On my mind today

I couldn't wait till my pastor prayer letter comes out this week to share this so I'll write it here.  I knew what was coming.  I'd watched them rehearse and was a part of the planning.  I knew what was coming.  But there was something amazing and wonderful watching OUR veterans stand with their flags.  Almost all of them were WWII vets, but they stood, proud and smart with stiff salutes, honoring their own past and their comrades.  I was overwhelmed!  To see the honor they took in being a part of that portion of our service blessed me beyond measure.  A simple thanks is insufficient, but I'll say it anyway - Thanks vets and vets families for your sacrifice and service.  We are who we are because of how God used you. 

I can't remember a time when I've been more excited about the direction we're headed as a church!  While there are still numerous challenges that lie ahead of us, I'm fired up about the transforming power of the Gospel I see all around us!  This monring was a great example of it - spirit filled singing, powerful prayer time for our man Greg and although I'm not at all sure how it came across, I had a blast preaching!  If you remember, one of the things I made specific mention of was careful use of your words.  "From the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" Jesus said.  Imagine my surprise when I got an unsigned note criticizing me, the staff and the church in general.  The person who wrote, whoever it was, wrote that "God had told them to tell me."  Literally, my mouth fell open as I realized God was giving me the chance to demonstrate EXACTLY what I just professed.  I embraced my own counsel immediately - and threw the note away.  Essenti