I once had someone describe life to
me as a book with chapters, as one chapter closes another one starts. Others
speak of life as seasons, again as one closes another opens. I have always seen
life more as a journey. This journey has taken me through some truly hard
times, absolutely amazing times and everything in between.
You see the thing about being on a journey
is that even though you are perpetually moving forward your past is not closed
off to you. A journey, especially one that is being guided by God, will take
you all over the place including places you never thought you would go or
return too. It will bring people in and out of your life and as they are on
their own journeys. Watching how God intersects and twist and stretches us all
becomes an adventure of its own.
Today Heidi and I and the kids are
taking another turn on the path and following God into the great unknown. As of
Feb 28th 2015 I will no longer be on staff at Yarrow Alliance
Church. We know bits and pieces of the future. I know what God has put on my
heart, but we are taking time for discernment, to build into ourselves and our
kids and to try and set an example to them of what it means to follow Jesus
100%.
I’d be lying if I told you that I
know how this all turns out. That the plan is all in place for the future and
that I’m not a bit scared and nervous. But I can tell you that I feel a peace
and a freedom that only comes when we step out in obedience to God. I'm excited for the journey ahead and we do
covet your prayers. The announcement was made last Sunday at our church and I don’t
know if I was more nervous about the announcement or the fact that I was on the
worship team for the first time in a loooong time and had to throw down a lil Rap
in one of the songs. Yes, you read that right.
Let me leave you with the words from that “Rap” they are taken from
Eugene Peterson’s the Message.
Matthew 5:3-12
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of
your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to
you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more,
no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that
can’t be bought.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God.
He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
“You’re
blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves
cared for.
“You’re
blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you
can see God in the outside world.
“You’re
blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight.
That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
“You’re
blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution
drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
“Not
only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you
out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is
too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that
happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that
you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this
kind of trouble.

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