The church I serve is celebrating 40 years of ministry. The day has been in planning for over a year. Then the night before, news breaks that the US has bombed 3 nuclear sites in Iran. I felt the need to address it, but didn't want to take away from the celebration. I found a poem by Nikita Gill that speaks to rage and love coming from the same place. I leaned into the love. The text Romans 8: 31-39. A reminder that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Even in the midst of cataclysmic events - whether military strikes, hurricane, flood or fire - we cannot be separated from God's love. Good to remember for anniversaries and for times of trouble.

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Father's Day weekend and spending time in Branson, MO got me thinking about my dad. He was always looking at the heart of people. He cheered people on when they chased their dreams. He would be proud of his grandkids as they have chased what they want to do. In Branson, I also got to see a long time friend who along with her husband owns one of the theaters in Branson. Tina knew and worked with my dad. And as I watched her perform, dad would be so proud of her too. It all made me think about lessons I learned from my dad, whether I appreciated them at the time or not.

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VBS is going on as I record. There are kids laughing, singing and playing all over the church building. There is joy. The adults are having fun and laughing and smiling too. How can we bring more joy into our lives and then share that with the world. How can we be filled with the Holy Spirit like the Apostles at Pentecost and go out to share the Good News! Take some time this week to experience joy!

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