SUNDAY NIGHT AND ALL IS WELL

once again as this SUN (and I emphasize sun!) DAY comes to a close I can only reflect on a wonderful week. We celebrated VBS here; theme was Pandamania (Group Publishing) and had a great time;  the leader who had done it for as long as I've been here stepped down from that volunteer position and a new leader took over!  Thanks, Kim and way-to-go Ruth!  the kids were highly involved in the participation; the staff was marvelous; all the pieces fit together beautifully - all I did was come to the opening and watch!  Our FamLifeMin, Jeff, had the music and devotions etc.  and WOW - how fun!  Gotta share one story ... on Wednesday(?) the Bible story was Jonah;  the kids go to stations to hear the story, do music, crafts, etc. ... you no doubt know how that goes - but the Jonah story took place in an industrial trailer out in the parking lot.  the story teller had taken her husband's covered auto trailer, opened the back end - now a ramp; covered the back opening with black tarp - put eyes on the tarp and cut a half circle out at the bottom for the kids to crawl into the "set";  inside were stuffed animals of the "sea creature" variety;  she even opened up a can a sardines and had a fan blowing the stink (sorry, sardine lovers, but I think they stink, too) throughout the "belly" of the fish!  The kids would crawl into the "fish" and you could hear, "eew, what's that's smell?" and the storyteller would calmly respond, "well, you're in the belly of a great fish, you know."  some memories will hang on a long time, huh?  I thought it was pretty cool!

before leaving for my Kristi trip, I had received a phone call from a family who asked if I would officiate at a memorial service for their 90 yr old mother when I got back.  Now, I didn't know Ann, but was reminded that when I came here back in 1998 (wow, 13 years already) she would come with one of her 8 kids - the one who lived in Portland.  Well, even after I saw her picture, I must confess I didn't remember her ... but - I agreed to the request and was so blessed for the effort.  I met with the Portland daughter (the other 7 are scattered throughout the US - Hawaii, Colorado, New York, Florida, Oregon etc.  The only people at the service were the family - but here's where it all turns into a "God" thing.  I have never met a more gracious, caring loving group of people where not just a few but ALL exuded the warmest, living faith!  The families and extended families from 6 of the 8 were here - the New Yorkers couldn't make it 'cuz one of their kids are getting married next month and travel costs were becoming prohibitive - but the rest of the fam is heading there in July!  It will be a great celebration, no doubt!  But, if there were ever a time I 'coveted' a family for their living faith, Saturday was that time!  What an impact they would make on any congregation if they all would moved back to one place and join forces together.  But God knows best - he sent them to all the ends of the earth ... and living the mission they are!  The service took more than an hour and a half - but there was no lag time at all - people remembered and rejoiced and re-iterated the wonderful moments of growing up in Ann's household.  I was most blessed to just be there.

today's sermon (already posted) was kind of a doting father reflection on some pretty wonderful Christian faith virtues - giving and receiving - and the passage "tis more blessed to give than to receive" was a re-learning experience; what I shared I knew years ago from some study in the book of Acts (maybe seminary days?) but had long since forgotten.  so see if you remember learning it along the way.  and the Bill Cosby story line of thoughts was just a neat comparison that I read about in preparation - but I think it came together well;  had a lot of parents of grown children comment that now thy don't feel so bad for feeling how they feel about their kids.  Anyway, if you listen, may the Spirit's blessing abide.

more hours gardening (well, what I define gardening) this past week -  nothing like Karina does when she gardens!  I'm more like the 'no-shows' in Spirit Lake who love the look of the islands as long as someone else is doing the work!  hah!  but our yard is looking better all the time.  

so Karina and I are having a discussion, and I must poll the fam, -  How many inches should the grass be cut to, to be considered to be a nice looking yard? - 1-2"; 2-3"; 3-4"; 4" or more?  am eagerly awaiting your reply!

well, the ole clock on my wrist says 11:57 ... about time I call it quits.

have a great week, all.

love ya.

K and D