Interesting church service today

Okay, for starters, I knew today's church service would be interesting and inspiring just because the hometown's rising star made her national level debut as the VP nomination just 2 days ago. Most all the local folks, myself included, are still riding the wave of elation that particular news brought. We've all known for years she was headed for greatness and the path was paved for her moment to shine. Her admirable leadership qualities were needed at a greater level than that of just a gubernatorial role, and pleasingly so, those attributes were noticed by those officials whom she could best serve on a national level with. With the GOP VP choice made, it certainly has put our town on the map and has brought a flurry of reporters to the area looking for any tidbit of information relating to Sarah Palin. Well, even in church today it didn't slow the flow of reporters. They were there taping. There were a few present and recording during the worship portion and special prayer led to pray wisdom and guidance be granted to our country's leadership, and for those coastal communities and the safety of the people of the Gulf Coast areas who may be impacted by Hurricane Gustav.

In the past 2 days I had run across several news stories, bio information, internet articles and blog entries claiming that the home church of the Palin family is the same one I attend. If so, I certainly didn't know it and I've attended there for over 3 years. Cool though! I had always thought her family attended locally at another bible-based church. Apparently not, unless someone has miscommunicated the information leaked to the media. Whatever the case, we don't mind the coverage and exposure. (And to set the record straight, our church is a non-denominational bible-believing church where all faiths are welcome! I continue to read reports pegging her affiliation as a Pentecostal and a so-called "holy roller", which is not an accurate description. Hopefully a few reporters gathered a little bit of actual insight today in order to more appropriately set that record straight.) With the many new faces and growth within our church congregation it certainly would not be surprising to have her in regular attendance when she's here in the area. Then there's the fact that she could very likely attend the early morning service, one I've attended only a handful of times in the past few years. I like my late church service and with several kids to get ready, it's almost necessary to have that extra idle time to prepare ourselves and the kids on Sunday mornings.

Now onto another subject:

Please, please pray for those people who may be in harms way from Hurricane Gustav. Pray that this powerful storm diminish before landfall to lighten the devastation it could very well cause. Please Lord, we ask that you protect and keep watch over the many people in that region. May those who need you turn to you in their time of trouble, dear Savior. May they find comfort in knowing You are a faithful God, and to find peace in all that may be lost, that it will be restored, but according to Your plan and Your timing, dear Father!

(I actually took a few moments today following prayer just to reflect on what it might have been to endure the hardships caused from Hurricane Katrina. The pictures from the devastation played through my mind repeatedly. I could not even begin to understand what and how those individuals felt then, and continue to feel just 3 years later. My prayers go out to everyone in that region over this Labor Day holiday.)