I had a funeral early this morning and am just now getting around to my Monday morning post. As for my later musings …

-I had a funeral this morning for a precious lady who had battled cancer for many years. She was funny, kind and was one who persevered through many trials. I was not her first choice for the funeral. She informed me a while back that I could do her funeral now that her first choice had died. I asked who her first choice was, and she answered “Don Rickles”. I loved her and her sense of humor. It was a joy and privilege to lead her funeral service.

-Yesterday was a long day. I only slept about 3 hours Saturday night, my mind was racing with many things. We had our regular schedule of Sunday activities. Then I was at the funeral home for a couple of hours during the visitation for the lady whose funeral I did this morning. Then my wife and I went to another town, about 45 minutes away, to visit a lady from our church. When we got home I attempted to do some studying and preparing for this week, but my mind would not engage for some reason. So I went to bed early in an attempt to make up for the short sleep time the night before.

-Some of the children in our church led the congregation in a song during worship yesterday. Another group of our younger children were moving through our sanctuary singing and waving their palm branches. The group of children was about half our normal size due to school being on Spring Break. The kids did great and our people sang well as they followed the kids.

-We had sleet and snow arrive on Saturday so the ground was covered with snow Sunday morning. Not fun for the last Sunday in March.

-Our people were very engaged during all parts of worship yesterday. There were even some “Amens” and other comments spoken out loud during the message!

-In our family Bracket Challenge for the NCAA tournament I will finish in 9^th place among 12. Not a good showing at all. My bracket was shattered early in the tournament. But, I have loved watching this tournament. Some outstanding games and some fun stories about players, coaches and even a team chaplain. I picked Virginia to win it all. Since they lost their first game you get an idea about my bracket. How is your bracket doing?

-Preparations are being made for Easter Sunday and our Good Friday service. I always look forward to preaching these services.

-Have you thought about the fact that Easter Sunday is on April Fools Day this year?

-One reason I try to go to a funeral visitation, and hang around for a lengthy time, when I am doing someone’s funeral service is the stories I hear. Also, to see the family interactions. I learn a lot by being an observer during this time. I love hearing how those coming to the visitation were impacted by the deceased. It always helps me as I put together the service and message.

-The people in my church are awesome. Watching them set-up, serve, and clean-up for a funeral dinner is inspiring. They go above and beyond what is expected. They also do it without thought of getting any recognition for their service. I love them! Our people also make great food.

-I am getting the itch to fish. Looking forward to fishing a little more this year than we did last year.

-My wife and I are going to get away for a couple of nights right after Easter. I don’t think we will have any internet or TV service in our little cabin. We are not going all the way off the grid, we will still have some phone service, but we will be at the edge of the grid for a bit. This is a much needed, and much anticipated, time of relaxing and refreshing.

-I am very excited for the series of messages that will begin the Sunday after Easter. We will be looking at how Daniel, and some of his buddies, handled adversity and unexpected circumstances. We all face difficulties. How we respond to, and handle, these difficulties is what causes us to soar or crash.

Here’s hoping that you will take some time this week to reflect on the love that Jesus has for you and how much he sacrificed to show you his love.

Dennis