How many times have I heard people murmur this excuse…and how many times have I used it in the past?  Too many.

Our church and school is in what you’d call a financial surplus or even in the black.  It’s sad that the monetary giving in our congregation is so poor, because there is so much going on here and so much more that could be.  I sat through a huge discussion last Sunday at a voters’ meeting discussing the proposed budget for next year.  Many people offered all of these ways to raise money and challege people to give more than they already are.  They don’t realize that the people who come to voters’ meetings about the budget are the people who are giving the money and want to see it spent wisely.  The people not giving could care less.  And why don’t the give?…more importantly…why don’t they care?  I don’t care how much you “challenge” them or have fundraisers.  I believe there’s a bigger reason…

RELATIONSHIPS AND INVOLVEMENT!  Why do you donate time/money to anything?  Do you care about it?  Do you want it to succeed?  Why do you want that then?  Probably because you have some sort of connection to the group or a vested interest in it.  I believe that the first step to increasing giving in a church is by every “active” member connecting with a non-active one and inviting them to participate in a church event-no, not just come-but help out with it and be a part of it.  Then do it again and again.  As those people feel touched by the Spirit working through those relationships they want it to continue.  This desire for something worthwhile in their church will move them to give even more of their time and eventually their money too.  When you see God working through you and around you, you can help but want it to continue in any way possible.  Please pray that God lifts up the hearts of this church to grab a hold and carry out the ministry that Jesus lived…one of complete love and devotion to all relationships!

We’ve had our new puppy (Addie) for only 5 days, but it feels like a lifetime already.  Emily was incredibly excited weeks before we even picked her out.  My emotions were amazingly reserved and I wasn’t even that interested in getting a puppy.  All I could think about was chewing, bathing, feeding, extra $$, less spontaneity, pooping, etc.  I didn’t allow my heart to go anywhere…until she came along.

After only a few hours with us, my heart poured out to a creature much smaller and more helpless than me.  This little thing was also COMPLETELY dependent upon me and my care and love for it.  As she curled up in my arms and fell asleep I knew that I wanted to take care of her even better than myself.  I would give my time to her and my attention, even if that meant less for myself.  I want her to learn and grow and become strong.

I have a feeling that those same feelings (only greater) will occur when I have a true child of my own.  I can wait for all the “work,” but I’m seeing that the work doesn’t become a hindrance, but rather a reward.  I’m no where near perfect, but if I can love like this…how much more can our Heavenly Father love us??

We got our new puppy yesterday and she is now 7 weeks old. Her name is Addison (Addie). She’s a purebred Brittany (Spaniel). We didn’t know a lot about the breed until started researching breeds that fit our size/trait qualities. She’s even starting to head to the right spot to go outside and “do her business”–after only one day and night. We’re not just proud of her, but incredibly thankful. I always made cracks at people that blogged about their dogs and how pumped they are…well, now I can see why!!

A parent made my day yesterday when she said her husband was asked by their first grade son, “Dad, do you know what my favorite subject is?”  He said, “Phy Ed!”  “Nope, that’s second,” his son said.  The dad went on and on and finally said “Music.”  “YES!!” his son replied.

Can you believe it?  I beat out Phy Ed!!  Now, that is an accomplishment.

  #1-  THIS SUNDAY, May 6th, our band Thou is playing at Concordia St.Paul University’s music festival called Knollapalooza.  We’re playing outside at 4:00pm.  Please pray for no rain and come out and hear us and some other great bands!  Our website (which will be updated and renovated in FLASH) is www.thouexcertps.com  and you can order a copy of our album from there.

#2- On May 18th at 7:00pm in TLO’s (my school) gym, the whole school is presenting their Spring Concert.  It should be awesome!