I am loving seeing sunshine and I believe it is helping give me some energy this morning. As for my musings …

-Early Sunday morning, as in 12:30 am, I woke up with some thoughts on the sermon. Having learned the hard way that if I went back to sleep I likely would not remember those thoughts when I awoke, I got up and went to my computer. I typed and thought and prayed until about 1:45 am. Then I laid down for a couple of hours of fitful sleep before getting up at 4:30 am.

-The sermon yesterday was on The Power of the Cross in our series “Powered By God”. I needed some reminders in this area. Judging by the engagement of the congregations and reactions of people, they were in need of those reminders as well.

-I had a board meeting yesterday afternoon at my 9:00 church (I have one tonight at my 10:30 church). Then half an hour after I got home from that board meeting I got a call from our local hospital asking me to come in for a family in need of a Chaplain.

-Spending time talking and praying with a family who is watching a loved one struggle in their final hours helps you to put things in perspective. I am thankful for the opportunity to minister to this family.

-When I laid down to sleep last night I believe I was asleep before I could even sigh.

-After seeing the results of the latest Hoosiers basketball loss, I believe it was a good thing that I was too busy to watch the game yesterday.

-In case you were wondering, no I did not watch the Grammys last evening.

-I have been praying a lot for a pastor friend whose wife’s funeral was yesterday afternoon. He is a couple of years younger than me and at one time we served very near each other. I ache for him, his children and grandchildren and the church.

-This morning my thoughts have also been filled with awe as I reflect on the God’s amazing grace. I pray that I never lose the wonder and awe of grace.

-We have 20 people who are currently involved with Discipleship training in my 10:30 church!

-My wife and I have a vacation scheduled and reserved on a beach in northern Florida! Unfortunately, it is not for another 3 months.

-Daylight Savings Time change, the spring forward one, is a month away. Insert a groan here.

-In my setting the church statistical year ends in 2 weeks. That means annual reports. For me that means annual reports for 3 churches. The two that I am pastoring and the one that I am overseeing. Lucky me!

-For some reason, I suddenly feel fatigued.

-If all goes as planned, tomorrow I get to spend the whole day with my wife. It has been too long since we were able to spend a Tuesday together (it is my scheduled day off).

-This coming Sunday’s message is on “The Power of Love” as we move toward the end of the series “Powered By God”.

-Yesterday we had special offerings at both of my churches. My 9:00 church received an offering to help fund building projects and purchase land for places that could never do that on their own. My 10:30 church gave an ultimate love offering that we called “Give It All Away”. Every penny that was received will be given to other ministries outside of our building. Half of it is going to 3 local ministries and the other half will go to 2 international ministries. I am excited to hear the figures from those offerings and to let those ministries know what is coming.

Here’s hoping you see, and share, God’s love in many ways this week.

Dennis