It's been a whirlwind day full of amazing blessings and important reminders and in this hectic-I'll-blog-when-when-I-get-a-chance world I had to stop down for a few minutes and reflect on what's been a great day.
Sundays are very hectic for me and for any other pastor on the earth and this while this week wasn't less hectic, it was extremely special. We dedicated children to the Lord this morning in both of our services. It's the very first time we've done that as a church and it caused me to stop and notice what God has done in our church to this point. Nine families dedicated 14 children to the Lord this morning. We had less people in our church last year than stood with me to offer themselves and their children to God this morning, and while that's awesome in itself it was who was standing there that blows me away. These were parents who are new to following Christ in most accounts. Sure there are a few who've walked with God for a little while but many this morning are new to following Christ and God has used The Church at Sendera Ranch to help them discover His love for them. It's amazingly awesome. And it's cause for celebration!
After service I came home to three presents on the table. They weren't massive but they were meaningful. Each of my kiddos gave me a used book and each is now a treasure. They're treasures not because of what books they are but who gave them to me. I am blessed to be a daddy and I have the most wonderful wife and the greatest kids in the world. Not a day goes by that I'm not humbled by God entrusting them to me. I only pray that I'm a good husband and a good father who points my kids to Jesus Christ. My wife and kids are a reason to celebrate!
Next was a visit to a couple in our church who were celebrating the dedication of their children earlier that morning. Such a blessing to hear their story and to get to visit with them. I'm so glad they've jumped in to The Church at Sendera Ranch. This young couple is representative of the many I've gotten the privilege of knowing and leading in a pursuit of Jesus Christ... yet another reason to celebrate.
Back at home it was time for a short nap and a few phone calls to guests at church. I left a few messages but was excited that one person had marked that they were trusting Christ today and another rededicated their life to Jesus today. Celebration time for sure.
And then this evening we went to see UP. I wasn't expecting a lot and was very pleasantly surprised. Watching the couple grow old together and experience life's joys and pains made me realize the immense blessing my wife is and how I long to grow old with her. She is definitely a cause to celebrate before God.
And as I sat down tonight and began this blog I couldn't help but think of the awesome men's huddle we had this morning in both services. There are some awesome men in our church. Reason to celebrate. I thought of the 3 guys coming to my house in the morning. Reason to celebrate. I thought of where we are as a church. Reason to celebrate! And I could only thank God for all He's done, is doing, and is yet to do... definitely reason to celebrate!
And it doesn't take long to find reason to celebrate for the week ahead either... we're baptizing this coming Sunday. And as I said this morning, the Bible says that the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents. Why should we let heaven have all the fun? Baptism Celebration is coming and we have a lot of reasons to celebrate!!
