Weekend reflections

Here's some random (really random) thoughts on this last Sunday afternoon of February:

• kudos to 24/7 and our Consumed Student Ministries for the great reports I've heard about their "Elevation" Winter Retreat this weekend. Really cool that we had student participation from all 3 campuses, too!
• sure felt good to be back in the CLC pulpit this weekend - I miss you guys when I'm away more than you miss me!
• we had a ton of new folks in Tinley Park this weekend, and even better, most of them told me it wasn't their first time, but actually returning guests....I say 'even better' because all the stats indicate that each time a guest returns, the greater the chance of them remaining and getting plugged-in to a church....and I like it when God adds to our family!
• loved the unusual touch of the Spirit at all 3 services, and especially the fruit during the salvation invitation.....Saturday night we had a lady get born-again who told me she had not attended any church in more than 20 years!
• seeing the news article about the awful car wreck on Friday night that claimed the life of 4-year old Ariel Parker, youngest son of CLCers Stephon & Rachel Parker was so sobering. I had the chance to pray with Stephon in the lobby after the 9am service today, but there are really no words to comfort this kind of grief. Please do help me by lifting this precious family to the Lord all this week.
• just heard that, sure enough, there were some new families visiting our South Bend campus today because they just couldn't wait for next week's grand 're-opening' celebration......we're believing God for more than 300 in attendance on opening day, and I'm thankful for all the CLCers in TP who agreed to fast & pray this week for God's blessing on next Sunday!

I'm sure there's more, but I'm tired - not sure if it's jetlag finally setting in, or just the normal consequence of not getting much sleep (our lost luggage was finally delivered just before 1am today) or preaching 3 times...but either way, I'm signing off by saying, I sure love CLCers!