I can see the finish line!!!

If you would have spoken with me a few weeks ago, I would tell you that I was unsure how I would finish all my work before the deadline. But, as of this morning, my capstone paper is finished and off to editing! This is so good! I have one more paper to write, but I have confidence I will get it done on time.

God has been so good and faithful to me through this program. What a blessing. I can honestly say I am not the same person I was three years ago. I am pastoring a church in Iowa. Three years ago I would have said you were crazy. And yet here I am.

God is funny that way as he prepares us for His plans for us. I often think I have a hold of where we are going, and then off in a new direction the Spirit leads. Thank you Lord for your goodness and faithfulness to me and my family.

Easter Week

This Sunday is Easter Sunday. I am actually very excited as this is my first Easter as pastor here at Salem Friends. We are going to have a communion good Friday service on Friday. Then on Sunday morning we have a joint sunrise service with the other church in town. Following that we have a breakfast with the same group, and then we have our normal Easter morning service on Sunday.

It is certainly very busy trying to get caught up with school and prepare for extra services. But I am full of joy and excited because it is Easter for goodness sakes! What else can I do but rejoice.

As I prepare for the message on Sunday, I want it to be uplifting and encouraging. I do not want to sugar coat truth, but I want people to leave fired up. I am thinking I will talk about why we are all a blessed people in the risen Christ. We do not have to be blessed, because we are already blessed. This is good news!

Ministry Fair

This Sunday we are having a ministry fair at the church. The idea is for each committee to share what God is doing within their particular ministry influence. I do not know if every one understands exactly what we are doing, but the point it to inspire people to get involved wherever God may be pressing on their hearts. I am praying that is has some level of success. I also pray that in will be inspirational to those putting the booths together. I pray they will see how God is working throughout the ministries of the church.

I am also presenting a new leadership structure on Sunday. Man I hope it goes well. I believe God has given me this vision and I hope it is carried out without to much backlash. We shall see.

Pastor's Short Course

This past week we had IAYM Pastor's Short Course. I am so grateful to be part of a network of pastor's outside of Salem. I am also blessed and grateful that several of the pastor's in this network are good friends of mine. I enjoy the comradery, as well as the opportunity to share about what God is doing within the different churches, and how we can better follow God in our own leadership.

Cairistiona and I discovered that it is difficult to travel with two children. We love our kids, but they do not sleep well together in the same room. They have the tendency to wake each other up. However, even though it made for a few long nights, we have returned home refreshed.

Discipleship Group

I have a couple of guys that wanted to start a discipleship group together. I searched for a book and was not sure if it was going to be good or not. I know that discipleship is more than a book, but we needed some sort of structure. So I bought a book called Discipleship Essentials. I am so glad I did. It has been incredible. It is perfect for a new believer seeking to know how to go deeper with God.

Both of the guys are doing well and our first conversation today blew me away. God is so good. I pray the Lord continues to bless this time that I am having with these guys, and that they grow deep in their relationship with Christ.

Powerful Sunday

Wow, Sunday was a powerful service. God was certainly doing something new withing the hearts of people at Salem Friends Church. I cannot put my finger on what was different, but something changed.

My prayer is that this will not just be an event, but will be the start of something new. A new wine skin as it were. We talked about manure pits, and being redeemed. God help us to be a redeemed people who seek to take part in loving and serving others while bringing them to you to be redeemed themselves..

Next Sunday we talk about compassion. This is where the rubber hits the road. This is where our faith and deeds collide. May it be so. Amen!

Back in the Swing of Things

It has taken a while to get re-acclimated to Iowa. Colorado felt like a weird trip, but it feels a little now like we stepped back a few paces from where we were when we left. After being back a week, it is starting to get better.

Always busy, I am fearful for the final projects in each class as well as the capstone project. This is a lot of work. I am not sure where to begin. Lord please help me stay balanced in the midst of chaos. I pray you help me get the job done, and to get it done well. And then... pay back student loans. Yay! Not. :(