Waves Of Blessings

OK, I know this is bad but I'm at home on a Sunday morning. I know, I know....What's a PASTOR doing at home Sunday not attending church? Well, this was a special weekend for my family. It's another wave of blessings from God that began back at the beginning of the year. I'll start back then and work to the present wave. On January 20, 2012 my parents celebrated 50 years of marriage. We held an open house at the church and saw so many family and friends on a Saturday in January. It was cold outside but very warm inside. This was the first wave of blessing from God. I don't think I fully realize the impact my parents faithfulness to each other has had on me, my marriage and my family but I couldn't be more blessed to have them in our lives and witness their love for each other. The next wave came in May. My son Garrett graduated a year early from high school. As a student, he's been exceptional, caring about his excellence and really wanting to learn. I'm so proud of him and can't believe how he's growing into a man of God. Another wonderful wave. This weekend, my oldest, Casey Elizabeth was joined in marriage to Carl Edward Watkins. These two were made for each other. Carl is every bit the gentleman and rode into Casey's life and swept her off her feet. I told her yesterday when I first saw her in her dress, "You look like a princess." She responded, "I feel like a princess." Tidal wave! I couldn't ask for a better man to give Casey to and I'm so excited to see them start a new life together. Back to Garrett, he turned 18 just 8 days ago. A milestone birthday that slipped a little under the wedding wave. God brought him a wonderful opportunity to serve at Habitat for Humanity for the next year, helping build houses and leading volunteer crews. I know God will stretch and grow him through these months as he works full time and serves his community. He's also working on college plans for next year and praying about what to study and where to go. (I'm not so secretly pulling for Purdue, no pressure Gt!) Wave!

Oh yeah, a midst all these wonderful waves of blessing, God has been growing a new church at LSCC. Our worship ministry has been growing with David Mottinger leading our team. Our congregation has been growing all year as we welcome new people every month. We held a marriage conference back in February where half the marriages in our church were represented. Easter was a glorious celebration in April. At the beginning of May, I baptized my son Gavin (14), along with three others at the church. What a powerful moment to hear how Gavin has come to believe in Jesus as His Savior and desires to serve Him as the Lord of his life. In June, both Gavin and Garrett and I went with a team of 12 to Honduras on LSCC's first short term mission trip. We just held a Fresh Encounter prayer meeting with close to 30 in attendance last week. People at the church are growing in their faith and in their knowledge of God's word and I see their excitement as they follow Jesus day by day. The Spirit of God is working in us as we seek to bring glory to God and advance His Kingdom in our world. WAVES!

So today, Sunday, this pastor is home, on my knees and praising God for drenching me with waves of blessing and grace. I pray you are able to see God's goodness in your life today and that you too will be able to turn your face to His and thank Him. Soaking In His Grace, Pastor Greg