I attended a church law and tax seminar this past Wednesday at VFCC.  The seminar was great and terrifically pertinent to the work I do everyday.  The presenter was a very intelligent man who also gave an astronomy presentation in chapel.  I enjoyed the chapel service because it led me to worship God with my mind.  I sat back thinking intently about what he was sharing -- the mathematical impossibilities of the big bang, the nature of light, the details of our immense universe, etc.   And I was led to think about my God.

You know, I stumbled upon the seminar (and chapel service) quite by accident, listening only to an inner prompting that I should attend.  What I found was that God met me there and encouraged me to live more aware of Him and to continue to strive towards excellence.

The funny thing is I must remember how much I need to rely on Him through it all.  I'm afraid I try to do too much on my own...and then I wake up and realize I have pushed God out.  My prayer is that I will continue to remember, I am so forgetful, how much God loves me and how much He wants to walk with me day by day.

Currently Reading The Way of the Wild Heart: A Map for the Masculine Journey By John Eldredge see related

Even the bravest Warrior and the noblest King need to hear words of validation, words of recognition along the way.  Not just once, but again and again.  Is this not the heart of our Father?

And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matt. 3:17 NIV)

John Eldredge
~The Way of the Wild Heart

This is what the LORD says:
       "Stand at the crossroads and look;
       ask for the ancient paths,
       ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
       and you will find rest for your souls.   Jeremiah 6:16

A profound thought for today.  We are a people who are seeking.  We wait with eager expectation for all sorts of things... turning sixteen for a driver's permit, a first kiss, a movie release, a cheaper larger capacity ipod, etc.  The future appears to hold the promise of fulfillment for us... a relationship, career, bank account, possessions, freedom from parental units, etc.  But the Bible tells us that our fulfillment has already been provided, we need only to look back.  His provision was made in ancient times, revealing Himself to his people, the nation of Israel.  (The Law of the Old Testament contains much more than a list of "Don'ts", it delineates what is best for a people that are deeply loved - funny that we miss that.)  We don't recognize how He is our complete fulfillment because we fundamentally distrust God.  And because of that, we don't walk in His ways and that leads to us not finding the rest and fulfillment in our souls.

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
       And what does the LORD require of you?
       To act justly and to love mercy
       and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8

Seek balance in your life.  Act justly but also love mercy.  Walk (stay close and intimate) with God, humbly believing (with faith) that He is the answer, He is the rest for your soul.  You will never find it on your own.  Never.

I will let this be all for now.
Take time to be with God,
~PM

Currently Listening Casting Crowns By Casting Crowns Voice of Truth see related

I have been inspired by Keri to try to take up this whole blogging thing again.

I have neglected it and knowing also that there is a link from my myspace, I feel compelled to keep up with it somewhat.

My biggest news is that my wife Erica and I are expecting our firstborn!  She is about fourteen weeks pregnant as of today.  We are very excited and nervous.  We know it is going to change our lives forever.  Already, our doctor has offered to tell us what we are having but Erica is set on being surprised -- so I guess we all will be...and we'll have fun guessing up until it's arrival in July.

Our ski trip was postponed because we were having a mild January.  However, the temperatures are beginning to fall now.  That is always nice being winter and everything.

I am going to wait to share profound thoughts for another time.  There are some profound thoughts that I would like to share.  But I am going to try to ease back into blogging. 

Take time to be with God~
PM

Wow, it really has been awhile since I have made a public post to xanga.  The past month has flown by in exciting ways.  My wife and I just returned from a trip to Italy.  In part it was to celebrate our third wedding anniversary.  It is amazing how quickly time flies.  I am also learning to adjust to the changes in my ministry, as I transition out of school ministry and into full time church ministry.  I am learning what exactly it means to be an assistant pastor.  It has been a great growing experience.  Of course I am still very excited about what I believe the Lord has in store for our youth group.  I am happy to be back and to face the future head-on.  I really thought about a lot of folks while I was away enjoying the Tuscan sun.

For now, there are things I need to move onto.  Not too much time to commit to posting.  But, life is good.  And that is always a nice feeling.

Take time to be with God~
PM