This week was a busy week for me, like always. It was hard to shut my mind off at night with all the things going on around me. I spent a lot of time praying and seeking God.

It all started last weekend when Hamas attacked and murdered Israelis. I was glued to the television watching and listening to the horrific things happening in Israel. It is pure evil. I stand with Israel and the Jewish people. It hit close to home for me as I have a son-in-law who is Jewish who I love and care for very much. He has family and friends in Israel and I prayed for Seth and his family all week. I am thankful that I live in a country that supports Israel.

My week did have a bright spot. I attended the Outstanding Citizen Award for Madison at the country club on Monday. I was happy to see that Deb Meyer received the award. She is so deserving of this award. Deb has done so much for the Madison community and has a heart of gold. As I looked around the room Monday evening it was a who’s who of Madison. Karin Moen and the committee do a great job.

I drove to Marshall Tuesday for a dermatology appointment. I have had a black spot on my lower lip for a few years and it seemed to be getting bigger and darker. So Tuesday I had it lasered out! I have never had laser surgery before so I was a bit nervous. I put on these welding like goggles and the doctor comes in and zapped it a few times. It did hurt a bit but technology is amazing. I was worried that it might be cancer. It turned out to be a broken blood vessel in my lip.

Thursday I traveled to Minneota to broadcast the football game between the Lac qui Parle Valley Eagles and Minneota Vikings. The game was moved up to 6pm because of rain and possible lightning later. But it rained all the way to Minneota and when I arrived at the field the game was already in a lightning delay. I was told it would be a 7pm kickoff. I set up my radio equipment in the press box and visited with Josh from Marshall radio and the Activities Director for Minneota, Patty Myrvik. Then I went and sat in my car and the rain and lightning continued. They postponed the game around 7:30, so I drove to Canby and picked up a PK’s pizza and brought it home to my wife’s delight. I drove back to Marshall Friday afternoon and broadcast the game at SMSU. It was still raining. Marshall received 4 inches of rain.

I guess what has laid heavy on my heart this week is the death of people I know. The sudden death of Pastor Kirk and my classmate Jim Helgemo. The past few months I have lost a number of friends. I have another memorial service Tuesday of my good friend Rodney Hoyles. My best friend from high school Danny Schubert passed away earlier this summer. All these men were not 80 and 90 years old. They are my age. It has been challenging to process.

My time of peace this week has been reading my Bible and praying. Listening to praise music. That is where I go to find peace of mind. Some weeks are harder than others.