Wow, what a day – actually, what a weekend – here it is on Sunday evening around 10:30 as I begin writing this. 

Looking Back on Yesterday

 I had a great time Saturday morning, as I began “teaming” for an upcoming Emmaus Walk.  It’s been so long since I jammed with any kind of band and in an unusual turn of events, I will be playing bass.  I haven’t played my bass on any regular basis in almost two and a half years and yes, I’m a bit rusty.  The keyboardist said, “If that’s out of practice, I can’t wait to hear you a few weeks from now.”   Last night, we went to the All-County Chorus Concert which was a nice early evening of music.  Anna told us she had a surprise and imagine our surprise when she took her turn at a solo on the final number – she did a great job and she did a great job on her music selection in this morning’s service.  After that we made a quick trip to Wal-mart, which was a mistake.  (I was stressed out by the whole thing.)  Overall yesterday was a great day.

Burning Down the House  

More accurately, this should be titled “Burning Down the Church.”  Our students arrived early this morning for Sunday School, so I decided to give them a little treat and microwaved some sausage patties that were in the freezer.  My daughter Anna watched me do it and everything was ok.  Later, after Sunday School was in full swing, we smelled something burning.  Our entire class went to check it out.  It turns out one of our senior boys got some advice about how to
“nuke” a sausage patty from Anna – something about 6 or 7 minutes (for one sausage patty?)  You can only imagine, the sausage was a crispy critter and now the whole church reeked of really burnt food.  We turned off the heat – I’m glad it was 60 degrees at church time – and opened the doors.  When we returned to church this evening, it still smelled really nasty.

Lesson Learned: Don’t ask Anna how long to “nuke” something

A Sweet Spirit…which was cool considering the church smelled like a burnt sacrifice.  Today’s worship was like few that we have had at Preston.  We really just picked up where we left on Wednesday night.  The Spirit was present from the opening moments of the service and continued all the way through communion.  As we gathered for Bible study this evening, it was evident that same Spirit had not left the building, we had a wonderful time of singing, about 25 minutes worth and Bible study from the third chapter of Colossians.  Wow!  Days like today make it all worth while. 

The New York Football Giants

After getting home, we had a traditional Super Bowl night snack fest.  I didn’t get to watch the game until half-time.  Tom Petty and his band rocked the house (in my opinion)  The mix was dead on – for a live production.  I did watch the final two quarters of the game.  I really wasn’t rooting for anyone until I watched the fire in the eyes of the Giants.  Yes, the Patriots were up against the perfect season. It just appeared watching those final two quarters that the Giants wanted it more.  They played with a fire and a passion and everything just clicked for them.

Lesson Learned: Is that the way that I approach life?  Do I approach it with a fire and a passion.  Is it unmistakable what I want out of life?  This morning, for the fourth week in a row, I preached on building the Kingdom – Can I do that –build the Kingdom of Heaven – with a fire and a passion?  That is my desire.  I hope it is yours as well.