Wednesday, Day 4

I knew that one of my errands today was a "Costco run" for essentials like laundry soap. As I was entering the warehouse, out came Justin, Christine, and their new baby William. What a nice SURPRISE! William had been due June 2, but he came on May 28, my own birthday. SURPRISE! Lord, bless and give abundant grace to these parents as they nurture their own relationship, their new son, AND his four siblings.

I spoke with Jonathan today, another youth pastor candidate. His English accent surprised me a bit. His depth of faith and interest in a cross-cultural setting are great qualifications. If there is own surprise I do not want though, is missing God's lead in this. We recently had a great youth pastor and it is a tough decision to choose the next one.

I spent time reading much of an Internet conversation by pastor/colleagues regarding the question of whether or not to marry homosexual couples. I am being challenged to allow God to speak to me through all of the opinions, that have been offered. It seems like we keep coming up with more questions. I am grateful to be part of a church that has penned its standards as she understood them to be in line with the authority of God's Word. As I encounter this cultural challenge, Lord, may I be close to Your heart in responding to people who have not yet encountered Your transforming grace.

I stayed for a bit of worship practice this evening, just to listen in. Lord, thank you for Mike, Carrie, Alan, Louie, James, Joshua and Fidel for their passion to praise you and lead worship. You know our musical needs, and I pray that you might surprise all of us with fruit in this ministry area of our church family.