Yesterday was a good day with many reasons to rejoice. This morning, not so much since I am currently sitting in a tire shop waiting to have a new tire put on our van. As for my musings …

-We declared yesterday “Comeback Sunday”. After all, everyone loves a good comeback. The focus was on realizing how we got to the place of needing a comeback and then the steps to making a comeback. These principles applied whether the comeback was needed in a relationship, from an addiction, from a fear and especially if the need was to come back to Christ.

-At least 2 people prayed to receive Christ as their personal Savior. Another dozen people committed to taking the first steps toward a comeback in their circumstances.

-It was a very good day. Each week, for the past month, we have been experiencing great things. God really is moving in our church and community.

-Last evening in our small group for parents of young children we looked at passing on our faith. It was a great lesson and some good discussion. Bottom line, we must model the faith we hope that our children will embrace personally. If we are not living it, it will be difficult for them to follow it.

-This coming Sunday our District Superintendent will be coming to share about some great things taking place on our District and will be preaching as well. I had to assure some people that nothing is wrong with me or our church. Some of them panicked when they heard that the District Superintendent was coming to preach. Evidently, their experience was the that the District Superintendent only came to share during times of pastoral transition.

-I am excited about what is taking place in our children and youth ministries. I keep hearing reports of decisions being made and of great discussions taking place. It seems like every week there are new students in attendance and some of them have started to become regular attenders. We have a great group of people serving with our children and youth. However, we still need several more people to help so that our current people do not become overwhelmed.

-We had some people who came back to church yesterday. That was encouraging.

-We had some new attenders as well.

-I couldn’t do my normal Sunday morning routine yesterday. As a result, I felt out of sorts all morning and especially during my message. I am not a person who needs routine each day, but on Sundays I do have a rhythm that I works for me. When that gets messed up I struggle. One of my many flaws.

-My wife is having some very painful issues with her knees. They have gotten much worse in the past few days. Trying to delay probable knee replacement. Not sure how much longer she can delay it. Prayers are appreciated.

-My fantasy team lost last week, and I am trailing going into the Monday night game. My opponent has no one left playing, I have one, but it is my kicker. I am rooting for that team to not score touchdowns so my kicker can get me a bunch of points.

-As we thanked the Veterans yesterday, I was reminded that not everyone who loves Jesus is in a place where they can worship freely and openly, and yet they continue to worship. I want to remember and celebrate my freedoms, while remembering many do not have these same freedoms. As well as recognizing that the greatest freedom comes through Jesus Christ.

Here’s hoping you find many reasons to give thanks this week.

Dennis