pastorbrian

John 7-8

2006-12-06T15:18:10Z

I'm finding I don't like the Jesus in John as much, or very much at all. He seems like he's picking a fight. It doesn't sound like the loving grace filled Jesus that you read more about in the other gospels. I guess in the other gospels Jesus has his contentious times with the leaders, but he doesn't seem quite as belligerent maybe. Another thing is Jesus doesn't seem as human so far. He talks so much about being from above and how he's different than everyone else I think that turns me off a little bit. I completely understand that he is different, but he's also completely human and it seems that fact is lost a little bit in this gospel, at least so far. This Jesus doesn't seem as approachable, doesn't seem as compassionate so far. It's almost like he wants the leaders to hate him instead of trying to love them. I don't know...I keep thinking that it's written for a certain community and from a certain theological perspective, but it's hard...I'll keep pluggin away.

John 6

2006-11-28T15:27:25Z

A couple of familiar miracle stories here in chapter 6...feeding the 5000, walking on water, and then a long discourse on Jesus being the bread from heaven. Sounds like it was very confusing to the disciples and to all who heard it. Why does Jesus make it so confusing? Couldn't he have explained a little bit better or did he have to be careful in front of the Jewish authorities and maybe in private, as he did in other Gospels, explained a little more to his disciples. One verse in particular caught my attention, that was verse 37 which states that all who come to Jesus will be accepted. Don't hear that preached too much do you. There are no disclaimers about how you're supposed to be or act, just that if you come to Jesus and believe in him you'll be accepted by him. No that's a gospel that I can dive into, why isn't it heard more? Why do we want to place conditions and decided who's in and who's out instead of leaving that up to God? Why are we so quick to judge and reject that which might be different? I guess we don't like change...If there is one thing I would want someone to remember about my ministry is that I tried to be accepting and equal to all. I understand its not possible to do that perfectly, but I truly hope that I preach a gospel that is accepting to all. I guess that's what jumped out at me from this chapter.

John 5

2006-11-27T15:34:11Z

It seems in this chapter it is easy to see that the author of the Gospel, and possibly Jesus himself, is trying to make the argument that Jesus is doing God's work and therefore has authority. I also realize that Jesus' manner of speaking in this gospel seems much different than the other gospels. Did the other gospels just not record these lengthy speeches? Jesus says, "Very truly I tell you" a lot in John and off the top of my head I can't remember him saying that in the Synoptics. What does that mean for the innerancy of the gospels? Doesn't bother me because I believe the Bible was written by humans who were inspired by God, but not reciting what God told them exactly. How else do you reconcile the differences? The Gospel of John certainly gives us a different view of Jesus. More theological and apologetic...I can't seem to relate to this Jesus as well. He doesn't seem as human so far I would say. More on that later I hope...

John 4

2006-11-22T15:22:55Z

I've heard that story about Jesus and the Samaritan woman before, and it always strikes me. Jesus is breaking a lot of "rules" in this story. He is a man speaking to a woman, a Jew speaking to a Samaritan, and a Jewish leader speaking to a Samaritan woman. What would people say? Doesn't Jesus know that's not how things are done? I love the example Jesus gives us that his love and grace is for all. Doesn't matter who they are. And Jesus doesn't judge this woman, he asks her a pointed question, but he doesn't condemn her for having questions or not believing. Jesus basically presents his case, tells her what he is about, and lets her decide. He doesn't berate her with stories of hell and judgment if she doesn't decide to follow him, and I imagine he wouldn't have written her off if she would have still had some questions. Why can't we approach others like that? We are so quick to judge and put up walls even before we give them a chance. If they believe differently than us then we think a conversation can't truly take place until they see things our way. I believe that "conversion" is something that is up to God. We are to live our lives as good Christian examples, as best we can, and then plant seeds with others. God is control of the harvest. Judging and having who's in and who's out discussions doesn't help at all. Why can't we look at it from the perspective that all are in, or at the very least who's in and who's out is up to God and not us? Out responsibility is to give grace, love and forgiveness and let judging be up to God. That's what I like about his chapter...Jesus reaches out to a complete outsider.

John 3

2006-11-21T15:35:15Z

Holy cow! Reading through John is like reading through a theology text book. He seems to make the same points over and over again. I had to smile a couple of times when reading thinking to myself how this must have sounded to the people as Jesus said this...I guess if this is what Jesus literally said. Nicodemus isn't portrayed in a good light at all as a Jewish leader. I believe this is done in part because when this Gospel was written it is believed that this Jewish sect, Christianity, is at odds with at least some of the Jewish people. Nicodemus isn't found in any other gospels. Seems to go to great lenghts to establish that Jesus is the Son of God and that salvation is only found through him. If I remember correctly this is emphasized more in John so far than the other Gospels. Honestly not much jumped out at me in Chapter 3. Just that the responses seem like sermons and/or apologetics not necessarily conversations two people would have on the road. One thing did jump out at me...the fact that in verse 17 it states that God didn't send Jesus to condemn/judge the world. Yet that is exactly what happens when someone doesn't believe the same as we do. We automatically judge and/or condemn them. It seems to me that Jesus was sent to provide the light, but if people choose not to follow were not to condemn them and right them off. We are called to love them just the same and hopefully they might see the light. Condemn and judging people for not have the "correct" belief doesn't seem to be what Jesus was about so far. He provided a way and we are to follow and love all...not judge and condemn which leads to right and wrong and wars and you get the picture...

John 2

2006-11-20T18:18:05Z

Jesus didn't seem very nice to his mom by calling her mother and that seemingly negative response when she told him they were out of wine. But, in my study notes it says that response is not necessarily a disrespectful one. Wondering a couple of things as I read the 2nd chapter...Why is the water to wine miracle only in John? Why is the cleansing of the temple in the beginning of Jesus' ministry in John and at the end of his ministry in the other gospels? I also have noticed, so far at least, that the disciples are pictured in a better light in John than in Mark especially. They seem to believe from the very beginning, or at least after they see the signs (miracles) that Jesus does. Do they see and then believe, or do they believe in order to see? How does that work with me? Sometimes I'd like some signs from Jesus. I think that would make my work a little easier. Wouldn't it make faith a lot easier and more concrete if I witnessed some miracle or sign? Maybe I do see signs all the time, but I just don't recognize them because I'm not attuned to what's going on. All though if we were all given concrete signs and miracles there wouldn't be much need for faith would there? Also, we'd probably attribute them to something else and want something more or different anyway. I don't believe I need signs to believe. I'm not saying they wouldn't be nice, but I know that my faith is built on personal experiences and what I know in my heart. I've experienced the power of the Spirit myself and know that Jesus is real and that God is present. There are times when I doubt or wish I could feel God more often, but some of that is on me because I fail to take the time to listen for God and slow myself down. Coincidence?: Since starting Bible study I feel more confident and my relationship with Tracy is better...I don't believe in coincidences...maybe it's all in my head, and maybe that's exactly what I need. Look forward to bouncing some questions off of Tony.

John 1

2006-11-16T14:49:14Z

Felt good, refreshing, uplifting, energizing, (CPE instructor told me good isn't a feeling it's an adjective) to do some personal Bible study today. Tough night last night with the budget meeting so there was no better time for it. Two things stuck me this morning. One is John's reference to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away sins. Lambs weren't used for sacrifice, so what does he mean? Is. 53:7 mentions lambs as basically willing creatures, like a "lamb to slaughter." Jesus was silent, or at least didn't fight his trial and death so in a way he may have been like a lamb there. He followed God's will wihtout too much question, I don't think there is his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and he doesn't cry out on the cross so Jesus is portrayed as following God's will very willingly here. The second thing that stuck out was his call of the first few disciples. They basically take John the Baptist's words at face value and follow Jesus, and all Jesus says to Philip is "follow me" and they drop everything and follow...according to the Gospel. Such willing submission on both accounts. I suppose Jesus might have known the "inside" story because his divinity is so stressed in John so his following can be explained a little bit better. But, the disciples seem to hear someone say that Jesus is the Messiah they've been waiting for and drop everything and follow him. Did they know by the prompting of the Spirit what to do? Would I be able to drop everything and follow if Jesus called me to? I suppose I did a little bit by excepting the call to Minden here, but it surely wasn't done on a whim as the disciples seem. I wonder if Jesus personally called me would I be able to submit so readily without further proof or explanation or reassurance what was going to happen. The way the disciples are protrayed suggests they just went. Could I be so willing? I hope so...my prayer today will be for openness to God's calling and my ability to recognize it and follow.

Day 30!!!

2006-10-25T14:44:49Z

This was the last day that I did the official "Surprise Me God" experiment. Overall I really enjoyed it and I hope to take some of the insights I learned and continue to apply them to my everyday prayer life. Sunday October 29th I'll be giving a sermon on my experience so be there to hear that. I would encourage anyone who is looking for a way to spice up their prayer life or just interested in trying something new to give the "Surprise Me God" experiment a try. You may not have a "burning bush" moment, but I guarantee that you will connect with the Spirit and you will learn things that will help you for the rest of your life. Yes, I didn't overstate that...you will, if you dedicate yourself and journal and take it seriously, discover new things and feel the Spirit move. All it takes is a simple three word prayer each morning and then an honest reflection on your days activities and you will uncover the work of the Spirit in areas of your life. It was amazing for me and I would recommend it to anyone out there. Maybe I'll keep writing in my journal as a Spiritual exercise. Might be a way to keep myself accountable for my personal prayer life. Stay tuned for more and thanks for taking this journey with me. God Bless!!!

Day 29

2006-10-24T14:12:47Z

It was a busy day in the office yesterday. It always gets a little busy around Cornerstone mailing time. It was nice though because time really flies by. Nothing too exciting to report from yesterday. It was one of those typical Mondays I guess you would say. I've been feeling a little more stressed lately, and I'm not sure why. I've been trying to pin down the source but nothing has come to me. Maybe it's the time of year, budget and salary negotiation and stuff or maybe it's not because I don't think I'm really worried about that. Who knows what the deal is. Maybe it's stress from Tracy...HA I KNOW that's not it. I'll just have to continue to be aware of it and let the Spirit help me deal with whatever pops up. That usually does the trick. If I control what I can then the rest is up to God right? I wish that were as easy to do as it is to say!

Day 28

2006-10-23T18:54:19Z

There is one thing I've been thinking about lately. Not sure if it's tied to the "Surprise Me God" experiment or not, but I really think our church needs to get involved in some sort of mission. Something where we can be involved and where we can see we have made a difference. I get the feeling people are tired of just giving to "meet the budget" and maybe people would be more energized and enthused if they saw a mission that the church was doing. I love the monthly meals and I think they are doing a nice job of providing fellowship and visibility of our church in the community. I think we need to go a step further and figure out what our church can do in this community. I can't think of any ideas right now, but I've only been in the community for about a year. I'm going to need some help and input from long time members and people who have an idea of what the community's needs are. I truly think this could be a great thing for our church, and maybe the 125th anniversary will be a starting point and something our church can rally around. I'll be looking for more surprises from God in this area!

Day 27

2006-10-23T18:50:08Z

Had a fun time today. Weddings are usually a good time and today was no exception. Everything went off without a hitch. Had a little glitch with the music in the beginning but it wasn't anything big. Getting close to the end of my experiment, and I think it has been a good one. There have been some exciting revelations I think, at least for my faith journey. I wonder at times how many people tried this on their own. I don't think there were too many. I know of at least one person who tried it and noticed some Spirit things. I hope my wrap up on Sunday will be good and possibly even encourage some others to give the "Surprise Me God" faith experiment a try.

Day 26

2006-10-21T13:17:57Z

Had a fun time yesterday with mom and dad. We went to Omaha and did a little shopping and ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Man, those are some of the best hamburgers I've ever had! Thought I'd throw a plug in there. I just thought of something...I'm not sure how this analogy works but I'll give it a try. Does our Christian life reflect our relationship with our parents? Maybe a better question is should our Christian life reflect a good relationship with a person's parents? When you're a child you're completely dependent on mom and dad. Then you grow older and reach the teenage years and mom and dad become the dumbest people on earth and the one thing standing in your way of fun and truly being yourself. You spend a few years rebelling a little bit, but you never fall off the deep end. Then as you go off to college and continue to mature you realize that your folks are actually pretty smart and did know what they were talking about most of the time. You begin a different relationship with them. One where they become more of a great friend and source of advice and a listening ear. You begin to value their input and know they will be there for you if you need them. You don't depend on them for your existence any more, but you still need their love and guidance and support. Now I know that isn't how all people view their parents, but if we lived in a perfect world then maybe that's how our relationship would work. Some spend more time rebelling, some take more time to realize that their parents aren't totally out there, and some of course may never get there. But, doesn't the ideal reflect what our journey with the Spirit should be? When we are young Christians we are pretty dependent on God and don't really question anything. We're still new at all of the church and Christian journey stuff so God helps us through a lot of it. Then as we grow older there is probably a time of questioning and rebelling, if we're honest with ourselves and our faith. After that rebelling we then begin to realize that our relationship with God has changed and we seek God's input and guidance in our lives more so than relying on him completely for our faith. Our faith grows from the "warm fuzzy" to the belief and trust that God is there even if we can't feel him all the time. Our faith has grown to understand that it is more than just feelings...it is that belief and trust and knowing that God is there all the time and we can and should open ourselves to him everyday. I don't know if that works or not...It's not a perfect analogy because parents are human and not perfect, and God is God and is perfect, but I think we can make it work. I don't know...just a wild hair I had...Surprise me God indeed!

Day 25

2006-10-21T13:05:25Z

Tracy and I are getting ready to host some visitors this weekend. My parents are coming down tonight and staying until Saturday afternoon. It will be fun to see them again, and I'm sure they're excited to see Isaac since it's been awhile since they've seen him. It's amazing to me to see how much he's changed in just 4 months. Especially when we see other people with small babies. I'm glad we don't keep growing that fast our entire lives or dieting would be essential! As I've been thinking about habits and things getting stale while I near the end of this 30 day Surprise Me God experiment I rededicated myself to it again. Not that I had stopped but just that I was in danger of having become just another routine and blend into the background. Something I think all of us should seriously think about doing in our own lives. Do we need to rededicate ourselves to our Christian journeys? Maybe after some soul searching we can find the answer.

Day 24

2006-10-19T13:36:42Z

I continue to think about our Christian journey becoming a habit for us. Do we get complacent with where we are on our journey and begin to coast. Do we think that we've done enough and that no more is required of us in the service of the church? That's what I've been facing the past couple of days. How do you get people on fire for serving Jesus and excited about church? Do I have to make the worship services fun and entertaining making sure I don't go over the 7 to 10 minute attention span? Do we have to have a dynamic youth program to attract children? What are the things we need? I attempted to get some ideas from the survey but so far people have either enjoyed the worship service or had an idea on how to change it that didn't really make it more dynamic. What does it take to wake us up from our everyday habit filled lives and get us wanting to make a difference? I guess I can only really think from my perspective and that would be getting excited about a mission the church is doing. We need to find something the whole congregation can rally around and do. Now the trick is figuring out what that might be. Hopefully I'll get some answers and be inspired but I truly hope some member has something they really want to do and then it will really take off.

Day 23

2006-10-18T14:01:25Z

I was thinking this morning as I said my prayer that it's amazing how soon things become habit and we tend to just do them without really thinking about it. Is this what has happened with my "Surprise Me God" experiment. Has the morning prayer become routine and not meaningful anymore? I think I was, and am, in danger of that. So this morning I said the prayer but I made sure I meant it this time. And you know what, I'm betting it makes a difference too. I'm still struck by how much this little experiment reflects our Christian lives. I spoke in the beginning about feeling "warm and fuzzy" when I said the prayer, then the feeling went away and I still said the prayer knowing that the Spirit was there. The same happens with our own Christian journeys. In the beginning we have wonderful feelings and the excitement of all this new stuff, but as we grow older and mature the feelings do not come as often and we begin to make a choice. Either we let our journey become a habit that is something we just do, or we can choose to keep it fresh and make the decision every day to follow Jesus again and seek his input in our lives. So, I think the challenge is; has our journey with the Spirit become stale? Do we take our faith for granted and not truly engage in a relationship with Jesus? What do we expect when we just coast along and only ask for help or guidance when the road becomes a little bumpy? Keep it fresh. Praise God the same each and every day. Invite him into your life each and every day. I'm not saying we become a Christian over and over again, but we need to ask God to guide us and then allow the Spirit to push us where we need to go. It doesn't do any good to just ask and then not listen.

Day 22

2006-10-17T15:09:31Z

Got some good work done yesterday. I decided to work ahead a little bit in-case I needed to help Bruce in the field again. But, with this rain it looks like I won't be going out there to work too soon. I'm excited because my parents are coming down this weekend so that will be fun. They haven't seen Isaac in a long time so they're excited also. I'm excited about things going on at the church. The Sunday school seems to be going along very well. We have some new kids coming from the area so that is great. The dinners have seemed to be a success, both in terms of numbers and in getting different people involved in the service of the church. I've been thinking lately about ways to get new people involved in the church and activities and new things for the church to do. But, I'm not sure how to do it yet. I'll have to keep praying and contemplating that. The surveys are coming in slowly, I think I have about 10 so far, and I'm surprised by some of the comments. I'm glad people have taken the time to write instead of just circle numbers. Well, I have a lot to do so I'll close for now...

Day 21

2006-10-16T15:47:48Z

Well Sunday 2 of the outline sermon experience went okay I think. I had some nice feedback from some members about the sermon so it must have been okay. I had Isaac all to myself yesterday from 12:30 to about 6:30 while Tracy worked out at the winery. We had a good time. He played while I watched football then he took a 2 hour nap and he didn't really get fussy until mom showed up. I thought that was funny. It could be a busy week with helping Bruce and getting a wedding ready and the worship service on Sunday. I'll have to take full advantage of my day Monday and get most of my work done. I'll have to see how God Surprises me this week. Maybe after 21 days it shouldn't be a surprise any more to see God at work in my life. After 21 days I should expect to see areas of my life where God breaks in and I should be more open to the workings of the Spirit. Well, I should be but let's not get carried away. I still have some work to do in the area of letting God into my entire life, and I'm learning that things work easier if you ask God to help you instead of waiting until the last minute. Funny how that works...

Day 20

2006-10-15T20:34:35Z

I'm beginning to wonder if this "Surprise Me God" experiment is less about the words you say when you wake up and more about getting yourself attuned to the Spirit. I'm beginning to believe that you could simply begin each day with any prayer and you'll be more aware of God's work in your life. So far that is the biggest thing I'm learning. I know I've said this before, but it's worth repeating because it is so important to open ourselves up to the Spirit. God is always there waiting for us to let him in. We are the ones who don't allow it sometimes because we are either too busy or feel unworthy to let God work in our lives. We're studying the book of Judges in Adult Sunday school and Sunday we'll study Gideon. Gideon was the weakest of his clan and God used him to defeat an entire people. God is ready to do amazing things with us if we will simply invite him into our lives everyday.

Day 19

2006-10-14T14:07:13Z

Well I spent all of yesterday helping Bruce in the field. He needed the help today because he had a longer trip for the grain carts. With two of us helping we were able to keep him moving for the most part except when I couldn't find him in the field! It felt good to help out because I know Bruce truly appreciates it and he needs it with his dad laid up for awhile. Mary babysat Isaac for 4 hours and she said he was a good boy. That's the longest he's been gone from mom or dad and all three of us survived! I was thinking as I was sitting in the tractor about how lucky I am to have the wife I do. She was a trooper yesterday driving all over tarnation while I played farmer. One thing I've noticed in the past few weeks is how our relationship has gotten better and/or back to more normal. After Isaac was born he threw a monkey wrench in our lives. We had to adjust to life with someone else demanding our attention. Now, I'm not saying our relationship was bad or anything after he was born, but things were different as we adjusted to our new life. Now in the past two to three weeks I can truly see we've begun to laugh more, find time to hang out together more even if it's 15-20 minutes before we fall asleep and overall the energy between us has picked up again. It seems to have started around the time I started this "Surprise me God" experiment, but I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it or the timing was just right. I'm not sure there are any coincidences so maybe what I'd say is having both of us intentionally invite God into our lives everyday made a difference in our attitudes and gave us a different outlook and some love and support from the Spirit. More reflection required on this...

Day 18

2006-10-14T13:59:08Z

Got caught up on some visits today so that was nice. I also watched Isaac for a few hours while Tracy was working. We did pretty good. He slept enough so I could get some work done on my sermon so that was very nice of him. You know I can't think too much of anything truly special or different happening today. I guess maybe the surprise was the fact that it was a "normal" day. Had some good family time at night and continued Tracy's lessons in Cribbage! I've truly been blessed with an awesome family.

Day 17

2006-10-12T14:54:09Z

Brrrrrrrrrr! It feels like we're getting the first shot of winter. At least the sun is out today. Yesterday was a pretty dreary day. Got to work early yesterday because Isaac had his 4 month check-up and I like to go along to those if I can. He's doing good, growing like a weed and not liking the immunizations. So that made him a crabby kid yesterday and today, but I have gotten a little better with the patience thing when he is acting like a 4 month old. Not where I want to be yet but getting better. The good news yesterday was the continued improvement of Bob. He was up and walking around and he's backed off the pain meds a little. He still has some fairly intense pain, but the periods of it are getting less and less. I'm sort of bummed that Bruce hasn't called to ask for more help, but I assume he has the help he needs. I was looking forward to some more time in the tractor, but I guess I'll have to work instead. Had a fairly good board meeting last night. I got a little passionate when we started talking about OCWM contributions. It surprised me that I said what I did, but I felt I needed to give my point of view and challenge the board a little bit. I hope I didn't sound to upset, but I felt what I said needed to be put on the table. I'm very grateful that the people on the board can disagree respectfully, vote on a matter, then move on without any apparent grudges. I've been impressed with how they can work together so well and get a lot of things done. When you're working with a number of people there is bound to be disagreements, but there has always seemed to be an air of respect and an ability to get on to the next issue without holding onto what happened in the past. At least that is what I see and feel. I truly feel blessed to be able to work with the people I have so far.

Day 16

2006-10-11T13:51:18Z

I had a blast yesterday! I helped Bruce with some field work. I was driving the grain cart from the field to the corn bin, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I didn't realize how much I missed the farm work until I was doing it again. Hopefully I'll be able to help again so he can stay ahead of the game with his dad being in the hospital. Not only was it fun to work in the field again, but it also feels good to help someone out when they need it. Now, Bruce could have gotten by without my help so don't think I was the lifesaver or anything, but things worked a little smoother (at least I thought so) with having two grain carts moving. I firmly believe that is part of my role as pastor and as a member of the church family. That role is to help people when they need it. Whether it be farm help, around the house help, emotional and spiritual help, or anything that I can do. Obviously I can't be everywhere for everybody, but when the big surprises come up, like Bob's hospitalization in the middle of harvest, I feel that if I can offer help I need to do so. I think the whole church family is and should be like that. When one of our members is down the rest of the body needs to step up and offer any assistance they can. Now some people are simply going to be too busy to help, but amongst the members of the body there should be some people who can step up and help. And if you feel you don't have the time then maybe your help will be saying a prayer for that person or offering assistance in some other form. Being there for others is a sign of a strong church community. We help the members of our church body when they are going through some tough times. That is what God has pressed upon my heart these past couple of days. We also need to mindful to reach out to all people too. Not just members of our church family but those in our community that need help in one form of the other.

Day 15

2006-10-10T12:57:34Z

Well, we're half-way through this experiment. And I'll say I believe the last few days have been pretty busy with different stuff going on. I like to be busy so that isn't a problem. The trouble is when you're busy you tend to focus on the tasks at hand and you aren't as aware of things going on around you. Even though I've invited God to surprise me everyday and God will, but if I can't slow down enough to notice it that isn't any good. I think the experiment has shifted to a different phase in that way. It's easy to notice the Spirit's working in your life when the prayer is new and the excitement of it all is still there. Kind of like when our faith is new and we're all on fire for God and everything seems just great. Then as we grow older and we mature a little bit that new fire isn't burning quite as hot and we are endanger of going back to the way we were. What happens when the newness wears off? What happens when the feeling of excitement and stuff is gone? That's when faith becomes a choice everyday instead of a feeling. I believe that's what's happening now with my Surprise me God experiment. The newness has worn off, and now it becomes a choice I need to make everyday and something I need to be extra aware of so it doesn't get lost in the everyday shuffle. It's easy to feel good when everything is new and exciting, but the real commitment comes when you have to incorporate your faith, or this experiment, into everyday life and not let it get lost in the hustle and bustle. I think that's what happened to me in the past couple of days and I need to be mindful of the workings of the Spirit in and amongst my everyday activities.

Day 14

2006-10-09T13:51:06Z

Wow! What a big success the church dinner was on Sunday. I think the final count was 160 some people. That's great! I don't really care what the money made was because I think the success of the meal is in the fellowship and in the people that come. I again saw some families that I didn't know and some different people were working in the kitchen again so that was awesome. It is good for the church to be busy like that because it shows the community that there is life there. Those of us that attend the church regularly know that the Spirit is working, and by doing activities that others can participate in shows everyone else that we are a fun and vibrant church. The challenge now is thinking of other ways to keep the church visible in the community and what service projects we want to do. I had to bug out of the dinner a little early because I wanted to see Bob in Omaha and then I had to set up for the youth group activity. Bob is doing okay. Needs to get his pain under control but I think the worst is behind him. The youth group activity was fun, but not too good of a turnout. Like the Y.A.Y.A.H. group I need to figure out a way to get more people interested in coming. Not sure how to do that yet. It's a little disheartening when you prepare and so few people attend, but we'll keep plugging away and see what happens. I guess if people don't want the activity then I won't worry about putting one on, but we'll see what happens. Sunday 2 of the outline for the sermon went well I think. I believe I can put a little more emotion into the sermon when I'm not worried about following a script. We'll keep trying and see what happens.

Day 13

2006-10-08T12:55:27Z

Had a good time at the game, and got to see my friends for a little while. Ended up leaving early because I felt I should get back and make sure there hasn't been any new developments concerning Bob. I instructed his wife to call if anything changed and there wasn't a message at home and there wasn't a message in my cell phone so I knew, or at least hoped, that everything was still going okay. Got home around 8:30 PM and called and spoke to Bob. Sounds like he is in good spirits and that he doesn't need surgery or anything like that so that was a relief. I also told him I'd be over there as soon as I could tomorrow (Sunday). I'll hang around for the meal a little bit and then head over. I need to have some time to set up for the Youth Group activity though also so it's going to be a busy day. Still feel good about my decision not to rush back, but I'll probably always second guess myself a little bit. I guess he hurt himself early Friday, like around 8:00 AM, I didn't hear about it until 9:00 that night. Just very relieved that he's going to be okay! Hoping the dinner goes well today. I think it's a good thing the church is doing this. Even if we don't get huge crowds all the time the time spent working and fellowshipping together is worth it I believe. And we've gotten a few new people to come at each meal so that's worth it also. Just having people see the church in action serving others is what's most important I believe. Going to try the outline sermon again today. See how that goes again. I think it'll be okay, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.