In the middle of things

I am writing this in the middle of the night (2:33a.m.). It is warm in the house, in the low 80s (I apologize for referring this as warm to those that live where it is HOT). It is officially Friday. Last night, Thursday (earlier this night) I officiated at a wedding. I have known the new bride for years, as she had gone to school with Ruth. The atmosphere at the wedding center was festive. During the reception Diane and I sat with a lady from Woodland that we have known for years and we had a good visit. All in all it was a very pleasant night out. Of course, the focus was the wedding and I pray that the couple will have a wonderful life together.
Now I am in the middle... as tomorrow (Saturday) I will officiate at a memorial service for my friend Lynn Anderson. It will be a bitter sweet time. Lynn certainly is in a far better place now... in the presence of the Lord. But my heart goes out to his bride, Arla, who no longer has her companion. When Lynn was in the hospital in ICU during the last week of life here on earth, she had recounted to me that she had completely placed him in the hands of the Lord... and then asked if there was anything that she could do! I think we all recognize that action.
Arla asked me to preach "a hell fire and brimstone message and not to quit until four or five were down front on their knees repenting." I smiled at the thought of that picture, family and friends squirming in their seats. yet I also long for the heart change of those who are there at the service. I had a flash back to some 40 years ago when I heard a friend, Vince Villaryo, preach one of his first messages. In his yearning to have his mother saved, he cried out. "I wish that I could take the top of your head off and pour in the truth so that you would know what I know about the Savior." I have felt the same way many times. I know the Holy Spirit can effectively do that without the messy surgery!
Well I should be in bed asleep. I will post this blog and go to bed. I hope it still makes sense to me in the morning! Goodnight!