Life. Liberty. And the pursuit of God.

When my daughter was potty training through the night, I would always carry her to the bathroom before I went to bed. It is funny and wonderful the things a child will tell you in their sleep. On a much later time frame than our daughter, we have been training my son to stay dry through the night. Probably for the past 6 months, I carry him to the restroom every night before I check out. Almost every night he tells me some funny phrase or mumbles some strange word to me. They are little bits of his imagination, small fragments of his dreams that I alone get to keep, because by the time he even says the words they are faded from his memory.

On most nights, he is awake enough, on the way back to his room, to pat me lovingly on my back and whisper that he loves me. Eight years ago, I never would have guessed that some of my best parenting memories would be carrying my kids to the John in the middle of the night. It is funny the things that we treasure in life.

I know there is a lot of Christian talk about God not liking the things we, his children, do. And I know that God rejoices when we live as we were meant to live—with justice, love, truth, generosity, etc…. But I wonder what surprises God has encountered in creating humanity. I sometimes wonder what funny things we do that makes God smile. What are the moments that God treasures in taking part with his children. Certainly God, too, can be joyously surprised.

I have been sporadic the last several weeks on blogging. I am contemplating a new direction for this blog, but that will probably take a few weeks.

Anyway, today’s service was inspiring to me. Our band has always been great, but they are really taking it to a new level lately. What an incredible blessing they are to the entire church body.

I preached on simplicity today. We have played videos we made in house the last several weeks for the sermon. They add a personal element and everyone is impressed with Satan’s acting, although people are freaked out when they sit by him.

Today was the second highest attendance in Dayspring’s short history. There is a lot of excitement and challenges that come with growth! I look forward to see what’s next.

This video has been making the rounds lately, but it is funny and true. It goes along with my message for Sunday.

Spring Break hit our attendance this morning, but I somewhat think of it as a good thing – it means we have plenty of young families with children.

Paul did a great job filling in as preacher this morning. My first sermon was 9 minutes and now after 10 years I preach about 20-25 minutes. In ten years, Paul will need a two-hour service. J

We had the famous Leslie Garakani back on keyboard this morning. His presence always adds to our worship.

I have been praying for the church in Illinois whose pastor was killed this morning. One of our members got a call at church this morning from her sister who was in service at FBC Maryville.

I am beginning to work on my taxes today – Pastors are considered self employed for tax purposes L.

We are preparing for a mini-vacation to see family – lots of running and errands today.

Making a trip to visit someone in the hospital today.

I briefly began next week’s message on fasting this afternoon. I was hungry so I had good inspiration.

RECAP: So, I am a little late posting about last Sunday, but we had a great service. Our attendance was 249, the music was great and the children’s area was full. The band played “Fairest Lord Jesus” and decided not to again. It is a great song, but maybe just doesn’t work for us that well.

I-tunes decided that my sermon should be titled “In, But Not Of (Pt. 2)/ Moreland, J.P. /Masters Series 2004.” We finished the I AM SECOND series with me talking about parenting.

SNEAK PEAK: I am excited this week because I get to hear someone else preach at Dayspring. Paul James (Student Ministry Leader) will be preaching and I will just be worshipping in the theater seats! He is a great communicator so don’t forget to change your clocks this Saturday or you’ll be late!

That my friends is me one step closer to having a real life. After two revisions, these four copies of my doctoral project are leaving my hands today. I go for my oral defense next week. After that, I will have one more revision and then I am DONE!