Tuesday, Day 17

My appointment with Justin went really well. I listened to parts of his story that I had never heard before. The content of the conversation did not really surprise me, but the fact that we were having the conversation did. I rejoice in how you are working in Justin's life, Holy Spirit, and look for the progress and the fruit You will produce in him.

I had a final pre-marital session with Poli & Essie. They will marry this Saturday. My prayer for them is that they will discover You Lord in a deeper way as they tackle life together as a team. I want to do my best to stay in touch with them, and encourage their growth as a couple. A side note about their wedding is that I received a letter from PGE last week informing me that the power would be OFF for repair work at the exact time of the wedding. How strange and SURPRISING! After a few phone calls, the electric company made some timing adjustments. The uncertainty of the situation is giving me another opportunity to trust You, Lord.

I also met with Jose Manuel to show him the external water leak at the church. He will be fixing it in the next day or two. When I was showing him the leak, I found a dead cat on the property. SURPRISE! It's not everyday that I come across a deceased animal in the yard. I continue to be a bit surprised at how much attention an unoccupied building requires. I think that before we ever purchase, remodel or build our next church facility, I want to hire a maintenance person (or crew) that will promise a lifetime of service/ministry to just care for the building. I have yet to read it in my job description, and yet I seem to be the most available person to take care of the needs. Maybe that is arrogant of me, or just my strength of responsibility overworking. I think I need to take a whole class on how to delegate.

At Bible study tonight it was Lidia, James, Dave S., and me. We completed our study of Matthew 5 and had some good discussion about knowing who our enemies are and how to love them. We talked about Salinas gang violence, "questionable activities" of neighbors, etc. I see in this 5th chapter an unrelenting call to integrity in the lives of Jesus' disciples.