New Year- New Normal?

We’re still looking for the “New Normal”…. expecting to see it soon as the New Year begins.

We had lots of changes in 2011.  New ministry assignment (moved from Calvary to NAMB); new living conditions (moved in with KK’s aging parents); new family circumstances (leaving 9 grandkids in NC)…. to name a few.

The last 45 days have been extremely challenging:  KK’s mom’s stroke and death; packing and moving; holidays in a dynamic environment. We’ve been physically and emotionally exhausted.

But I’m not complaining!  God has provided and taken care of us every step of the way.  We sold our house in two months…closed and moved within 3 months!  (Big deal in this market! )

That’s context– I am trying to humble myself…depend totally on God… and ask for prayer partners.  Here are the prayer requests.

1.  New church home:  I’ve traveled some to preach on Sundays.  We’ve visited church plants and friends in the area.  But we need a church home–

2.  New friends:  we have great friends who live all over the world. But we need  friends involved in our daily lives.

3. New ministry direction:  I’ve spent the first few months trying to understand what has been done and now we begin to move a new direction.

We need new strength, new perspective, new direction and new relationships.  Every time I’ve asked for prayer partners–dozens of you have responded. Thanks for being there.  Thanks for praying.

 

If anyone lacks wisdom

Hey, that would be me!  I desperately need God to give me perspective!

This thing called “transition” has a lot of moving parts!  James 1 says “…count it joy when you encounter various, multi-colored trials.”  So, I’m counting on it.  This is a blessing and God is teaching us great things.

I keep remembering the sermon entitled, “What to do when you don’t know what to do!”  (James 1:2-8)

For those who have joined us in praying for the transition, read James 1 and join me in praying this way….

• Count it Joy:  God is up to something!
• Need Wisdom:  God’s perspective
• Ask God:  He alone has what I need
• In Faith:   Trusting, believing His way is right
• Not Doubting:  His ways are right…I’m not considering whether or not I will do it God’s way…I’m ready to do it!
• Not Double-minded: (literally- “two-souled”)  My soul is set to follow His direction.

Asking for God’s wisdom for these things:

1. Winston-Salem House:  negotiating price and whether or not buyers have ability to pay.
2. Atlanta Housing:  Build on KK’s parents’ land, buy, temporary housing, etc
3. Team Building:  finally have a new Admin Asst & Team leader…planning an upcoming team retreat, etc.
4. Ministry Design: How to serve Southern Baptist as we seek to align mercy ministries and missional living in the context of local church.

Lesson Learned?

Today was to be a day for email and ministry planning.

As I sat in the nearby McDonald’s (drinking coffee and using free wi-fi) a young man walked up and asked to use my cell phone.  I told him it was a business phone and really shouldn’t be used for personal stuff.  He responded, “I’m waiting on a guy and need to make sure he knows where to meet me.”  Made sense to me– didn’t seem right to say no to young man in need.

I dialed the number for him, handed him the phone, and turned back to finish the email I was working on.  I heard his opening comment — and then he quit talking (or so I thought).  He didn’t quit talking– he ran out the door– with my new iPhone!

The next few hours were spent getting a police report, turning off the cell service, buying a new cell phone and reformatting it to get email, etc.

Did I learn the intended lesson?  Not sure.  As I told my son the story we laughed and said:  how do you tell a guy:  ”No, this is a business phone you can’t use it.”  –  ”What kind of business?”  – ” Well, I am in the business of finding ways to help needy people….but I can’t meet your need….I’m too busy!”

Lesson learned?  Honestly, I was really mad at that guy!  And, pretty mad at myself for trusting him!

Perhaps I learned something about protecting my cell phone — but as the day comes to an end, I’m still trying to learn the lesson.

I’m begging God to overcome my pride and keep my heart soft for needy people. That guy needs a lot more than a cell phone.  He needs to connect with his Creator who loves him, and gave His Son — to pay for his sins and make the connection.

Oh Father, I’ve got so much to learn!

Encouragement

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Prov. 18.21)

It’s been a long time since I’ve carved out the time to sit down and add a post to my blog.  I should have found a way to thank the many friends who have reached out to encourage us.  I’m sorry–please forgive me.

KK and I decided we didn’t have the emotional energy to sit and read all of the notes that were placed in the box at our reception–at one time.  They made us cry…and we were getting dehydrated!  So, we decided we would pull out a few…every few days…and receive the encouragement to give us strength.  You know, like a vitamin, or a good meal when you’re hungry.  And, wow!  What a blessing!

Today is the time to make sure I express my gratitude for the blessing of friendship!  I am a very wealthy man!  I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family and encouraging friends!

Thanks again for the encouragement.  See some of you soon….see all of you later!

 

My Prayer for the Calvary Family

I keep thinking about so many of you who have opened up your hearts to us.    

I will pray for the Calvary family often, setting my heart on the Word of God to have confidence in what I pray….

I pray that you will know the depth of His love, which surpasses human comprehension, and seek Him knowing He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we can ask or think.  (Eph. 3.18-20)

I pray that eyes of your hearts will be enlightened and that He will give you a spirit of wisdom & revelation in the true knowledge of Him. And, I pray you will always remember that Christ has complete authority and is head of His church. (Eph 1.18-23).

I pray you know His perfect and complete peace as you set your mind on Him and trust Him (Is 26.3). I pray you will not worry about what’s next but will pour out all your requests to God. Then, you will know His peace that surpasses all understanding. (Phil 4.6-7).

I pray that you will be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor 15.58)

I pray that you will learn to labor earnestly in prayer for others…and that you will stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. (Col. 4.12)

I pray that you will obey your leaders and submit to them…knowing they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.  I pray they your support and attitude will be good so that they can lead you with joy and not with grief…”  (Heb 13.17)

And, I pray that the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep —with the blood of the everlasting covenant,  equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. (Heb 13.20-21)

In the name and for the praise of the Lord Jesus,

Amen.