Sunday Night Reflections

What an incredible day! I'm sitting here reflecting on today and can't believe how God continues to bless our church family.

• Today was "Sanctity of Life Sunday." This day is set aside annually to remember those babies that were killed by abortion, but it is also a day to warn others not to make the same mistake. There are so many hurting people wrestling with the guilt and pain of abortion. While it is important to issue warning, it is also important not to inflict hurt on those who are guilt-ridden by it.
• Steve Sunshine, a radio talk-show host from WMHK, was our guest speaker today and told the story of their family recently adopting a 6 year old Haitian boy. Steve knocked it out of the park and really challenged people to consider adoption; but his primary point was -- trust God!
• God added another amazing family to our church today. I've been impressed by them since our very first visit and could say so many good things about them, but I'll only mention the most important -- they are an example of godliness. David & Shawna -- it's good to have you and I look forward to serving you and serving with you for years to come!
• The Sunshine family bragged on the way they were greeted from the time they stepped into our doors. Of course I asked if he mentioned that he was our guest speaker, and Steve said "no".. the ushers just thought it was our first visit and treated us kindly. Way to go ushers!
• One of our church members debuted her first solo and I couldn't believe the talent she has been hiding. Madeline -- it was WONDERFUL!
• Today was the first day for a man in our church to help lead worship by singing on our praise team. Tony -- you did GREAT!
• Tonight, we took time to share praises and thank God publicly for what He is doing. Jack told us that his eyesight was restored after a recent stroke; Dean & Pam shared that their son-in-law is back in ministry as a college pastor; and so many others stood to thank God for His goodness and blessings. We need to teach people to publicly thank God for His blessings!
• We closed out our day at the church with a dessert fellowship for David Watford and his family. David is our new Children's Pastor. We feel blessed to have him on our staff and look forward to a stong ministry to children in the days ahead.
• I got home tonight and watched 2 football games. I recorded them while we were at church, watched them both (fast forwarding the commercials and replays) and caught up to watch Pittsburgh finish off the Ravens in real time. I'm not a fan for either team, but I am a Kurt Warner fan, because he has always been very outspoken about his faith. While I don't care who wins the Superbowl, I'm already looking forward to the great fellowships our LIFE Groups are planning for that night.

Thanks God for another great day, blessings we don't deserve, the privilege leading a great church, and the opportunity to serve you vocationally.