simply grateful

What warrants the attention of God?  Financial ruin?  Divorce? Addiction? A terminal medical condition? There are nearly 7 billion people in the world, does He even care about your situation?  Sure, to me it might seem major, but doesn’t God have more to concern Himself with than my problems?  For some of you it may seem like He doesn’t care at all.  Many of you know about our current state of transition, our continuing wait for permits to be granted to a country for over a year now.  A wait that has included 8 moves (with another coming in 2 more weeks) and sleeping in some 29 locations.  Not exactly a tragedy, but a trying time none-the-less.  It pales in comparison to those who are dealing with serious illnesses or those whose prayers have gone seemingly unanswered for years on end for the salvation of a spouse, child or friend.  Our wait seems minuscule compared to those of you who have lost loved ones, lost jobs, or lost hope. ...

We were able to get away for a few days and go on vacation to Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon.  It was an incredible time enjoying the game at the park and the landscape at the Canyon.  We put together a short video of our time that you can see on youtube by clicking HERE! Here are a couple pictures from our time (click on them to make them larger)

He was completely drunk and I had no idea how he got inside, yet there he was standing in front of me smelling as badly as anybody I have ever encountered.  Maybe there was no bathroom in the tavern next to the church or maybe he thought it was the confessional, but I encountered him as he was leaving the bathroom.  He could barely walk and with his British slurred from his consumption of alcohol it rendered communication a near impossibility.  I kindly escorted him to the door where he sat down on the brick steps and passed out.  A few minutes later I walked into the bathroom and was completely disgusted.  I think he relieved himself in everyplace in that bathroom other than the toilet.  I know this is gross, but he had wiped his defecation all over the walls, sinks, mirrors... pretty much everywhere.  I walked out, trying not to hurl and waited for the pastor to get back.  Mind you, I was just a summer missionary.  I was a volunteer, and ...

I have a confession.  I have no musical talent whatsoever.  This is not news for those of you who have had the unfortunate fate of sitting in a pew beside me or joining in our family “singing” prayer at dinnertime.  I can’t carry a tune in a bucket.  The only thing I play well is the radio.  Oh, I wish I could sing, and on the rare occasion when I hit the right note I can assure you it is purely accidental.  I envy those who can sing and play more instruments than I can name.  How I would love to be able to sing like James Taylor or Jack Johnson.  I’ve long said that it’s probably best that I can’t, because if I could I would just sit at home singing to myself all day.   I’ve also long believed that we don’t know the power songs hold over us. When I was a youth pastor I often had to call my youth on the songs they posted to their Myspace page.  There was one song in particular I had to tell a young lady that I couldn’t even talk to...

We went out today to Montecasino Bird Gardens for a little down time with some friends.  The pictures are pretty much self-explanatory.... so here you go! (click on pics to enlarge)

We finished up our 40/40 training at a retreat center called Ibis Gardens.  As much as we enjoyed our home stay in the village, it was nice to get a warm shower and have a nice bed.  During this time we had some classes that taught us a method of language learning as well as time with processing our experience with the leaders of 40/40.  Plus, we had a little time to relax and enjoy hanging out with our friends!  Here is the group that went through 40/40 (including some of the leaders)  (Click on any of the pictures below to enlarge) The kids also had some time to love on their teachers too!   And of course, some time just to hang out and have fun!  Elijah taking care of "the boss".    Karissa and her friend   Greg and Donna Fort, some friends from my Journeyman days: Then it was fun on the bus as we drove to the airport: That pretty much sums up our 40/40 experience. ...