Now that I’m married and sharing a bed with my wife, I have an irrational fear that I might accidentally punch her in the face in the middle of the night. I toss and turn a lot while I sleep – sometimes violently.

This just in: my wedding is only three days from now. That’s essentially a long weekend. I wish there was a word to describe this cocktail mix of emotions I’m feeling right now. It’s a weird mix of excitement, happiness, fear, joy, anticipation, and about 100 other emotions that I can’t even begin to describe.

Along with other members of my church congregation, I have been going through a simple exercise -- reading a daily Bible verse, making a request of God, and then praying for various people in the congregation.

Today is the last day of a month-long process, and I'm sorry to see it go. I've felt like a difference maker by being devoted to a joint cause with the rest of my church body. They surely will benefit from my work, and we all will be better for our collective prayers.

The verses assigned for today and yesterday hit me square in the heart.

Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to join over 100 Jordan Middle School sixth-grade students at Wolf Ridge Environmental Education center in Finland (Minn.).