One post every six months. I'm going to try to break that pattern!
Here are a couple things to pray about:
I'm teaching at Glorieta Christian Writers Conference this year. My writing friend, Lee Warren, and I will be doing something new--a pre-conference called On-Ramp designed for writers conference rookies. I'm excited about the prospect of helping people get up to speed for the conference. I'll also be teaching several other classes. Please pray for a good week.
Also, our Royal Oak house is still for sale. We are now entertaining lease options. PLEASE PRAY FOR A SALE OR LEASE! We need to get this taken care of soon. Please ask God to guide a buyer, leasee to our home. Pray that this miracle would happen in spite of the economy.
Thanks.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Perfect Storm and the Hope for Calm
Last year at this time we were aware that the waters were moving. We'd been living out God's call, Linda teaching Kindergarten in Detroit and me pursuing writing and speaking, but we sensed that a tide change was in the works. Grace Christian Fellowship was looking for a pastor and we were looking for what God had next. God placed our little boat on a collision course for the island of Grace, and we landed safe and sound, coming aground exactly where he planned.
During that time, as we sailed the sea of life, everything fell into place giving us the confidence we needed to raise the sails and follow the wind. Watching God work it all out provided assurance and peace and exhilaration. (All you Baby Boomers, cue Christopher Cross' Sailing . . . )
It was a miracle, more because of all the little miracles that piled up into a wave and washed us to Grace.
However, we didn't know it at the time, but a perfect storm was forming that would impact the big move. Recession, mortgage crisis, Michigan economy, (add your favorite depressive here), and our house in Royal Oak, MI was at the center of the confluence.
Even though we are sure that God provided our new home, and we are sure that this is where he wants us, our former house continues to languish in a flooded market. We don't have answers for the obvious question: why? If everything else worked out in amazing ways, why not this part of the story?
We don't know the answer, but I can tell you that it's another opportunity for his grace. He knows what's up, and he is the one who calms the storms, and we can trust him.
PS -- if you're looking for a great home, check it out here: http://www.realtor.com/realestate/royal+oak-mi-48073-1100403006/
During that time, as we sailed the sea of life, everything fell into place giving us the confidence we needed to raise the sails and follow the wind. Watching God work it all out provided assurance and peace and exhilaration. (All you Baby Boomers, cue Christopher Cross' Sailing . . . )
It's not far back to sanity
At least it's not for me
And when the wind is right you can sail away
And find serenity
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me
It was a miracle, more because of all the little miracles that piled up into a wave and washed us to Grace.
However, we didn't know it at the time, but a perfect storm was forming that would impact the big move. Recession, mortgage crisis, Michigan economy, (add your favorite depressive here), and our house in Royal Oak, MI was at the center of the confluence.
Even though we are sure that God provided our new home, and we are sure that this is where he wants us, our former house continues to languish in a flooded market. We don't have answers for the obvious question: why? If everything else worked out in amazing ways, why not this part of the story?
We don't know the answer, but I can tell you that it's another opportunity for his grace. He knows what's up, and he is the one who calms the storms, and we can trust him.
PS -- if you're looking for a great home, check it out here: http://www.realtor.com/realestate/royal+oak-mi-48073-1100403006/
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Attractive Holiness
Our church, Grace Christian Fellowship, has a blog called "GraceAbility." I use the blog to offer further thoughts to ponder after my Sunday sermon. I posted some thoughts over there today on whether holiness attracts or repels. I'd be interested in your comments. Check it out HERE.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Snow Tracks
Since moving to Michigan in 1990, snow has been an absolute delight. In Southern California, snow was something you visited, not something that was dumped whole-hog into your back yard.
My wife will tell you that I don't like shoveling the stuff, but I will shovel if that's what comes with having free playdough available 24/7, and the slickest funfest imaginable just outside your basement doors. On a night like last, the moon eclipsed, the snow still bright with its reflection, the bare trees cast a shadow like you have never seen during spring or summer or fall.
Through this white powder the living lay their tracks--turkey, lots of turkey, and mouse and possum and weasel and chickadee. You may not actually see the animal, but you know it's been around.
God, whom to see in person is to die, leaves his tracks in the snow of our lives. If we would be careful to study and identify them, we would know he is there, even when it is hard to.
My wife will tell you that I don't like shoveling the stuff, but I will shovel if that's what comes with having free playdough available 24/7, and the slickest funfest imaginable just outside your basement doors. On a night like last, the moon eclipsed, the snow still bright with its reflection, the bare trees cast a shadow like you have never seen during spring or summer or fall.
Through this white powder the living lay their tracks--turkey, lots of turkey, and mouse and possum and weasel and chickadee. You may not actually see the animal, but you know it's been around.
God, whom to see in person is to die, leaves his tracks in the snow of our lives. If we would be careful to study and identify them, we would know he is there, even when it is hard to.
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