In the song “How Do I Say Goodbye?” by Dean Lewis, he expressed how much his father means to him as he gets ready to say goodbye to his dying father. The Lyrics are based on the relationship he had with his father who was given less than a year to live last year with a devastating cancer diagnosis.  It’s a very touching song of a son who realizes how much his father has done for him in life and what that father means to him. 

I wanted our people to remember this lesson, so I had 12 people bring up a stone and put it on our communion table and talked about teaching the generations after us what God has done for us. it was a quiet moment, a thoughtful moment. I asked the church to think about whether we are building memorial stones for our children.

I am going on a dream vacation soon. For many people it’s a bucket list vacation. I get to spend 2 weeks in a tropical paradise. We’re planning on doing a lot of cool activities and because of the pandemic, was able to book a whole luxury condo for the price of a mid range hotel room! I’m turning off my phone and email and plan to love every moment I am there. Yes, I am very much ready for this wonderful experience.

I would rather be Simon of Cyrene rather than Jesus when it comes to crosses. Jesus, however, wants me to carry MY cross, not his. I must be that committed to him and faith.

Our American world may be spinning out of control; but our God is not, His Kingdom is not, and our mission is not. Let us show love and respect to those who differ from us. Let us show God’s love to a world that needs to hear of healing, grace, hope and so much more that Christianity can offer them.