9/26/05 Monday Musings
• Yesterday was a great first 3 service Sunday, the climax of a long change-managagement process. I heard very little grumbling and everybody seemed to like it and were on board. We had about 800 between the three services which is nearly 100 more than our avaerage last Spring. Most of the increase were new college students, but there were several other new families as well. It was great to hear the choir again after their summer break. Nice to see some new faces up there. Adult Bible Fellowship Leaders reported new folks and faces in their classes. We had a great "College Pizza in the Park," with an estimated 150 out there. My voice is a bit hoarse today after preaching 3 and then shouting at the park. I'll get used to it! The morning moves really fast. I was exhausted but so wired I couldn't sleep during my nap. What was your experience yesterday? Any thoughts or feedback?
• We've been overwhelmed by the love and care shown to our family by the people of Grace during this season of our family's growth. How do folks who are not connected to a church family do it? I do not know. Two weeks of meals every other night is just so helpful. Susie felt warmly loved at her shower yesterday. May it not just be the pastor's family who is cared for in this way.
• Haaken was circumcised this morning by Dr. Bravo. It was man-time thing. Susie stayed in the waiting room, while I went in and held his hand and talked to him. It definitely hurt him more than it hurt me! Bravo and I talked theology a bit.. . . . under the Old Covenant, circumcision was meant to be an outward sign of an inward reality. . . circumcision of the heart. I hope and pray that my son's heart is cut (broken) before God!
• While at Bravo's office, one of the receptionists whom I had never met before said out of the blue, "I feel like I know you from reading your blog. I go to Calvary SLO, where Bryan Stupar pastors." I thought that was so cool that folks from Grace who read Life Together click over to Bryan's blog and vice versa. There is one Lord, one faith, one Church, one God and Father of all. Got to keep blogging.
• We are still trying to rebalance now that Haaken has joined the family. We definitely haven't figured it all out yet, but, so far, the transition from 3 to 4 has been way easier than the transition from 2 to 3. The kids are just loving him. I am trying to embrace the season and accept the chaos. Once again I am reminded of what a control freak I am. I am about ready to make my own doctor's appointment. The next one will have to be adopted.