January 5, 2007

Happy New Year everyone.  I'm here up in Schroon Lake, NY doing some Student Curriculm writing for WOL.  It's probably the most rewarding aspect of the ministry for me since what we write goes out around the world.  the guys that are here writing are among the best ones to be around.  All of us are passionate about putting out excellent materials that will impact lives.  It is so humbling to think that God uses sinful men like us to do His work-absolutely amazing! 

Some great news!  Peter Odonga was in touch as confirmed that he really does want me to to come to Africa in August 2008.  It would be so cool to bring the family along-all of them! God, please work this out to happen. 

Been spending some really cool time with Abbi.  Today was so funny.  it seems there's some guy who possibly is interested in her and she is oblivious to it.  She told me she's caught him staring at her at various times and the other day came and sat next to her at a game or meeting or something.  I was laughing inside but I think it might be true. 

God's been so incredibly good to me and I can't think of any good reason why except that He is so gracious!  I have an incredible wife of 25 years!  Awesome kids (yeah they drive me nuts sometimes and frustrate me too) but all of them are cool, an exciting ministry and great friends. 

I think about my friend Dave L.  who has pancreatic cancer.  He is someone I admire for his quiet strength and faith in God's power and control, even as he is about to go through some tough surgery that could kill him.  He knows of God's grace in a powerful way.  Pray for him and his family. please.  Pray that God will restore him and continue to use him for His glory. 

gotta go...dinner time at the trough-ha ha! 

Currently Listening Lifesong By Casting Crowns Love them like Jesus see related

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Hi Everyone.  I'm kind of new to this but wanted to have a place to jot some thoughts.  I don't have  a lot of time but will try to keep up. 

Been thinking about how messy ministry can be sometimes.  We want it to be very neat and clean but the truth is that Jesus didn't come to perfect people-He came to help imperfect people become like Him.  He's equipped and empowered His servants (thoe who know Him) to minister to the needs of those around us.  Most times it doesn't happen in a 9-5 timeframe.  the greatest minsitry sometimes happens in the off hours and darkest times of life. 

I was driving to the airport the other day and "Love the like Jesus" came on the CD.  I began thinking about all the hurting people around me-especially at my church.  So much sickness- physically, emotionally and spiritually.  People losing husbands, wives and close friends to death or divorce.  Families falling apart and watching the death of a family knowing that it is a cancer that is slowly eating away at the health of the church body.  I felt completely helpless and drained.  All of a sudden the tears are streaming down my face on the LIE, realizing that God has given me some incredible opportunites to minister in some unique ways to so many of them, but I just need more time.  That verse in Esther that says "God put you there for such a time as this" rings in my ears continually.  I question why I am here but these things remind me that God has His purposes for me and I am humbled that He chooses to use this sinful man for His glory.  God keep me humble and at the foot of your Cross.