Arthur and other things

went out with Arthur, the new pastor at People's Presbyterian, last tuesday to clean bathrooms downtown, partially to join with the Holy Spirit in infusing the community with Jesus' life and love, but mainly because it was good for our souls. went to an auto dealership, a new restaurant, a hardware store, and a hair salon. got turned down by a video store and a vet clinic. ran into lots of curious strangers and surprised friends alike. we had a blast together. loved seeing Arthur's heart for the community, passion for Jesus, enthusiasm for the kingdom to come. discovered he's a fellow disc golfer (although he did use the "f" word, so i'll have to talk to him about that).

continuing to grow in my love and appreciation for the vineyard tribe, too. been getting emails from a friend in Maryland, Steve, who's gaining a heart to plant a church with his family down the road. Steve's one of those way-smarter-than-I-am guys, and he's been churning out these high quality daily devotions/meditations chock full of depth and insight. i got to spend a few days with my dad at some conferences in the southern Ohio/northern Kentucky area recently, and i was so impressed with some of the pastors and leaders i got to hang out with and listen to. humble, tenacious, hungry, faithful, gifted...the whole 9 yards. and people in here at the Milan Vineyard who are just amazing. generous, fun, loving, self-less, compassionate, eager to grow, eager to serve. very inspiring.

my mom coaches the Pioneer High equestrian team, and they won the regionals last weekend. state finals in a week and a half. Mom is so proud of her team, as i am of her.

Grace is dominating at field hockey again; i think her team is still undefeated. if you've been following local controveries, you may be interested to know that it is her team that's been getting all the press about the boy on the girls' squad.

fun living at home with all these goings on, getting to play foosball with my dad and sister whenever we get the itch, etc. learning how cool Grace is, too. she pre-read my sermon this past weekend, and gave me some great feedback that was really helpful.

had a cool dream about worship two nights ago. the setting was a sunday morning celebration, and we were singing "beautiful one". really singing it, wholeheartedly, wholevoicedly, everyone alltogether, band, congregation, new and old. as if Jesus was bodily present among us, receiving our worship. i was weeping in the dream as i sang. happy kind of tears, tight throat, loud voice. right up there as dreams go, even better than the flying ones. a completely convincing kind of dream, nothing odd about it all. like i was really worshipping as i slept. i could sleep that kind of sleep forever.