Thoughts from the weekend

Thoughts from the weekend:

Two of the robin "chicks" in the nest outside my office have "flown the coop".  They are no longer there. 

Gone out into "the world" have they.  Without asking my permission.

And then, as I am writing this, the third one (and last chick) was waiting on mom to bring it food.  Mom didn't have anything.  So I actually got to watch the third one "fly the coop" - live.

Incredible.  Like watching a show on the discovery channel.

The only thing is - that now I am suffering from the "empty nest" syndrome.  :)

Really, really enjoyed worship yesterday.  As a church leader, it "makes my day" to see our church family with hands lifted, singing praises to God.

We continue to see new people come and visit.  My prayer is that they will walk in God's will and choose whether or not to come, accordingly.

May God continue to send us workers and leaders for His kingdom work!

Congratulations to our Mpact ministries honor stars!  Udo Anidobu.  Hannah Berens.  Tayo Omoniyi.

We are proud of you girls!

Many congratulations to Kaitlyn Hong!  Our first Stone Church "Girls Only" Graduate and Gold Medalist with the Mpact program!  We are proud of you as well!

I want to take a moment here to thank all of our Mpact adult leaders.  Their leadership for the girls of our church is invaluable.  Girls are growing in God through their efforts.

Many thanks to Leisa McNamara (our leader), Lisa Berens, Lynda Jamrosz, Angie Kirsch, Jessie Insalaco, Sharon Mercado, Judy Schnitz, Peggy Wyness, Kara McFarlin and Nancye Healy!

Our Mpact girls are receiving a foundation that will last them a lifetime.

Things I didn't get to say yesterday (from my teaching):

We are to seek after Jesus - and not manifestations.

As human beings, we thrive on and crave experiences.  Experiences are great, but not at the detriment of a loss of relationship with God.

In fact, let me make a strong, but true statement:  Any spiritual experience that does not in some way draw us closer to God has either been wasted or wasn't from God at all.

The Holy Spirit is not some kind of spiritual narcotic that we interject into the veins of our Christians experience.  God wants us to seek after Him, not for the thrills or chills - but for the real deal - a relationship with Him.

Are we more concerned about the PRESENCE of God or the PRESENTS from God that he gives to us?

Are we more concerned about the "pennies in the hand of God," or God's Hand itself?

May we all seek God's presence this week.