Yesterday was a great day at our church and at our house. As for my musings …

-This weekend 10 or our 16 kids and grandkids were at our house. Our two daughters, both son in laws and 6 of our grandkids. The ones missing were our son, our daughter in law, and 4 of their kids. One of the grandkids who was here was our son’s oldest child. He is with us for a while as I have noted in previous posts. It was great fun. The house was full. There was a lot of movement. There was a lot of laughter and as always, there were a lot of games played. It was a wonderful Father’s Day weekend.

-Our worship service was great yesterday, except for some sound glitches while my son in law Seth was singing. We showed a couple of video’s honoring Dads, one was funny, and one was more serious. There was a good spirit in the entire service. I continued our series on relationships with a message about being an example of hope in our relationships. Our attendance was very good.

-We had a big Father’s Day breakfast at church in place of our Small Group/Sunday School classes. The food was good, and the conversations were lively.

-It was brutally hot this weekend.

-Still praying for my grandson’s Student Visa documents to arrive so that he can get back to his family for a couple of weeks before he travels to South Africa to begin his next semester of college.

-I am loving the praise reports I am receiving from people who are repairing and restoring relationships. This series on relationships seems to have made an impact on many people.

-I am planning on preaching a few messages on joy. I am observing many people who seem to have lost their joy. Or, maybe they don’t realize that they can live with joy.

-I will continue my weekly posts on “A Secret to Get to 43 Years”. Every Wednesday I am posting another secret/factor that has contributed to my wife and I getting ready to celebrate our 43^rd wedding anniversary in August.

-Many prayers going up for my friend Christian, and his family, as they arrive in Raleigh, North Carolina to plant a church. Excited for them and praying often for the impact they will have in that community, and beyond.

-Yesterday was the first Father’s Day that I haven’t had my Dad around.

-I am expecting it to be hot in the weight room, and gym, this morning for volleyball conditioning.

-Continuing to pray for many people who are struggling in family relationships. As I rejoice with the praise reports I have received recently, I am aware that there are many people who still need healing in their family.

-Yesterday’s attendance was very encouraging. Even with several out of town visitors, the number of people was encouraging.

-Personally, it was nice to have so much of my family in worship yesterday. We don’t get to do that very often.

-I am wrestling with some great opportunities that have come my way recently. I need to be wiser on how many things I commit to at one time. I am seeking to do a better job of moving more people into these opportunities and becoming their champion rather than trying to do so much myself.

-There were many things that encouraged me this weekend.

Here’s hoping you find encouragement in some unexpected places this week.

Dennis