Dr. Bud Bence was definitely God’s man for the hour today as he spoke to us here at Warsaw Wesleyan.

He spoke on Luke 23:33-46 and gave us three examples of those who dealt with the “supreme” crisis – knowing they would die upon a cross.

First, the “Cross of Resentment” – the thief on the left carried this cross – hurling insults and curses towards Jesus. He wanted out of the problem, as quickly as possible, and he died a resentful cross-bearer.

Second, the “Cross of Resignation” – the thief on the right carried this cross – this thief took the higher of two negative ways to deal with crisis, but his was definitely better than the first. This thief came to accept the reality of his crisis. His understanding of the reality of the crisis – his acceptance of his fate – allowed him to ask Jesus to remember him IF he was the Christ and entered into His kingdom. Jesus, as we know, looked upon this thief in love and stated, “this day you will be with me in paradise!”

Third, the “Cross of Redemption” – Jesus took up this cross. Jesus, the SON OF GOD questioned “WHY?” – he asked if there was any other way. But in the end he DID the will of God and said, “not MY will, but YOURS be done.” Jesus wanted to make sure that THIS crisis was somehow involved in God’s will!

I want to take up the “Cross of Redemption” method in dealing with ALL crises – and what a better time than now!

Today I was handed two bags full of caps!

Bill Leslie gave me 5 songs and 5 buy-one-get-one free caps!

Tom Sweeny gave me 16 free songs!

Matt VanKirk gave me 2 more caps – and a couple the other night!

Dan Freeman gave me one last week.

My Aunt Judy gave me five via e-mail last week!

Thanks everyone!

(Keep ’em coming!)

We had a great time with the Hunters tonight.

A quick bite at Arby’s & then the 7:15 “Pacifier” showing. followed by dessert at La Hacienda provided the entertainment for the foursome.

Sleep will be here shortly.

I will probably run through tomorrow night’s sermon a million times before I sleep.

I’m nervous about tomorrow – more so than normal.

I know Who is in charge, though!

Jess and I are headed out with our friends Matt & Andraea Hunter in less-than an hour. We’re going to see “The Pacifier” – I’m a bit nervous seeing Vin Diesel in this role, but we’ll see…

This morning’s Children’s Ministry Workshop was VERY beneficial for this husband-and-wife team! We learned a lot!

It was VERY good to spend some time with the Derr family while they were here. Colleen is the director of children’s ministry at the Wesleyan Church headquarters in the Spiritual Formations department and I used to work with her when I was interning in the Youth Department back in 2001 – right after finishing at IWU! Her husband, Wayne, and two of her children came with her to Warsaw-ville for today’s workshop.

Tomorrow night’s sermon is “completed”. I put completed in quotation marks because between now and tomorrow night at about 6:30 when I get up to speak ANYTHING can and will happen.

Tomorrow night may be the most “self-reflective” sermon I’ve ever preached. Should be exciting.

Psalm 46 & Ezekiel 36:25-27…

Dr. Bud Bence is speaking tomorrow morning in both of our FRIEND DAY morning worship services! Jess and I have the privilege of taking he and his wife, Carol out for lunch afterwards!

Can’t wait!

22 teens came out for our “Napoleon Dyna-NITE”.

It was a great time. Highlights were playing dodgeball & kickball, eating two bowls of tator-tots, & giving away Napoleon-esque prizes!

One of my gal-teens even came dressed as “Tina” the llama! No incriminating photos were taken.

Near the end of our evening, our Huntington friends – Glen & Natalie Robinson showed up to give us a much-needed break from the “ordinary”.

Over a glass of tea and some dessert, we laughed, brainstormed, and even strengthened our friendships!

Now it’s time for sleep. Tomorrow is an early (9:00) “Children’s Ministry workshop” @ church!