Today is a big and busy day.  This morning during worship at Belmont there is a baptism.  For Belmont, this is a big deal.  The congregation has 62 members; four school age children (from one family) and a one year old.  Now we have another baby.  Big deal for this congregation. 

After worship I will be visiting a parishioner who is in home hospice.  He took a turn for the worse so I am not sure if he will live through the week.  Please keep Norbert and his family in your prayers.  Also today, I leave for my Fall Theological Conference in Mankato.  I am looking forward to time with the others pastors; being fed by our speakers that are coming, but I am not looking forward to a week away from my wife.  Please pray for Connie and I.

I am still hoping to get internet access while I am gone so I can update this site (Yes I know, I haven’t updated this site since last Sunday, but I will do better).  If you haven’t already noticed, on the top right hand side of the page is a new feature called "A Quick Message".  These are one line sermons that I have come across.  I will put a new one up there every couple days.  So keep your eyes pealed for short, quick little nuggets for your day.

Now to the business at hand.  As we begin our day (whatever day that may be for you depending on when you read this) let’s join together in prayer.  If you don’t already, please remember to start each day of you life talking to God.  If it is only a "Good morning!" and "Thank you", that is good.  Acknowledge God and give him thanks for God is indeed worthy.  So let pray together…

Loving God, where can we possibly start to praise you for your awesome deeds?  Where can we possibly start to thank you for what you have done for us?  Where can we possibly start to confess where we have fallen short of your glory?  We are not worthy, but you are.  We are deserving of nothing but punishment, but you send your Son, Jesus Christ, into our hearts.  Forgive us our sins and keep us in your grace.  Through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, have mercy on us.  Grant each of us want we need to get through the day.  But more importantly, grant each of us what we need to proclaim to the world the love you showed us through the cross.  Thank you, God, for hearing us.  Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray…Amen!

Have a great day everyone.  Know that Christ is walking right next to you.  You are never alone.  Praise be to God, ALWAYS…Amen! -EDH-