Trying to not be depressed and negative, so I'm forcing myself to think of five "positives" in my life...things that make me happy...
Brach's Mellowcreme Pumpkins (YUM!!)
People in our lives who have helped us through one crisis after another this week.
Church went well last night, all things considered.
Reconnecting with old friends, or the miracle that is the Internet!
To quote a line from one of my favorite musicals, "Hey, Joseph...don't be so upset. Hey, Dreamer...you're not beaten yet..."
Hmm...I have my CD's at work today. Think I'll put in a little of Donny Osmond's take on one of my favorite Bible stories (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, for those of you who still haven't figured out from this post what my sentimental favorite musical is!!).
SP just got back from his prayer and fasting retreat in time to teach his class at NCU, lead the Alpha Bible study, and reconnect with his wife and kids, so we haven't had a chance to talk to him about the latest CA crisis.
YP is talking about setting up a meeting with our DYD to talk to him about the whole issue...just in case, so that the district leadership at least knows what went down and she can still get a job without her name being smeared all over the place. That's at least good news...that she is planning on staying in our district. I mean, I figured as much - her husband has a good job here that he loves (most of the time!), and may be up for a substantial raise soon...but honestly, I was most worried about losing my friend. Sounds cheesy, because I suppose I should be more worried about the ministry. But honestly, as I told DH, I can get a new ministry. I can't order a new best friend out of a catalog. It just doesn't work that way!
But I just have this feeling that things may work out. Youth group exploded last night...and our two teen moms who haven't been there in awhile came up to YP after the service and said, "We just want you to know that we've made a commitment to be here every Wednesday night from now on. You're our pastor, and we love you!" It was a very encouraging night for her, which she needed...
The main thing that we need to pray for is that SP gets the words out of his mouth to this man that he needs to apologize. If he does that, the man will either a.) apologize, or b.) leave in a huff. I don't think he'll refuse to apologize AND insist on staying. If so, it could be brought to a church vote, since he is a member who sinned repeatedly, and the first two steps to restoration have been attempted (making it right one-on-one; making it right in the presence of a few witnesses). I don't see it being taken that far. But SP just needs to find his voice and authority as a senior pastor!!!
