Church Participation

I almost forgot what it is like to participate in church for a change. I don't get to do that very much, so I'm trying to enjoy it. We are attending The Ogden Church http://ogdenchurch.org, which is only around the corner from us. It is a very fast growing non-denominational congregation that has a very creative feel and active in the community. I sense God is blessing this congregation with new believers because of their heart to reach those who are lost and bring them to deeper places with Him. I also sense their blessing comes from the fact that they are really putting children as a priority of importance. We had an interesting church celebration today. There was a guest speaker who used the text "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge...." As he spoke about how God shouts to us from the heavens a thunderstorm broke out. Not a bad touch on God's part, and it sure made the speaker look good too!

What is the Next Step Now?

Before I left California, one of my good friends Todd Oakley, prayed this verse over me:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Sometimes that is all I have to cling to as I face the challenge of finding a place to work here in Michigan (the highest unemployment state in the country). It is going to take a miracle, but I know for sure that God sent me home and He is able to make the way for me. My days have been spent networking with old and new friends, and finding out people and places that they can point me towards to find employment in management or information technology.
Please pray that Jesus will continue to direct my steps to the place that he has set out for me. At some point, I would love to plant a church here in Adrian or in the surrounding area. For now, I feel that I need to find a place that will support my family financially. I have until mid-August, so time is getting shorter. Sometimes I wish faith building wasn't so hard, but I find that the hard times makes us into the people that God can use for greater purposes!

Home is Beautiful Too!

California had to be one of the most beautiful place I had ever been. But short after my arrival home, God gave me this beautiful scene to remind me that home is also a beautiful place. I'm reminded that He creates each pleace on earth with the splendor of his beauty and a reminder that he has given us each a home that we can appreciate.

Good to Be Home

On June 30th, I returned home from my California adventure. It is good to be home again. I am very thankful for the time spent in California. It was very obvious that God had me in his lab of learning and faith building. My kids have gotten older, and we have grown to appreciate the time we have as a family. At the same time, I miss the very dear relationships that I made in California, and grieve that great things that God is doing with the Westside Vineyard body.