Church was packed today. There was a baptism so that explains a few extra folks, and there were also some folks joining church. But, even with those things, it was packed. We may have even had over 400 in second service which is a whole bunch for us. Very exciting stuff.

This week, Chris challenged us to be willing to accept and pursue things that are new. In particular, God may be leading us to some new places and new things in order to reach more people for Him. I am on board with that. I think it is setting the stage for some pretty awesome things in the coming months. Sidney First UMC is an exciting place to be right now. Anyplace where God is moving and shaking is exciting.

It all keeps bringing to mind for me a question I read in Perry Noble's blog last week -- If you knew that you could never fail, what new or big thing would you do for God? If you're not doing it, are you being held back by a lack of courage or a lack of faith? Believe me, that question is really rolling through my mind.

Had a great point of celebration today, though bittersweet it is, in that one of our small group members has gotten so busy in his own mens' and youth ministries that he is having to drop out of our group. We will miss you, David. But God is so awesome in you and we so enjoy watching the wonderful things you are allowing Him to do through you!

We continued to work on our new fence this weekend along with our good friends John and Tiffany. They are much better at these home projects than I am and they have taught me so much. It has been neat working with them. An added benefit is that, in return for all of their hard labor and great camaraderie, we will be supporting them on their mission trip to Haiti in early 2008. Every time we work together, I thank God because I know that this fence project will be impacting lives in a meaningful way through John and Tiffany rather than us just pay some "fence guy" to put in the fence.

God is good.