Was watching Olympic hockey tonight, listening to the expert commentators concerning the Canada-Russia game.  These two teams are supposed to be the best in the world, competing for the gold medal.

At least that was what was supposed to happen.

Both teams lost in pool play and were in a loser out game in the toughest draw in the quarterfinals.  Worse yet, according to the words of one of the experts, Russia didn't show up.  The guy actually said it was a, "bowzer" performance.  I think the fellow was Canadian who said that; the word he used making sense in about any language.  It was noted by one of his colleagues that all of Russia probably felt the same way. 

Final score, Canada 7, Russia 3.

As I understand it, it wasn't even that close.

I was looking ahead to Easter both yesterday and today, thinking about what direction we were headed for the message that day.  One thing is for certain, Jesus showed up that day 2,000 years ago.  He went through the agony that led to the cross.  From reading about the torture He went through and recent Hollywood renditions, the cross itself may have been an anti-climatic relief.  Yes, it was ALL horrible, Christ paying a debt that He did not owe.  He not only showed up but gave of Himself everything.

We had one of the heads of the Burundian Pentecostal Church with us a few weeks ago.  In his remarks he reminded us of how blessed we are, even in the midst of a recession.  And yet we sometimes don't even show up.  We whine, moan and complain about our lives.  We think of how expensive gas is and how much it is going to cost for our espresso on the way into work.

Nope, didn't see one espresso kiosk in Burundi.

Friends, I'm pleased to announce that our cup is not half empty but rather, abundantly overflowing in so many ways!  Be encouraged!  While finances and issues of ministry have been difficult as of late, that's not where my vision is.  Instead of seeing life's struggles, may we see the blessings of heaven everyday and give our whole selves to being grateful in everything.

We not only have the privilege of "showing up," but the wonderful opportunity of giving everything...