There is no way I can express enough thanks or begin to show my feelings for all the cards, letters, pictures and notes for Easter. My mailbox is overflowing. Sow and you shall reap. And some of the mail is the kind of thing I would like to pass on, but you would not be able to handle the download times. Please know it is all appreciated. I may put one or two of the graphics up on line.

Today, we begin work on the church. The sheetrock is sitting there. Tiles are all down. Our goal is May 1st. Please pray. We had a dynamite youth meeting last night and the kids want to be part of it. I see that these kids are moving away from the "fun" part of youth group and into the Christ part of youth group. In one and half hours last night it flew. 12 kids discussing heaven (what is it like, will there be dirtbikes, will we remember earth, etc.), hell(how big is it?), repentance(I stole something, I have played with oiuji boards, etc.) and prayer. Beginning to share themselves. Talking frankly about walking in the world and the danger. It was a God kind of night.

And I needed it this week. This week has seen Christians I know slip and slide. One of my children did something minor to many parents. To me, it was difficult to work out. Because she was the one who doesn't "slide". Friends have just been going through the mill. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Amen.

I worked in the nursing home yesterday. There is so much need there, we can not take care of it all. Maybe there is an older person in your life who could use a visit.

Okay!?!?!

The message of today.

Are you hiding in the upper room? Are you waiting for Him? The disciples did. They hid away. They were afraid. Where is Jesus? I saw Him die. What are we going to do? Self pity, fear. loss of faith. Is that where Jesus lives? NO! He inhabits the praises of His people.

He will come to those who praise Him and hope in faith. You will have the opportunity to be with Him in the fellowship of believers this weekend. Maybe you know someone who could join you. Maybe their name is "Thomas", but Jesus still has the power to show up in power and authority.He is real.