God has given every one of us a passion for something. He has gifted us for a particular purpose. He has called us to do something for Him that would be impossible without His calling and provision. Recently, I have been focusing on a particular verse in the book of Colossians; and I have realized that the passion God has given me is all about what this verse describes:
"Him we proclaim, warning everyone, and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ." - Colossians 1:28
This fits with my life mission: "My dream is to help people take the next step in their spiritual journey."
This is why I have a great passion to be a pastor again, so that this is what I can devote myself to full-time. I don't of any greater privilege, then to pastor a group of people, and help them grow in Christ. Not only that, but I get to help a group of people see others come to Christ and we all get to help them grow as well.
More than just sharing the gospel and seeing people saved, discipleship is about the entire process of helping people become more fully devoted followers of Christ. My desire is to keep maturing in Christ until He takes me home; and until then, I want to help as many people as possible take their next steps toward Christ as well. As far as I am concerned, there is no greater way to spend one's life. No matter where we are, or what we do for a "living", we can take the next step in our spiritual journey, and help someone else do the same. We can all live out the truth and challenge of Colossians 1:28.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
LIGHTHOUSE
It was one of our dreams as parents: to take a family mission trip before our oldest graduated. For years we have been thinking and praying about it; and then the time came closer, and we were wondering how God was going to work it out. Our living circumstances changed, and our financial situation was not pretty. And yet, God came through! Although we originally hoped to take an overseas trip, and have our kids see real poverty, God had something else in mind. He kept us here in the States, and tuned our hearts into some very needy people, in a very different way.
Last week, we had the privilege and opportunity to go on a family mission trip to Lighthouse Family Retreat in the panhandle of Florida. They are a special organization that serves families living through childhood cancer. And they do an amazing job. This is was our first experience with them; and it was so positive and made such an impact on us, that we would love to go back. Our family had to raise almost $3,000, but God provided through the generosity of family and friends and through some money we had saved for a trip such as this. Raising funds allows Lighthouse to invite families dealing with cancer in their children to come experience a week of retreat at no charge.
The houses that are shared are on the beach and are beautiful. Although that is different than housing arrangements on most mission trips, it is fitting that these precious families get to enjoy these incredible vacation homes in this incredible location for a week of their lives. They really do a great job treating these families with special care during this week. They give the parents an opportunity every day to meet with the other parents while we took care of their children. They had a parents night out, where a local, very nice restaurant, gave those parents a free meal. And there were many other cool things they did to make the week very meaningful for the families (including a talent show, featuring their children, and a slide show featuring these special families).
We had plenty to do, in order to serve during the week. We helped with one of the meals each day, and during every meal, we served a particular family we were matched with. Our family was matched with a family that had 6 kids of their own and had been missionaries in India. Their 9 year old son was now going through his second round of cancer and chemotherapy. Our hearts were touched, and in a very short time, we felt very close to this family. It was our privilege to help set up their home every morning and night and to serve them in any way we could throughout the day. We also were able to serve many of the other families in small and big ways each day.
The most encouraging thing that we, as parents, experienced, was to see and hear good things about how each of our children served during the week. They each, in their own way, gave of themselves and invested their time and energy in serving others. That meant alot to us. I think they realized that when you give of yourself in serving others, you gain quite a bit yourself; and God uses those experiences to change you. We are very grateful for the experience God have us, and know it will have a lasting impact on our family. I would highly recommend Lighthouse to anyone looking to make a difference and to experience important, personal change as well.
Last week, we had the privilege and opportunity to go on a family mission trip to Lighthouse Family Retreat in the panhandle of Florida. They are a special organization that serves families living through childhood cancer. And they do an amazing job. This is was our first experience with them; and it was so positive and made such an impact on us, that we would love to go back. Our family had to raise almost $3,000, but God provided through the generosity of family and friends and through some money we had saved for a trip such as this. Raising funds allows Lighthouse to invite families dealing with cancer in their children to come experience a week of retreat at no charge.
The houses that are shared are on the beach and are beautiful. Although that is different than housing arrangements on most mission trips, it is fitting that these precious families get to enjoy these incredible vacation homes in this incredible location for a week of their lives. They really do a great job treating these families with special care during this week. They give the parents an opportunity every day to meet with the other parents while we took care of their children. They had a parents night out, where a local, very nice restaurant, gave those parents a free meal. And there were many other cool things they did to make the week very meaningful for the families (including a talent show, featuring their children, and a slide show featuring these special families).
We had plenty to do, in order to serve during the week. We helped with one of the meals each day, and during every meal, we served a particular family we were matched with. Our family was matched with a family that had 6 kids of their own and had been missionaries in India. Their 9 year old son was now going through his second round of cancer and chemotherapy. Our hearts were touched, and in a very short time, we felt very close to this family. It was our privilege to help set up their home every morning and night and to serve them in any way we could throughout the day. We also were able to serve many of the other families in small and big ways each day.
The most encouraging thing that we, as parents, experienced, was to see and hear good things about how each of our children served during the week. They each, in their own way, gave of themselves and invested their time and energy in serving others. That meant alot to us. I think they realized that when you give of yourself in serving others, you gain quite a bit yourself; and God uses those experiences to change you. We are very grateful for the experience God have us, and know it will have a lasting impact on our family. I would highly recommend Lighthouse to anyone looking to make a difference and to experience important, personal change as well.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday, today, to Alex and Isabella: 18 years old!
Alex and Isabella,
It is so hard to believe that, today, you are 18 years old. I guess we have to accept it: you are growing up and almost gone from our home. I want you both to know how grateful we are to God for bringing you into our family so many years ago. We have watched you grow up, and have seen God's work on your lives. There have been many challenges, but those are all a part of growing up. In fact, I wish I could tell you the challenges lessen or get easier as you get older; but I would be lying. The key is that God will help you through your challenges in the future, as He always has. He has used you in these years, and He has great plans to use you for His glory in the future. You just need to walk with Him.
Alex, we are so proud of you, as you signed up for the Navy and get ready to head to boot camp soon. Although it will be hard not having you here everyday, we know this is what God has planned for you; and we are excited to see how He grows and uses you during this next stage of life.
Isabella, we are also proud of you. We know this senior year has not been the easiest, but you have persevered and it is almost over. We hope you can do what you would like, as far as college next year; but if God has something else for you, even staying around home for awhile, we would be in favor of it! We know He will lead and guide you, as He has planned.
I hope you both enjoy your special birthday, and that this next year will be one of incredible blessing from God on your lives!
Love,
Dad
Alex and Isabella,
It is so hard to believe that, today, you are 18 years old. I guess we have to accept it: you are growing up and almost gone from our home. I want you both to know how grateful we are to God for bringing you into our family so many years ago. We have watched you grow up, and have seen God's work on your lives. There have been many challenges, but those are all a part of growing up. In fact, I wish I could tell you the challenges lessen or get easier as you get older; but I would be lying. The key is that God will help you through your challenges in the future, as He always has. He has used you in these years, and He has great plans to use you for His glory in the future. You just need to walk with Him.
Alex, we are so proud of you, as you signed up for the Navy and get ready to head to boot camp soon. Although it will be hard not having you here everyday, we know this is what God has planned for you; and we are excited to see how He grows and uses you during this next stage of life.
Isabella, we are also proud of you. We know this senior year has not been the easiest, but you have persevered and it is almost over. We hope you can do what you would like, as far as college next year; but if God has something else for you, even staying around home for awhile, we would be in favor of it! We know He will lead and guide you, as He has planned.
I hope you both enjoy your special birthday, and that this next year will be one of incredible blessing from God on your lives!
Love,
Dad
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