Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Pie with the Pastor

Sunday night was pie with the pastor. Once a month there is a signup, and for the 14 people who get their name on the clipboard first comes the privilege of going to Jeff and Linda's house for pie and fellowship.

Jeff and Linda - we've known them for three years, but it feels like a lifetime. When God tugged at our hearts three or four years ago to get involved with the church plant in Portland, we jumped in with both feet, not really knowing what we were getting into, but knowing it was going to be good because God was in the lead. We figured it would be hard, and it has been much harder than we imagined. We figured it would be good, and, like only God does, He has blown our socks off. We knew we would meet new people and make new friends, but we had no idea how treasured our new friends would be and how God would weave us altogether.

Back in the planning stages, as God revealed His plan for the Rock, the "theme" started out as being "out of the box church" and eventually we just said "what box?" Church is the people - wonderfully imperfect and quirky, yet created in God's own image. Think of all the facets of God that we are all created in His image. I'm so thankful that He has allowed us to be a part of the Rock!

So back to pie with the pastor - We introduced ourselves and shared what we would like to find under the Christmas tree this year. Todd said tools - go figure. I was thinking maybe a new mattress for our bed - Jeff said if you cut away enough branches on the bottom that anything would fit, so who knows... but truthfully, I am blessed beyond measure and need absolutely nothing. Thank you, Jesus!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Catching up

It's time to play catch-up... Adam's soccer season finished up in the first round of regionals. They played exceptionally well and far surpassed expectations for the season.

Adam is ranked sixth in the state of Indiana among high school soccer players for overall "points" which consists of goals scored and assists. He has four colleges interested in having him join their soccer programs and will be making a final decision within the next month or so. We're so proud of him. He is an overall terrific young man who loves the Lord and loves others. He will be going to Kenya, Africa next July for a two week mission trip. Preparations have already started with paperwork and fundraising. Shots begin soon - and there are several!

Todd Jr. was home for Thanksgiving and just left a little while ago. It was wonderful to have him home. I've missed hearing him on the piano and chats with a cup of coffee. I know he enjoys coming home, but at the same time he feels a little out of place here because his life is up at Bethel. He also has a deep passion for knowing God and spending time in his presence. I wait eagerly but patiently to see God shape his future.

Daniel is almost as tall as I am. For starting out so small, he's made up for it and then some. On the way to church this morning, he informed us that he was having "spa day" in his room today. Todd and I went to the spa, and we were pleasantly surprised to be treated to a heated massage chair, foot rubs and back rubs, and background music. He is a 10-year-old, but also an old soul. His teacher Mrs. King commented that he is a "deep thinker" and she is amused by the way that he looks a life and contemplates issues. He has a tender heart and is a problem solver.

After about eight years of being over the road, Todd is now working fulltime for CR Designs here in Berne. He has a normal schedule, no nights and no weekends, and it's wonderful. We are so thankful that we can actually schedule family and friend time, and he's looking forward to co-leading a men's small group again.

I am so blessed to work at home and be able to be involved in family, church and friend activities. Although scheduling can be crazy at times, I am so very thankful for my life and my God who loves me in spite of all my imperfections. God is so very, very good!