The Journey Continues

My phone rang 4 times in about an hour and a half last night.  The first was a really good call concerning a strong possibility.  The former pastor confirmed that a potential church would be a very good fit for us doing what we do best with long term possibilities.  Loved what I heard.

The next call was from another church that I had been praying about and considering.  After talking to the fella from the church for a while it was obvious to both Cin and I that this was not for us.  I think the church could work for us but that is not our goal.  We are praying that God would send us to the church we both feel comfortable.  Hard saying 'No' to a church when we are four weeks and five days from being homeless, but confident that God is in control.

The next call was from a college buddy that I have not spoken to for 30 years.  It was a nice call to help him with a paper he was writing and needed a pastor's opinion.  Happy to help.

Last call was from a high school buddy that was asked to fill-in and preach this Sunday.  He had no clue as to what to preach.  I was happy to help him as well.  The Lord directed me to guide him the John 4 and talk about the Woman at the Well.  Praying for him this weekend.

My mind is not always the best after 7 PM, but it was cool to be used by God and hear from Him.  Convinced He is going to show up big time in the next couple of days.

Mom's Birthday

She would have been 68 today.  She had me when she was 17.  She sacrificed her youth to raise two kids on her own.  She worked in a hot factory making squat to put food on the table.  We lived in a little 3 room apartment on Hill Street.  Funny, now I know we were poor but then, who would have guessed?  Looking back, now as a 50 year old pastor, I know she made a lot of stupid mistakes, especially with men, but I admire her grit, her determination, and her love for her children.  She has been gone for 11 years and I still miss her terribly.

No word whatsoever on churches.  The countdown continues.  In four weeks and five days we will be homeless and without health insurance.  Unbelievable fear.  I am trying not to manipulate behind the scenes.  I am trying to let God be God.  I am trying to sit in the backseat and enjoy the ride.  It is hard.  I am confident that something is going to work out.  My guess is that it will either be in northern Indiana or Michigan, but fairly certain that it will not be with the C&MA.  Two more churches were eliminated yesterday, both C&MA.

Cin mentioned that God led us to the internship because of the connection with the Wesleyan Church for this very reason.  It makes sense.

Thy will be done in my life as it is in heaven...

Waiting

We had a great worship service yesterday with a lot of guests.  Would have been easily 100 if our regulars were there.  Exciting to see Life Church doing so well.  Also cool seeing Kenny thrive as a pastor as he walked over and visited and prayed with a neighbor who had lost her dog.

For us, we wait.  Phone could ring any time from about 6-7 churches.  There is a couple I could get really excited about, but I just want the phone to ring.  The countdown of 5 weeks and 6 days is very real.  Trying my best to hold onto God's Word and His promises and not to take matters into my own hands.  I want His will for our lives and not what I have cooked up behind the scenes.

I finished Shannon O'Dell's book on the Rural Church yesterday.  Great resource I will definitely keep and use.  Started Jon Gordon's book, Soup this morning.

Week has passed

Should be better at blogging and writing this stuff out.  While I have yet to talk to a church, the phone could ring any moment from about 6-7 different churches from 2 denominations.  I have my favorite ones that I am pulling for and a couple that scare me a bit, but am confident that God is in control.

I have had conversation with 5 separate DS's from the 2 denominations...

On a side note, I love Rick Heaton.  He is such a gift to me and I so appreciate his wise council.

Lots of motion...

Today I must have sent my resume to 20 different people/churches.  I do not see this as a lack of faith.  Rather I see it as being proactive and casting a wide net.  I am praying for wisdom, courage, and discernment.  I know that God is out in our future working everything out.  To be honest, I am scared and feel like I am crossing a high wire without a net.  I realize it is the evil one who wants me to feel this way...

So much to consider

God, I try my best to discern what is from you and what is from me.  I have a hard time not running from my fears and trying to solve my own problems.  I trust that you are good and that your plans for me are also good.  I trust that you are out there in my future doing what only you can.

With that said, I also know that you wired me the way that you did and that you have called me to be true to my calling and giftedness.  I also know that my responsibility is to provide for Cindy first.

Tuesday was hard.  Yesterday was harder.  Do not want to re-live either of those days...  I must learn from them and grow stronger today i preparation for what lies ahead tomorrow...whatever that may be... 

Thankful that you are already out there in tomorrow working things out...

Thoughts from Sunday

Need to get better about blogging at night.  At least I am not a day behind though...

Finished the books 11 by Sweet and Tribal Church by Stroope.  I liked Tribal Church.  I disliked 11.  Felt it was a waste of my time.

Had two guys from Madison church worship with us today.  Service was ok, but I know we could do much, much better.

Going to Indy on Tuesday and then on to Chicago for meeting on Wednesday. Hopefully will be getting some answers...

Lazy Saturday

I went to Community Center and got a good stretch in and then hit the trail for a short run of about 2 3/4 miles.  Then I went into office to do my Saturday thing and get ready for today.  Then I drove to KY to get kiddo's and promptly went back to my office for an hour nap on my couch!  Ha!  Kids and I spent about an hour in the gym and then just kind of chilled the rest of the day.  I did not pick up a book to read today, so I must effort to work on that today.  I was so pooped I just went to bed at 8:30 and slept till 5:15 this morning.  Too many of these lazy type days will add up. 

My Day Off

I did not accomplish a lot today other than to walk the dog about 2 miles and read from The Tribal Church by Steve Stroope and 11 by Leonard Sweet.  We also went to Madison to get set up with auto insurance.  Then we had dinner at Bob Evans with Tony and Carol Crouch.  One interesting thing I listened to by Andy Stanley was that it is easier to educate a do'er than it is to activate a thinker.

New Goal

It has been a very long time since I have visited this site with intentions of writing.  My new goal is to write a paragraph every day of what I accomplished during the day.  The idea came from a online seminar from John Maxwell.