you do when no one is looking as well.

-We celebrated a great praise yesterday. A lady shared with us that her 4 year old great-grandson, for whom we have been praying fervently, is now seeing a shrinking of his cancer! The joy on she and her husband’s face was awesome and our people spontaneously cheered when this was shared.

-Our music was definitely blessed and really moved people during our worship service.

-There were people who came to the altar during our prayer time and there is much evidence that people are really praying throughout the week.

-The congregation was very engaged during the sermon. I even received a text last evening from a young man sharing how God spoke to him during the message. Those types of texts are awesome.

-In my reading through the Bible I am in the Psalms and I Corinthians. The words of the Psalms have been coming alive to me in fresh and powerful ways. Some of it is encouraging and some of it is convicting. But I believe this my most powerful time of reading the Psalms. God’s word is alive.

-We are in a full sprint to finish preparations for our Vacation Bible School which begins next Monday evening. No matter what happens with the children I know that it will change a lot of adults because so many people are working together, are praying and preparing together. For many years I missed the point that the most powerful part of any all church focus, such as Vacation Bible School or revival services, is often what happens among the people who serve side by side through the event.

-This week the church will be transformed with decorations and props for Vacation Bible School. I can’t wait for everyone to see it and to be able to preach next Sunday in midst of the decorations.

-I am working on a couple of future posts about what I have learned during 40 years of marriage. In 3 weeks my wife and I will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of our wedding day. I told her this week that I feel much better about us, our marriage and our future than I did on our wedding day. I am a 40 year member of the “Married Way Out of My League Club”.

Here’s hoping you have something to look forward to this week and that you will seek out someone to encourage today.

Dennis