Jacob Aaron Herman (my ten year old) quickly got out off my jeep this morning and proudly headed to his first day in Middle School.  As I watched him walk off into a crowd of students my heart was breaking.  My last child is growing up.  He no longer is a kid but a young man.  We prayed last night for a good day and again right before he jumped out and I was proud as a Dad can be.

Jacob makes great grades, the boy loves to read.  He is an excellent athlete (sometimes lazy because he is so good) starting both ways in the eleven and twelve year old football league and is only ten himself.  He literally dominated in a scrimmage the other night.  He gets into no trouble at school (we'll see this year) and the teacher continually compliment his good behavior and kind heart.  He is always one of the first to want to help others.  Yes, my baby is growing up.

As I headed towards the church God quietly spoke to me just how proud of His children He is as they grow up.  How proud He is when His children forgive, help others, spend time with Him in His Word and in prayer.  How proud He is when His children serve others and excel at the things He made them good at. 

As I was thinking about these things my mind began racing if Jesus was proud of me?  Was He proud of my growth as a husband, Dad, leader and Pastor.  Could I be doing more to please Him and not myself.  The truth of the matter is I know my Heavenly Father is proud of me because of His love for me.

I love my son Jacob, I am proud of him just as God the Father loves and is proud of his son Dean.

Couple of things:
* I failed to mention in the first service we are going to fast next week for September 13th.  (Just slipped my mind)
   Anyone willing to fast one day next week please let me know.  We'll have a sign up sheet located at Connect Central this Sunday.
* Staff meeting in a few.  So much to talk about. 
* Leadership meeting tomorrow night with all our key leaders.  Making some changes on how we lead.  Sunday's message!
* Got up early this morning and read Bible, prayed, did P90X, showered and got Jacob to school by 7:45.  Was in the office by 8:00.
  I love getting a great start to the day.  I really think I'll be below 290 this Sunday.  Goal is 287 or less.  Losing weight sucks!
* Almost done with the first message of American Jesus.  Watch out, I am bringing the heat baby!
* Forgot to share in yesterdays thoughts that the smoke alarm went off during the first service.  Blog about later this week.
* Do something radical for Jesus. 
* Don't forget to be handing out the American Jesus invitation cards.