The rest of my family is at church as I type this, and I must say that I miss attending worship VERY much. (I’m actually listening to John Tesh Live Worship at Red Rock as I post.) It has been 4 weeks since I have been able to go to Sun. service or Wed. night Bible study, and although I have had a visit from my pastor and numerous cards and phone calls from fellow members, there is nothing like being there in the house of God. I am very blessed to belong to a very active and prospering Presbyterian church. Today my oldest daughter, who is an Acolyte (which is like an alter-boy), will be presented with her first adult Bible. My oldest son will be going on a mission trip with our Youth Group in a few weeks to help rebuild houses in New Orleans, and my wife is faithfully attending our couple’s class without me. Even my littlest ones are learning about Jesus in their nursery class. So for now, I’m the ONLY one not doing anything worship-related and it is driving me a little nuts. They did post a nice promo page for my upcoming lecture on their website. Thankfully I’ll have time to heal completely before then. This Wed. I’m sure I’ll be ‘hanging’ on the podium at the Lee’s Hill Club, but that won’t keep me from yapping away. God is great and He’ll make sure I get through this and come out stronger on the other end.

I always like to share this poem that was apparently found on the body of a dead Confederate soldier. It certainly keeps things in perspective.

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for - but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among men, most richly blessed.
Amen