What's on your mind?

Since I will be out of town the next week or so I thought it would give you a chance to put your thoughts out there for the world to see. Joys? Concerns? Would you like to vent or just make a comment? Here's your chance. I'm interested in what you have to say. See ya!

Piano players galore

Did any of you go to the piano recital held at the church last Monday evening? Other than the squeaky toy/shoe, it was great. Joyce is to be commended for teaching all the kids. But now that I realize we have such great talent, I am expecting some of you to play for church. You could play for a special, it could be a part of the praise choruses, or even playing some of the hymns - your choice. You could plays solos or duets. Now I want to encourage all of you to keep practicing, do not quit. You'll never be sorry for the hard work and effort you give. Personally, I look back and regret that I didn't keep up with my piano practicing. Thankfully I kept up with the guitar. So keep it up and I'll be contacting some of you or you can contact me and I'll get you scheduled. The first one that offers to do so gets a large shake at the dairy king - just let me know.

Funerals and memorial services

I just got back to church this afternoon after officiating at Ron Moyer's memorial service and I am emotionally spent. I'd rather bale hay all day long. There is something about spending time with a person and with their family, experiencing the ups and downs, seeing the laughter as well as the tears that takes it out of a person. Those of you who were at the service know how difficult it became for me, but how do you not become emotionally involved with people you care about? How do you not shed a tear or crack a voice after sharing in some of the most intimate times with a family? As a pastor I have been told that you have to remove yourself from the emotion. I understand that to a point, but if that is truly the case, I guess I fail in that department. The joy is knowing that death does not have the final word. As the apostle Paul says, "where, O death is your victory? Where, o death is your sting But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Can I get an Amen!?

A Great Mom

Today is mother's day and I must say that I would not trade the mom I have for anyone else in the world. If there ever was a saint, she is one. Growing up, mom was as loving and caring as anyone I had ever met, yet she was firm in discipline, setting boundaries regarding the way I should act and the way I shoud speak. She was sure to see that I grew up loving Jesus, praying for me daily -truly a prayer warrior. She still is, and without her prayers I would surely have bounced from ditch to ditch on the bumpy road of life. She kept me going as a kid and continues to keep me going as an adult. But it's the behind the scenes things about my mom that most people are unaware of. her notes to the sick, to those in need, her telephone calls, her reading to hospital patients when they might be in a coma, and of course, her prayers. My brothers and I are blessed to have the mom we have, and now, my boys are blessed to have a mom (my wife) who loves and prays for them the same way my mom did for me. Coincidence? I think not! God led me to a woman just like my mom. How great is that?
Some of you know my mom. I'm right aren't I. What about your mom? Any words to share?

Rewards on earth

Not that I'm trying to bribe you to read this blog or anything, but the first youth from LUMC, 18 or under, gets $10 from me. But you must respond on the blog page with your first name and first initial to your last name. Amazing isn't it? - just like grace.