Sunday, Day 15

Today is the Lord's Day, and we gathered for worship outside in the parking lot, due to a previous reservation at the Conference Center. I was pleasantly surprised to meet two first time guests today: Camille and Eva. And as I think about that statement, I wonder, should I really be surprised by guests? Should I not be EXPECTING guests every Sunday?

The worship team did an excellent job leading today. We celebrated Victoria's high school graduation and Lorna's CNA graduation. We also honored fathers for Father's Day with John Eldredge gift books, and hearing a musical duet by Kaitlyn and Karissa, as they sang to their father, Paul. It was precious. I preached on the powerful parable of The Father's Embrace, as told by Jesus in Luke 15.

This afternoon was spent hanging out at the house with my parents. We gave grad gifts to Victoria. She received a computer/printer combo from grandparents. We gave her a Bible and a camera. We also watched the US Open as Tiger Woods made a clinch putt on the 18th to force a playoff with underdog Rocco Mediate. The surprise in this match is that Rocco is contending with Tiger.

This evening we had four gather for worship: Carrie, Gary, Kai and myself. We shared about how you are surprising us, God. Gary shared about the academic success of his niece and nephew, Kai about special moments with his niece, Carrie about the prospects of buying a home, and I shared about reconnecting with Dirk. We all felt really blessed. We also reviewed the morning message, sang and prayed together. We then committed to making phone calls to those who have been missing in action over the past few Sundays.

It felt good to be back home this evening, knowing that tomorrow was a day off.