taken for granted

Yesterday my wife and kids left on a road-trip that will cover over 3 weeks and 4,000 miles. To say I miss them already would be accurate, but does not encompass all I feel. Since I had some extra time to myself , I kept ice packs on the pinched nerve in my back and watched "The Book of Eli".

As I went to bed in my strangely quiet and empty house last night, I became aware that I take my family for granted too often. As I wrestled with the sharp pain in my back, I became aware that I take my health for granted too often. As I reflected on the movie I watched, I became keenly aware that I take God's Word for granted too often.

Lord, please forgive me and help me to change on all three counts.

our team is better than your team

I just want to say publicly (to all 12 people who read this) haha, that the team working to start Freedom Valley Church is second to none. As I was walking my neighborhood praying this morning, I could not get away from the recurring thought of how so many people have given up so much and are working so hard to build the foundation of a healthy church. It's amazing how much goes into starting a new church and I can honestly say that I have not done it all . . . not event he majority. This team is building something that is becoming a very special work of God. I just want to say to them and to God, thank you.

growth and progress

Over the last couple years as I've immersed myself in church-planting training, I've often heard people say, "God wants you to plant a church for how it's going to change you (the planter) as much as for how its going to change the people in your city". I was always able to nod my head in agreement with the concept while not quite knowing what that meant in real terms.

I'm starting to know what that means. I'm a different person than I was a year ago. I pray more. I read my bible more. I'm kinder to my wife and kids. My wife and I go out on dates. I care about people who don't go to church - for more than just pumping up the numbers at church. I really care about people . . . even if they don't ever come to our church. I'm still miles away from the man I would like to be and light years away from who I probably could be.

But growth and progress are good. And I feel very humble and thankful today as I think about how patient God is with me and who He is slowly shaping me into.