I filled in as Chaplain this morning at our local hospital and then made a trip to an out of town hospital to call on someone from one of my churches, therefore these musings are coming out much later than normal. As for my musings …

-Yesterday I felt like I was swimming upstream  while I was preaching. It went well, but it felt like it was a struggle. Even when I practiced and preached to the empty sanctuary early in the morning it was not easy. There are days like that, fortunately they are not the norm.

-There are many people in my churches who are wrestling with some major things in their families. From strained relationships, to misunderstandings, to job questions and significant physical problems. The prayer list grows, fortunately God is bigger than all our struggles.

-Last week I got to spend a couple of days learning about and working on church planting. It was a challenging and encouraging time. I also got to spend a couple of days with 4 friends from college. We met our freshman year, have remained friends for all these years and we get together for a couple of days every year. I love those guys and it is awesome to see how God has worked in each of our lives and is still working. There was a lot of laughter, a lot of food, a lot of firewood used as we sat outside around a fire for many of the hours we were together and there were even a few tears as we shared with each other.   

-Last week was kind of a big deal for another reason. My Chicago Cubs won the World Series. I have been a lifelong Cubs fan and the playoffs were awesome and excruciating at the same time. I don’t have any experience in having my team win the World Series (or even be in the Series for that matter) but I am loved it. Wait till next year has a whole new meaning this off season.   

-We had good attendance at my 9:00 church and a little below our average at my 10:30 church and the report I received is the third church had a very good day.

-My son and his family are heading toward their new missionary assignment later this week. We are hopeful to skype with them sometime this week. After they arrive in their new location communication will be sporadic. 3 years is a very long time, that is the length of this term of service and how long it is likely to be before they make it back to the states. Time to pray a little harder.

-Last week I concluded an 8 week study with a discipleship group. This was our second 8 week study and now they are looking for someone to come alongside and guide in following Christ. I loved our discussions and their questions. God is up to something good around here and I can’t wait to be a part of the movement.

-I am struggling this year with my Christmas message series. Usually I have it all laid out by now. Not sure what that means.    

-This Sunday we are making a concerted effort to bring our unchurched friends to church in all 3 of my churches. I am looking forward to what God is going to do this Sunday.

Here’s hoping that you are looking forward to God moving in your life and church this week.

Dennis