How would you introduce him?

My wife is very good at introducing people to each other.  I have often met the same people 2 or 3 times but. . ..she sets a good example in that she wants people to know each other. 

When we introduce someone to another person, it's interesting and insightful what we pick out to share.  I introduced my father in law last (Fritz) week to another local pastor (Kate) who was dropping stuff off at our church.  I quickly told Kate that Fritz was Pastor in Gettyburg for 35 years and teaches a class down here each Thursday morning.  I told him that Kate was a pastor in our synod and the worship planner for synod assembly.  I think that was the brief intro and they talked for a brief while.  It was a short and brief encounter but it was an introduction.  They had never met before that morning.

How would you introduce someone to Jesus- to someone who knew nothing about him?  What would your simple introduction be? 

Would you tell another about something Jesus did or said?   
Is there a particular story that pops right into your head that you'd want to share?  

Remember-- introductions don't have to give the full story-- just enough to spark more dialogue!

Dave Sonnenberg
September 29, 2010

Praying During Early Morning Snooze Time

PRAYING DURING THE SNOOZE

I wanted to wake up early today (5:30 am) so I set the alarm.  Key word in that first sentence- "wanted"!  The alarm went off on my blackberry and I hit the snooze for 5 minutes.  Time passed quickly so I quickly re-set the alarm for 6:00 am hoping to catch at least 25 more minutes of sleep.  What I found is that quickly I was fading in and out of consciousness.  In between, I found myself starting to pray for others.  I would think about the person with cancer, the one struggling with their mother, the people who are trying to find their spiritual home.  I was focused for a good 30 seconds until. . ...

My mind wandered to the carpool I have to drive later in the day and what I was going to cook for dinner.  I thought about how I should exercise and then fell asleep some more.  . ..

I tossed a bit and then found myself awake again and asking God for random thing in between the next round hitting the snooze button 3 times-- to bless the kids going on the retreat this weekend, watch over my kids, help me get an important task done, and to help a family going through great crisis.

I think back and realize in many ways that my conversation with God was all over the place!  During the conversation I was focused on others at times then all over the place!  I was falling asleep while talking with God then waking up and jumping to personal tasks that were in front of me to falling asleep to probably just sitting silently thinking about nothing.  

My conversation was "all over the place" but I had the complete sense that God was listening, was wide awake despite my grogginess, and hoping to hear more from me.

As we think about prayer, remember it is a conversation with God.  It's not always nice and orderly.  Conversations may go all over the place but it doesn't matter to God.  I suspect he simply enjoys being with us.

Talk to God.

This Week in Worship at Good Shepherd

Join us in Worship This Weekend

9 am-- Traditional Service

1015- Education Hour

1130- Contemporary Service



**Plus, Don't forget the Thursday Evening Service Each week (7- 7:30 pm in Shepherds Hall)

Who's Supporting You?

WHO SUPPORTS YOU?

One of the greatest things my daughter's Middle School does is have periodic awards assemblies.  They gather the entire grade together in the dining room along with all their teachers, the principal, the counselors.  Parents sit in the first 3 rows along with the late arriving parents who sit in the back rows.  All together-- probably almost 100 adults are present for 250 kids. 

The awards are for honor roll, straight A's, major improvements, etc.  The kids are commended for work well done in the past and how it is the "bar they need to reach and exceed in the days to come".  They are then reminded how there are teachers ready and always willing to help.  They are reminded that parents and friends are there to help.  They are reminded that counselors and administrators and coaches are all there-- ready and willing to pledge their support and help.

It's a good message for a kid to receive.  It's helpful as an adult to be reminded that we are the key player in making progress in life but. . . .so many others are there to support us!  As adults, we dont' often take the time to remember how we are supported.

Who's supporting you?  Who are you supporting and encouraging?

Take some time to give thanks for those who are really helping you in the course of your daily life.  (don't forget the simple and subtle "helps").  Take some time to ponder how you can show your "support" of others.