This past weekend was one of the most rewarding weekends of my life.  It all started with my birthday on Friday.  I turned the big 40.  Its true and I am no longer in denial—I’m getting older but I felt special the entire day. Abby made me a great breakfast, Dustin took me golfing, some friends took me out to eat, to a movie, the Marble Slab, and bowling, while some other friends watched all my kids.  That is a long day for a 40 year old!  Throughout the whole experience I received about 3 to 5 birthday emails an hour.  Then Sunday I had the privilege of baptizing my first born son Joel.  I had tons of family in service to watch him take this step of faith.  It was awesome!  Then when I didn’t think it could get any better one of my church members came and told me there was a problem in the education building.  He had a look of concern on his face as he informed me that my presence was needed.  I walked down the hall wondering what in the world was happening only to discover my flock had organized a surprise birthday party.  They had been planning for weeks and I had no idea.  I am impressed that they pulled it off.  The party was complete with cake, gifts, jokes, horrible pictures from the past, and lots of love!  You knocked it out of the park Harrah Church and you made this 40 year old pastor feel pretty special.  Thanks!