I've Been Thinking...

This past week at church has been trying. We have several key folks out of town. First, my Aunt Barbara, who plays the piano, is in Texas at M.D. Anderson, undergoing treatments. Of course Uncle Chester, who runs the sound room, is by her side. O.C., our head deacon, and his wife Martha went out of town to visit their son, Oliver, who is in for a couple of weeks from Afghanistan. Our pastor and his wife went on vacation in Myrtle Beach. So, that was 6-key folks that were not at church.

We have managed to push on without them. William preached Sunday night and I preached Wednesday night. Charlotte has been filling in on the piano and doing a great job. We have all pulled together and got things done. It has made me thankful in 2 different ways. First, I'm thankful for the folks that we have that are normally present at each and every service. Second, I'm thankful for folks that are willing to step up and fill the void when called upon.

The message I preached Wednesday night (you can listen from the link below) was titled, "What Moves You?" I've blogged most of the message in a 4-part series on this blog. I made the challenge to our members to not let anything move them. I've drawn a lot of encouragement from that message that God gave me. It seems a lot of times that the messages God gives me are meant for me. I, just like most people, feel overwhelmed at times. I'm not a quitter by any stretch of the means but I have entertained the thoughts of moving on and doing something else. I need encouragement every now and then. Sometimes I get the Elijah complex and start looking for a cave to hide in. But, then the Lord speaks to me and lets me know that I'm not alone.