MUSHY MUSH

As I have mentioned before I am meeting with some guys on Thursday mornings to discuss "church". I have been encouraged by these meetings and believe it or not some practical things have come out of them. I know now that I am not alone and that there are people that think in a similar fashion as me. What I have learned about myself through these meetings are it is better to listen than to speak. This is nearly impossible for me, BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH is what you will hear when you are around me. Let me share just a little about each of these characters just so you might reflect on who God has surrounded you with to encourage and be your co-worker. For the very few who read this this is just a bit of therapy for me. It helps me give thanks to God for what He is doing and has done and be appreciative of who is in my life.

I can be a bit bullheaded when it comes to my opinions and I have learned that meekness in spirit is a attribute that God wants us to have. My good friend Ron has taught me that, not necessarily by what he says but how he says it and how he responds to my lunacy. Of course the content of his response indicates a meekness in his spirit. He is a good friend. Ron is a well educated man in his 50's, father of three and loving husband. He has a great story of how God has worked through his life. He left the pastorate about 20 years ago in search of what is happening in the "emerging" church. He has a great faith in the Lord and trusts Him to build the church. Ron is a soft spoken guy so you really have to listen to hear what he has to say, which is totally opposite of BLAH BLAH. Ron has encouraged me to be a better husband, a humble leader, and also helped build up my faith in what God is doing in my life. To be bold when the time is right, to be restrained when necessary.

Bob. What can I say about Bob. Bob is the father of two beautiful girls and has a cool wife to boot. Bob is the ever questioning engineer in our group. Bob is the one that always brings it back to the Bible. Bob has taught me to be patient, to question my motives. He has also taught me to keep in mind the big picture, he has sharpened me. Bob is the ever hopeful one concerning the "institional" church. Bob is Bob. Bob is cool. Bob is my friend. Bob spelled backwards is Bob. Bob is also one of the most funny guys I have met and loves to laugh even at himself.

Aaron. Aaron is my best friend. We have known each other since kindergarten. We both grew up without knowing Jesus. It wasn't until our early 20's that he found us. What can I say about Aaron that can be expressed in words. He has always been there for me. For everything. I can't thank God enough for allowing us to go on this journey together. Aaron has a deep passion to know God more, to share Christ's love with other people. We are desperately seeking God to guide us in the adventure. He is willing to take risks to see this. We are best friends. Kinda like a David/Jonathan except neither of us are kings. Possibly more like a Sam/Frodo but we change roles often. You get the picture.

Anyway it is cool to have people in your life to encourage and sharpen you. I hope you can think of at least one person God has placed in your life to do this with. I blessed to have many more, Wayne, Chris, Stu, Mike, Deb, Jennifer, Chris etc.... I intended to write about "church" but wait a minute I just did write about church!

WHEW!

Hello. I am still alive, barely. The last month has been one of the most stressful months of my life. Just a glimpse into the craziness of February.

Dog goes to vet: $120
I get dog into car. Car has flat tire, must change in parking lot with 110 pound dog moving around, while hoping car does not fall off jack. cost: $50
Get gas bill for Jan. $200
Have melt down with eldership cost: priceless
Truck breaks down not worth fixing. She had 216,000!!!!!
Buy new used vehicle cost: $3000 needs new tires: $300-400
Wife admitted to hospital Cost: unknown
Wife on bedrest Cost: my wife's sanity. She doesn't like to lay around.
Get to spend more time with daughter: Priceless (my daughter is awesome, go Maddie!)
Get love and encouragement from friends and family.
Get free supper for the next two months. YEAH BABY!
I have found a mentor. Priceless
Attempting to finish remodeling of my upstairs master suite (Really just a bedroom) Cost: patience,sanity,etc..and lots o' cash.

I am mister impulsive. Car breaks down, I won't to go out that day and buy one. There is one small issue, money. The money we would have used for a vehicle is tied up in the remodel. So I decided to wait a week and see what happes hoping for a new Beemer or Jag. What happens. Someone from God's family gives us money. Don't know who it was but anyway we got some cash and now have a vehicle. Thank you, Jesus. My wife is safe, baby is safe, God's people are taking care of us. Good stuff. I mention all of this to say that God is good. There are many things that I think I have the right to complain about but God has brought us through. I don't have any right to complain, all I can do is be faithful. I hope this encourages someone. I am just a little scared as to what April might bring!