Friday, December 22, 2006
I love my job!!!
This week has been an amazing one. Earlier we heard of a need for a family that is housing a young lady and her two children. Sunday we had a gentleman that knew about this and brought in a coupon for a 16 pound turkey, another family gave fifty dollars to by groceries and gifts, and yet another family gave Christmas gifts for the the children. It is an amazing thing to see people in the church rally together like this to help another human out, and this isn't the first time that this happened. I was just so excited about this that I had to say something and Praise the Lord for sending the Holy Spirit to guide these families that gave.
Monday, December 18, 2006
after a year
So it has been a whole year for Stephanie and I, married on December 17th 2005. We never thought a whole year could go by this quickly, and have so much happen in that year. So far in our events, I have graduated, got my first pastoral appointment, bought a house, had two pregnancy scares, and lots of other great stuff.
Yesterday was our anniversary and it was a great weekend on top of that, we had Steph's family down to stay with us so that we could have Christmas with her brother and his wife. We didn't really get to do anything but it was more than worth it, because when the family was down here we found something out about Stephanie's grandpa. The doctors think that he has pancreatic cancer, but it isn't a 100% diagnosis, we have to wait until Wednesday, so any prayers that are lifted for our family would be more than welcome.
On top of that I was the on-call chaplain again at the hospital this week and was called on Sunday morning right before service. Later that day, the same day we heard about Grandpa, the family took this man off the respirator...a very hard thing to see and with everything going on still be able to comfort this family in the time of their pain and distress. I was seeing two worlds this day, the first where the family is firmly rooted in Christ and the Lord's Word, second was a family that had no inkling to what faith was. One with Hope of a better reunion, and one with Hell in their life. It was very difficult for me to keep my composure in the midst of all this.
That evening I saw this verse in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
This is my verse of the week, praise be to Jesus because of this comfort.
Yesterday was our anniversary and it was a great weekend on top of that, we had Steph's family down to stay with us so that we could have Christmas with her brother and his wife. We didn't really get to do anything but it was more than worth it, because when the family was down here we found something out about Stephanie's grandpa. The doctors think that he has pancreatic cancer, but it isn't a 100% diagnosis, we have to wait until Wednesday, so any prayers that are lifted for our family would be more than welcome.
On top of that I was the on-call chaplain again at the hospital this week and was called on Sunday morning right before service. Later that day, the same day we heard about Grandpa, the family took this man off the respirator...a very hard thing to see and with everything going on still be able to comfort this family in the time of their pain and distress. I was seeing two worlds this day, the first where the family is firmly rooted in Christ and the Lord's Word, second was a family that had no inkling to what faith was. One with Hope of a better reunion, and one with Hell in their life. It was very difficult for me to keep my composure in the midst of all this.
That evening I saw this verse in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
This is my verse of the week, praise be to Jesus because of this comfort.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
3 whole months
So it's been nearly three whole months since my last post on here. I really don't know what I want this blog to be, whether it be a place to just write out my thoughts, info for my friends and family to keep up with us, or whatever else there could be on here. so if there are still people reading this I would like some suggestions as to what you would like to see on here, and yes Stevan I know I have had many bloggable moments in my life, thank you very much. Thanks for the patience everyone.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Crazy Day!!!!
So yesterday was Sunday, normally an average okay day that doesn't cause any stress or pressure. This wasn't any normal Sunday here in Marion. First it was Round Up Sunday here at Brookhaven where we all get the opportunity to dress up like cowboys/girls and hoot and holler and all that good stuff. Next was that I am teaching a Sunday School Class for this quarter on the Book of Exodus. The last thing that could have possibly been going on this Sunday was that I was on-call as the chaplain for the hospital.
With all that said and out of the way, the day flew by and was crazier than I could have thought it to possbily be. As I woke up and was getting ready to come to the church, I turned my phone on and found I had a message from the Hospital. The message plainly stated that they needed me to come in and sit with a family who lost their child just that morning. Almost instantly I called in to make sure they still needed me before I drove 25 minutes to the Hospital, and got the statement that the child was one of the twins this mother gave birth to, a month ago to the day, just died about an hour ago, and that I was still needed. So in my haste I continued to get ready, eat and brush my teeth all in about 5-6 minutes. As I was speeding on my way to the Hospital, after kissing my wife good-bye and asking her to take care of Sunday School which I would surely miss, I called two friends, my mom, and the Senior Pastor to ask for prayer and give a heads up. I truly did not know what I was doing, going to the hospital to comfort this family.
When I got to the ER I was shown to the family and introduced, the first thing I see is the mom sobbing and leaning and clutching what looked to be the blanket of her baby, but when I walked around to look at her face to face I saw the cold, pale white body of her baby in that blanket with her mom's tears dripping on her lifeless body. I was take back a little bit at first and realized all the people praying for me, and so I then prayed for this family and comforted them as I cried with them. These were the only words that I spoke, all in prayer. I left 25 minutes later.
After the fast start to my morning the day was hectic, I returned to the church to find my wife teaching my Sunday School class and doing a great job. From then on the Lord truly blessed me and watched after me keeping his hands on me ever through the rest of the day.
With all that said and out of the way, the day flew by and was crazier than I could have thought it to possbily be. As I woke up and was getting ready to come to the church, I turned my phone on and found I had a message from the Hospital. The message plainly stated that they needed me to come in and sit with a family who lost their child just that morning. Almost instantly I called in to make sure they still needed me before I drove 25 minutes to the Hospital, and got the statement that the child was one of the twins this mother gave birth to, a month ago to the day, just died about an hour ago, and that I was still needed. So in my haste I continued to get ready, eat and brush my teeth all in about 5-6 minutes. As I was speeding on my way to the Hospital, after kissing my wife good-bye and asking her to take care of Sunday School which I would surely miss, I called two friends, my mom, and the Senior Pastor to ask for prayer and give a heads up. I truly did not know what I was doing, going to the hospital to comfort this family.
When I got to the ER I was shown to the family and introduced, the first thing I see is the mom sobbing and leaning and clutching what looked to be the blanket of her baby, but when I walked around to look at her face to face I saw the cold, pale white body of her baby in that blanket with her mom's tears dripping on her lifeless body. I was take back a little bit at first and realized all the people praying for me, and so I then prayed for this family and comforted them as I cried with them. These were the only words that I spoke, all in prayer. I left 25 minutes later.
After the fast start to my morning the day was hectic, I returned to the church to find my wife teaching my Sunday School class and doing a great job. From then on the Lord truly blessed me and watched after me keeping his hands on me ever through the rest of the day.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
What I saw
When I see my great friend standing on the edge of that cliff, I see a beautiful creation right at our fingertips, something that only our human eyes can appreciate. I along with that see the freedom of summer, and times with friends that I will never forget, the smells, sights, talks at 3am driving 80 on the highway after 3 double shot espressos.
These are just some of the things that I see when I look at those pictures from my big summer trip. I realize that not everyone could see that in the picture, but the biggest thing I saw was the freedom of God's creation especially when we live within his will.
These are just some of the things that I see when I look at those pictures from my big summer trip. I realize that not everyone could see that in the picture, but the biggest thing I saw was the freedom of God's creation especially when we live within his will.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
interesting link/blog
So I was doing my daily reading on Christianity Today's website and came across this blog. this made me raise an eyebrow and then clap for the reason of what this man had to say about our view of Holiness. Have an open mind as you read this and I will let you know what I saw in the picture tomorrow.
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2006/09/eat_drink_and_b.html
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2006/09/eat_drink_and_b.html
Friday, August 25, 2006
Pastoring...as if I know what I'm doing
It has been a while like usual, my life has actually gotten busy and interesting all at the same time with my new job and the home that we have bought. I am truly enjoying this position here at Brookhaven, the people are so supportive and loving and have become like family already. The thought that I was hired to spread my passion and concern for people through outreach is definitely an exciting aspect of this job because that is right where my heart is with God.
On the other hand it is very intimidating and Satan is constantly at work in my life I feel him daily trying to discourage me and work his way in to my life and make me worthless like only he is. Prayers are in order for Stephanie and I as we endeavor to reach to people in our lives, family and neighbors. After being married for a short 8 months and looking back at everything I realize how much support my wife has given me and blessed me in her walk with Christ. I thank the Lord for placing her in my life, and bringing us together.
Although our lives are crazy at times and our schedules will fill up we have stayed strong and true to each other and the Lord has blessed us for our Faithfulness. In my life it is tough to see myself as a pastor so soon out of college because I am still a little immature (no comments from you mom) but maybe my immaturity is why I am a pastor and what God can use to change hearts and perceptions of Pastors. So what I am trying to say is my lack of maturity is good, Time to go blow something up.
On the other hand it is very intimidating and Satan is constantly at work in my life I feel him daily trying to discourage me and work his way in to my life and make me worthless like only he is. Prayers are in order for Stephanie and I as we endeavor to reach to people in our lives, family and neighbors. After being married for a short 8 months and looking back at everything I realize how much support my wife has given me and blessed me in her walk with Christ. I thank the Lord for placing her in my life, and bringing us together.
Although our lives are crazy at times and our schedules will fill up we have stayed strong and true to each other and the Lord has blessed us for our Faithfulness. In my life it is tough to see myself as a pastor so soon out of college because I am still a little immature (no comments from you mom) but maybe my immaturity is why I am a pastor and what God can use to change hearts and perceptions of Pastors. So what I am trying to say is my lack of maturity is good, Time to go blow something up.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Brookhaven
So I just got harassed by an old friend because I haven't blogged in a while. Well, I really don't have an excuse except for that I actually have a real job now not a job at Tree of Life, but at Brookhaven Wesleyan in Marion, IN. I hold the position of Minister of Outreach. It is a great position when I am able to concentrate on different ways to reach people and serve them all to show the love that Christ has shared with us.
I don't really know why I haven't blogged all that much lately maybe it is because I am kind of boring and don't have crazy things going on all of the time in my life. Although that isn't completely true, that is mainly why I haven't been posting religiously. Anyway the two real exciting things going on in my life are 1) Stephanie and I are buying a house in Gas City, IN...and 2) I am going on another trip to the Gulf Coast to help with Hurricane relief down there, this probably comes to no surprise to most of my friends, but I really believe that it is my calling to help others as much as possible at my own risk all to share Jesus with them. I appreciate your prayers. Take care everyone.
I don't really know why I haven't blogged all that much lately maybe it is because I am kind of boring and don't have crazy things going on all of the time in my life. Although that isn't completely true, that is mainly why I haven't been posting religiously. Anyway the two real exciting things going on in my life are 1) Stephanie and I are buying a house in Gas City, IN...and 2) I am going on another trip to the Gulf Coast to help with Hurricane relief down there, this probably comes to no surprise to most of my friends, but I really believe that it is my calling to help others as much as possible at my own risk all to share Jesus with them. I appreciate your prayers. Take care everyone.
Brookhaven
So I just got harassed by an old friend because I haven't blogged in a while. Well, I really don't have an excuse except for that I actually have a real job now not a job at Tree of Life, but at Brookhaven Wesleyan in Marion, IN. I hold the position of Minister of Outreach. It is a great position when I am able to concentrate on different ways to reach people and serve them all to show the love that Christ has shared with us.
I don't really know why I haven't blogged all that much lately maybe it is because I am kind of boring and don't have crazy things going on all of the time in my life. Although that isn't completely true, that is mainly why I haven't been posting religiously. Anyway the two real exciting things going on in my life are 1) Stephanie and I are buying a house in Gas City, IN...and 2) I am going on another trip to the Gulf Coast to help with Hurricane relief down there, this probably comes to no surprise to most of my friends, but I really believe that it is my calling to help others as much as possible at my own risk all to share Jesus with them. I appreciate your prayers. Take care everyone.
I don't really know why I haven't blogged all that much lately maybe it is because I am kind of boring and don't have crazy things going on all of the time in my life. Although that isn't completely true, that is mainly why I haven't been posting religiously. Anyway the two real exciting things going on in my life are 1) Stephanie and I are buying a house in Gas City, IN...and 2) I am going on another trip to the Gulf Coast to help with Hurricane relief down there, this probably comes to no surprise to most of my friends, but I really believe that it is my calling to help others as much as possible at my own risk all to share Jesus with them. I appreciate your prayers. Take care everyone.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
busyness
So as of late our life as a married couple has been fun and tiring. Some of the greatest news that we have heard is both for us and our close friends. As you could gather from their website (web.mac.com/bowlins) our friends the bowlins have bought tickets to take a 2 week trip to New Zealand to make connections and find a home and prepare for the complete move which will take place shortly. That was a very exciting thing for us to hear about their life as missionaries and encourages Stephanie and I as we continue on our way toward the Mission field of Haiti.
The good news for us is one of more local importance. Stephanie and I have been asked to attend a meeting next monday with the Board of Directors at Brookhaven Wesleyan. This is a huge step for both of us with the possibility of it being my first church job and the same for Stephanie too. Your continued prayers are welcome as we try to follow God's will and his design for our ministry here in America. All of this has been keeping us very busy along with staying up late with friends playing board games and drinking way too much coffee. Along with that this Saturday Stephanie and I will have been married for 6 months, wow did that go by really quick, but boy oh boy is it great. Mainly because Stephanie is such a hot nurse.
The good news for us is one of more local importance. Stephanie and I have been asked to attend a meeting next monday with the Board of Directors at Brookhaven Wesleyan. This is a huge step for both of us with the possibility of it being my first church job and the same for Stephanie too. Your continued prayers are welcome as we try to follow God's will and his design for our ministry here in America. All of this has been keeping us very busy along with staying up late with friends playing board games and drinking way too much coffee. Along with that this Saturday Stephanie and I will have been married for 6 months, wow did that go by really quick, but boy oh boy is it great. Mainly because Stephanie is such a hot nurse.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Been a Long Time...
So I haven't posted in months...feels like forever. I figured I would start with some news that I just read about, through a very interesting article.
There is a new video game coming out in a very few days. The game is based off of the Left Behind series but the thing is that the game has one in particular person a little outraged about the premise of the game and how you win. I will leave you with a link to his article and tell you to continue to look for posts from me hopefully on a more frequent time frame.
Just copy and paste this into your browser and enjoy an over the top review of this game.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2006/06/07/notes060706.DTL
There is a new video game coming out in a very few days. The game is based off of the Left Behind series but the thing is that the game has one in particular person a little outraged about the premise of the game and how you win. I will leave you with a link to his article and tell you to continue to look for posts from me hopefully on a more frequent time frame.
Just copy and paste this into your browser and enjoy an over the top review of this game.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2006/06/07/notes060706.DTL
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Freedom
I long to not be here. Rather to be among friends, those that I grew to love in just one years time. My friends whom I miss, the staff of THC. These people changed my life and impacted me in ways that I don't even know. Today I was looking through my pictures that I have from the summer. The most of which are all with Tim and Matt out west and in a tiny little car. That freedom of care while still being in the presence of God, away from the legalism of this world. The beauty of my friends is their Chrisitianity, it is such that I love to be with them and learn from them and talk with them of how they are learning about God and where they are growing. More importantly how they have been forced to have faith in God in the midst of all the craziness that is going on in our lives as we grow up and peers are forcing us to make decisions.
My friends are great. I miss them, I miss our weekly meetings with our boss who was more of a friend and just as cynical and crazy as we are. We are a brotherhood of friends that we will never lose that connection. Possibly it is the bond that we had in Christ and through the Holy Spirits power that will keep us closer than we will ever know. One of us may change but our connection is still there. We are one in the Spirit and we are stronger even more in Him when we are together and pulling for each other. I miss all those times and the crazy trips, jokes and stories.
My friends are great. I miss them, I miss our weekly meetings with our boss who was more of a friend and just as cynical and crazy as we are. We are a brotherhood of friends that we will never lose that connection. Possibly it is the bond that we had in Christ and through the Holy Spirits power that will keep us closer than we will ever know. One of us may change but our connection is still there. We are one in the Spirit and we are stronger even more in Him when we are together and pulling for each other. I miss all those times and the crazy trips, jokes and stories.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Long time coming
So it's been over three months and a whole lot has gon by in my life, I have a new roomie, a new call on life, nearly 25 grand to pay back in loans in the next 8 months and a brand new Apple ibook. Where to start?
The wedding everything was amazing, I could have cared less of course what people thought because well I was getting married and their opinion most definitely didn't matter in this subject at all. It all took place without any problems and was great fun for my youth pastor to make fun of me while he was supposed to helping me get married, but oh well.
this new call I speak of will be leading both my wife and I into the heart of missions as we know it. Our call is to Haiti, where if you watch the news (sorry Kara) there are lots of issues that are all taking place at one time in that country. We are currently going through the application process through Global Partners a Wesleyan missions org. they have a hospital down there which will be great or my wife considering she is the hottest nurse around. I will e taking on some form of church ministry while I'm down there and it will not be easy but i would rather be there than in any class I'm currently taking.
Well the loans that is just college at IWU for ya.
Ah, my new computer is glorious, it is about half the size and weight of my previous brick I used to lug around campus and every other place I would go, and i tell you what I love it. much nicer than my Dell.
At this point and time this is all of the major new stuff going on and i tell you what it can be overwhelming, but one thing i do ask is for prayers for us during lent and also our future ministry. Write that on your cards Tim!!
The wedding everything was amazing, I could have cared less of course what people thought because well I was getting married and their opinion most definitely didn't matter in this subject at all. It all took place without any problems and was great fun for my youth pastor to make fun of me while he was supposed to helping me get married, but oh well.
this new call I speak of will be leading both my wife and I into the heart of missions as we know it. Our call is to Haiti, where if you watch the news (sorry Kara) there are lots of issues that are all taking place at one time in that country. We are currently going through the application process through Global Partners a Wesleyan missions org. they have a hospital down there which will be great or my wife considering she is the hottest nurse around. I will e taking on some form of church ministry while I'm down there and it will not be easy but i would rather be there than in any class I'm currently taking.
Well the loans that is just college at IWU for ya.
Ah, my new computer is glorious, it is about half the size and weight of my previous brick I used to lug around campus and every other place I would go, and i tell you what I love it. much nicer than my Dell.
At this point and time this is all of the major new stuff going on and i tell you what it can be overwhelming, but one thing i do ask is for prayers for us during lent and also our future ministry. Write that on your cards Tim!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
