It's been forever and a day since I've posted- much too long, really. I've missed talking to you, and hope that you've missed hearing about the antics from around these parts, too. It feels wonderful to be back. There's so much life that's unfolding around us, and much to share! But, how do you catch up with old friends, when all you have is a cup of coffee and a few minutes?
We'll begin with the basics.
My wife and I each turn/turned 40 this year, and our four amazing kids are no longer 'babies'. Our youngest is currently headed into the 5th grade, and our eldest is a graduating Senior (gasp). Both middle children are transitioning into the 8th and 9th grades. Both are already challenging their father in terms of vertical stature; they seem to get bigger, while I simply grow older. Only the Lord knows where that precious time has gone, because it seems only yesterday that we were slogging home from Wal-Mart with 14 packages of diapers in tow.
My wife still works for the local church we attend, and by the grace of God I've remained employed by the Government throughout the recession. I'm also working hard to get a start-up company off the ground, on the evenings and weekends. If anything is constant, it's change.
Now that we've caught up a little bit, I'd like to share something amazing that happened this past Saturday night. As you know, over the years I've listened to (and plugged) the Daily Audio Bible podcast. It's personally been the easiest, and most effective method for consuming the word of God; making the stories and characters truly come alive in a way I've not experienced before. I've not been successful in tuning in each and every day, but more often than not, the voice of Brian Hardin has been playing through my ear-buds each morning since 2008. I can't express enough the importance of spending time in Bible on a regular basis. It truly does change you from the inside out; allowing you take the challenges of life each day, and apply a filter of biblical knowledge, learned from countless examples of triumph and tribulation. Once you marinate on scripture, your thought processes begin to change, and you can't help but fall in love with the epic love story of God and mankind. And, you'll find that Jesus Christ is insanely cool.
The DAB team arrived in Portland for a "family gathering" last night! You see, on a semi-regular basis, Brian, Jill and kids travel throughout the world, meeting people who subscribe to their podcast, and participate as part of the DAB community. They've been all over the place, and it was finally Oregon's turn this weekend! I was simply thrilled at the chance to meet Brian, and listen to his story in person. What unfolded was an evening of worship, sharing with other local believers, waving to Internet viewers from around the globe, and ending in an intimate communion with Brian and family. It was one of those "pure gold" moments, that I'll never forget.Of the many things I took away from our encounter with the DAB, there were two key things; 1., Jesus is our portion. And 2., Regardless of past hurts, by the church, or other Christians, there's always a chance to step out of bitterness, and isolation, and back into loving community.
Lamentations 3:24, "I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
I've heard this before, and intellectually understood the message growing up, but I never really fathomed the heart posture behind it at that point in life. As a flawed man, father, and husband, I literally imposed my own attitudes and limitations on God's words. What I was really saying to myself after reading them was "Be thankful you have a part of God's favor, no matter how big or small, and stop whining." Now a little older and wiser, I've learned that simply isn't God's heart, and his love is far more personal and beautiful than we can imagine.
Jill explained that "portion" is very important. It's not just a random amount of something doled out to the masses. It's an important unit of measure. Her example of using proper portions of ingredients for baking and preparing meals, literally ensures the success or failure of the meal. The portions need to be "just right". That got me thinking. Although "portion" is the operating word, I'm certain "precision" could be used as well. And friends, when someone takes the time to precisely measure something, it means there's a whole lot of thought, and investment in the going concern. Whether baking cookies, or helping us with "just enough" favor to build our character, or blessings to keep us moving forward, but not so much as to train-wreck our lives, God will give us exactly what we need, because he loves us deeply.Although we assembled in a local church, the DAB family gathering literally had nothing to do with the building itself. The DAB's DNA is centered on the unfettered word of God, and fellow believers can find solace in plugging in to the community, it's various missions, and most importantly through walking through the Bible each day. We are the body of Christ. We are the Church.
Good Night.
