Wednesday night rundown

Just got back from a 2 mile walk/run...still catching my breath. Seems like WEDs are always like that. I wrote last week about our coaching meetings with our staff members and how much energy that takes.

Today we added budget talks, a Matthew's Party, my daughter's soccer game and then a quick run. (Not so quick really--it's my second day walk/running and it looks more like a tortoise chasing a turtle when I run -- I saw my shadow tonight as I passed a street lamp and know why they call that guy in the Runner's World Penguin -- LOL!)

You say you don't know what a Matthew's Party is? Our student life ministry and several sets of parents took our mobile grill and games over to a local mobile home park. We invited children and families to come eat for free, play some games for prizes and candy and had a great time showing them that Jesus loves them. We even had a couple guys fixing the kids' bikes for free -- they changed tires, fixed pedals, adjusted seats, etc.

Our whole purpose as a church is shared during this time (hopefully with as few words as possible)...we are transformed by God's love to SURPRISE THE WORLD! It always nice to see a smile on a face and people happy -- one family as they left tonight was fun to see...each little bitty girl walked along with a helium balloon and a bag of candy, the parents had these great big grins on their faces, and their little toddler was waving bye-bye as he peered back at us over his mother's shoulder. Those are the types of surprises I like being part of...you could tell our students loved it too!

Even though it was extremely chilly for September I thought our crew did a nice job. We didn't have as many people turn out as we did back in AUG but still I was impress with how our students were interacting with the community kids and talking with them, skateboarding and doing tricks, and just overall being friendly. I'm not sure how many young people would put aside a night of 'studying' or hanging out with friends to spend it in a neighborhood where they've never been and don't know anyone. I think that has to be God! I don't know what else would inspire them to do that!

Earlier this week I wrote about my frustrations with finances -- I thank those of you who sent me comments with suggestions about how to make more money. Some were good...some were lame...some were, well, unmentionable. But thanks! I appreciate your thoughts -- I'd appreciate your prayers even more!

Have a great night!