Lenten Thoughts

It’s almost here. I have a hard time believing that Easter is almost upon us. For me, this year has flown by which has been hard because of all the changes that it is bringing. Eleven years ago. When Nancy and I arrived in Munster we brought along with us 3 girls. Jessica was entering the fifth grade, Lindsey was entering second and Haley was about to start Kindergarten. I no longer have three little girls. They are all grown up.

Jessica has been in Australia since February and will stay there until the middle of July. She is studying this semester at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia. From my conversations with her, she is having a great time. Lindsey is a senior at Munster High School and will be attending Indiana University this fall. And Haley, little Haley in her Dorothy shoes (red sparkly shoes) just turned 16, so you know what that means (you have been warned!) Time goes by so quickly.

I have been thinking about life a lot lately (working on a “final sermon” will make you do that). What I have come to realize is that no matter how hard you try to capture life – to slow it down – to control it – the less control you have. Life moves on with or without us. The goal is to enjoy each and every moment that you have, because none of us know how many moments are available to us.

I know that I am the poster child for saying things like that but not heading my own advice. But maybe if we each held each other accountable, we would all do better at slowing down and smelling the roses.

As Easter draws closer – remember the one for whom we celebrate. Jesus, the Lord who invites us to enjoy the journey of life; the one who invites us to find shalom in each and every day. And if Easter teaches us anything, it should be teaching us that at the end of the day – a new day will dawn. Thanks for letting me join you on the journey.

Seeing God

I came across this today and I wanted to share it with you. It struck me bacause it really tied in with the devotion from HOLY ADVENTURE that I shared in this morning.

A man whispered, “God, speak to me.”
And a meadowlark sang. But the man did not hear.
So the man yelled, “God, speak to me!”Thunder rolled across the
sky. But the man did not listen.
The man looked around and said, “God, let me see you.” A star shone brightly. But he noticed it not.
And the man shouted, “God, show me a miracle.”And a life was born. But the man was unaware.
So, the man cried out in despair, “Touch me, God, and let me know that you are here!” Whereupon God reached down and touched the man. But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

I hope that you can see and encounter God throughout your day!

UGH

I have been reading (and enjoying) my devotional for Lent -- Holy Adventure. I took it with me to my LARRI meeting in Merrillville, so that I might read it if I got there early, or at lunch, etc. Unfortunately, I left my book at the American Red Cross office. So now I am going to be behind. I hate the thought of not getting it until next week, so I will probably have to make a road trip this afternoon. I hate that!

WAY TO GO LINDSEY

Lindsey and her partner Sarah competed this week in Indianapolis in the State DECA competition. Don't ask me what DECA is, it has something to do with marketing . . . She and Sarah compete in the travel and tourism area.

The team from Munster High School won 1st place in the competition --- Lindsey and Sarah took 3rd in their event which means they get to go (once again) to the international competition which is being held in California at the end of April.

Way to go!

Pancake Breakfast

If you like pancakes, it is a great weekend to live in the Region! On Saturday, the Munster Chamber of Commerce will have it's annual pancake breakfast at Applebee's on Ridge Road in Munster.

Applebee's does all of the cooking, the Munster Chamber Board of Directors get to do the serving. So you can come out and let me serve you pancakes! If you need tickets, give me a holler --- I have a bunch. Every ticket gets entered into a raffle for some great prizes!

Sunday morning is the Annual Lion's Club pancake breakfast at Munster High School. I am not a member of the Lion's but I know that they do lots of great things for the community.

Come out and support the local community and all the things that take place.
See you this weekend!

Australia

Busy, busy week -- and this one seems no better.

Trying to keep up with Jessica in Australia via her blog. She had some computer problems, but hopefully they are taken care of. Getting money to her is a little more difficult that I thought it would be. It sounds like she is having a great time. Nancy and I had hoped to go and visit her, but it isn't going to work. Maybe someday we will get there to follow her adventure!

Doing my best to keep up with my daily Lenten devotional. Yesterday, I got behind, so I will have to do two this morning. I see a sermon series based on this little book (Holy Adventures). While attending Ash Wednesday service last week I came up with, what I hope is an awesome idea for a Good Friday service. Just got a few services in between that I need to get organized.

Hoe everyone has a great week!