We Can't Wait to Get Our Rhythm

Life with an eighteen month old is a learning process. When you add in the reality that you're in a foreign land it increases the difficulty of finding your routine (I know some of you are warning that there is no such thing as "a routine" when it comes to small children, but you know what I mean). It is hard to get into a rhythm when you can't cook your own food, when your living room is your bedroom, and when you don't feel totally comfortable going outside.

We know that this is a blessed time. All of our other responsiblities have been suspended. Right now, our only job is parenting this beautiful gift from God. We are about a week from coming home, and we know that the rhythm we have been able to work out will be turned upside down, and we will again begin the process of finding our rhythm.

We are looking forward to getting home and beginning the "normal" life. This time is, and always will be, a precious time, a time which we as a family will always cherish. We are greatful to the Lord for the prayers and support of our family and friends, we are thankful to the Lord for the church granting me this time off, and for the School Board giving us the time to be here.

Thank You

Now that our plans our in motion the pace is beginning to quicken. I am sorry I haven't been posting more or more regularly. There are a lot of things I hope to cover here soon. The past few weeks have weighed heavily on my mind and I found myself overly distracted. I am grateful for the leave Monticello has granted me. It came at just the right time. I have been praying and studying to renew my heart. I am glad that I can now focus on the future. A new year stretches out before us and I am excited about all the possibilities. It will be good to get away for awhile, get Sophia's adoption finalized, and to get back home. So many people, ones known to us and unknown, have lifted us up to the Lord. He has graciously borne us throughout all of our difficulties. His love endures forever. If I can update the blog while we are in Guatemala, I will do so. Thank you all for you continued support. The Lord has used you to encourage us, and we are forever in his debt. God bless you.

We Know "No News" Stinks

The old expression, "No news is good news," is not quite accurate. I want to apologize to you all for not keeping you better informed concerning Sophia. Right now we are waiting for the results of the 2nd DNA to be received in Guatemala and for our appointment at the embassy to be made. Once the appointment is made we will know exactly when we will be home with out little girl.

We are making arrangements to go down to Guatemala early to be with Sophia. We will be able to keep her with us while we wait for our appointment. Monticello has graciously given us leave to be with Sophia, and for that we are eternally grateful. A lot of people are behind the scenes enabling this reunion. I thank God for all of you, and thank you for your loving support. And we are well aware that all of you are praying for us daily.

In the days ahead I will try to keep everybody posted. As soon as I can I will post information here. I know you all are as eager as we are to get Sophia home. We love you all.

Pastor Appreciation Day

The Scripture states, "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad" (Prov. 12:25, ESV). If we are not careful, we will end up burdened down by the cares of this life. It is easy to stress out about a million little things: a drink knocked over at dinner, a package that doesn't arrive when you hoped it would, or the person driving in front of you who drives five miles per hour under the speed limit. Sometimes it is big things that bring us to an anxious place: like waiting for test results to return, the illness of a loved one, or the loss of a job. Anxiety is an all too familiar companion for most people.

This proverb reminds us that all our cares weigh us down. They place a burden on us that will crush us if we are not careful. Maybe you know someone who is buckling under the strain of anxiety. They need a good word to make them glad. We should seek to speak encouragement to those under the pressure of anxiety.

The "good word" may take many forms or have numerous expressions. It may be a reminder of God's grace, care, kindness, and/or greatness. It may be a word that confirms a person's place or calling. It may be a word that expresses empathy and concern. Any expression that seeks to lift the burden through the exaltation of the Lord and his grace is a "good word."

I say all of this because today was Pastor's Appreciation Day at Monticello. Delia and I were given a card, a gift, many words of encouragement and many expressions of gratitude and love. Our hearts were made glad by all the "good words" spoken and the anxiety of life melted away like ice in the desert.

It feels good to be appreciated. In ministry I often feel like I am stumbling around in the dark searching for the light switch. Such warm affirmation and genuine affection encourage me in ways I can't fully express in words. Any good that has come from my ministry or that will come in the future is from God.

So let me say to all of you, I love you. More than that, I thank God for you. I am thankful for your loving kindness toward Delia and me. I am thankful for all the gifts and cards we have received. I am thankful for the smiles, the handshakes, the laughter and the tears. I am thankful that you have opened your church, your homes, and your hearts to me. You have mourned with us and rejoiced with us, you have taught me as I have sought to teach you. I prayerfully look ahead to the coming days and years with excitement and anticipation. I can't wait to see what God is going to do!