From Nothing to Much

Let me catch you up.


Last week I had the great opportunity to attend the Keystone Christian Educators Association's annual Educator's Convention (KCEA). It was a great blessing. It has been close to 10 years, if not more, since I had the privilege to attend such a conference. I had a most enjoyable time.


Also last week, I was given the opportunity to serve at Emmanuel Baptist Christian Academy in a part-time role, helping to relieve some of the workload of the principal. I will be at EBCA from 8-12:25. I am looking forward to serving in the school.


As much as I love serving in school, I still need more income. I have been praying for the right part-time job to complement EBCA, but nothing has materialized -- until today. Now I have potentially three other PT jobs, so I am now praying for wisdom as to what I should do. I would appreciate your prayers as I seek the work I need to provide for the family.


The final blessing to comment on is the continued support of the family, both my folks in MI and Bec's folks here in PA. They have all been a great source of encouragement.


I have been reading in 2 Samuel recently. It is always amazing how God displays the true character of the people. Nothing is done to hide the flaws; man gets honest treatment. I pray that I will a worthy representative of my God in all that I do and say. 2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 

Walking by Faith

Walking by Faith

II Cor. 5:7  For we walk by faith, not by sight:

For many years I served at a ministry named Faith Baptist, and often through the regular course of ministry, the pastor would comment on "Faith Baptist" vs. "Sight Baptist." Especially now, as God has seen fit to move me to a new location w/o providing me a clear direction of what the future holds, I must learn to "walk by faith." It has been exciting to see Him work out each step of the move, from the sale of the house to the school for the kids. Once again God has shown Himself to be faithful. Regardless of what I do, I can never comprehend the love of my God as seen in His care for His children.

One of the great blessings of the Christian walk is the realization that comes when we see the result of our faith. We don't walk by sight, but the sight that comes when we see the result of God's leading is 20-20. We have all heard that hindsight is 20-20. Seeing the result of God's work is also crystal clear. Looking ahead, the view is often obstructed; looking back it is absolutely clear. So we walk by faith, trusting our God who loves us to prepare the way before and meet each need that we have.

Blessings as We Walk Life's Road

        I was asked to attend the school retreat on Thursday. It was a one day event, different from what I am used to operating back in Texas, but it was a great event. The preaching was good and the students had a great time.
        Later Thursday evening, I received an email from the realtor that the house may close on Tuesday. That would be a HUGE blessing. Our God is so wonderful. To sell the house in a weakened economy as quickly as we did, God surely blessed. As for most people, I would like to have had more profit, but to be done with the sale is wonderful.
        Today, we went to sign papers and have everything notarized. The papers have been delivered to Fed-Ex, so everything is progressing. God is so wonderfully good.
        Last night, my father-in-law took Justin and I to see the sprint cars at Williams Grove Speedway. We had a wonderful time.
        There are a couple of job possibilities on the horizon. I am trusting that God will give direction and leading as we seek His will. I would love to find the opportunity to be involved in ministry, whether in church or school. Maybe this week I will get something. Your prayers would be appreciated.


Sayonara

What a Day May Hold

This was an eventful day. It started with Becky taking the kids to school, as she had the opportunity to sub in Third Grade. I then spent most of the morning swapping out the in-law's computer for a new one. After moving files and settings, then came the big switch. Everything works fine: wonderful.

Then it was off to see the kid' games. Actually, I watch Justin's soccer games while Bec watches Brie's volleyball games. I wish they were not at the same time, but they are. It is fun to watch the kids learn and play.

In between those events, I applied for two jobs. I have more in store to apply to over the next couple of days. I face the continual struggle between waiting on God and waiting on self. I want to rely on God to provide the right job, but not wait until I find what I think is right. I want to serve Him in whatever position He desires. And so we wait to see what tomorrow will hold.

My Lord Knows the Way through the Wilderness

I have a dear friend and advisor who always quotes the title to this chorus. Currently he and his wife are going through some difficult times due to physical ailments, yet when asked how things are going, his typical response is "My Lord know the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow."

That is easy to say, but it is a lesson that is often learned through challenge. Even today as I was reading in I Samuel, David was anointed to be king, but yet he faced great difficulties. Saul tried to kill him; his brothers belittled him; he was anointed king without becoming much of anything except a target. Regardless of the trials I face, I can rest assured that my God will guide and protect me. He has been faithful in the past and I know that He will continue to be faithful in the future.

As I wait on Him to reveal the next step of ministry and service, I need to find gainful employment to provide for the family. I am thinking of working for free coffee, but I may need more than that, so perhaps I will need a different job. There are "many" jobs in the classifieds, both in the newspaper and online, but many are for jobs outside my areas of expertise. I have begun looking seriously and hope to have something in the works by the end of the coming week. I shall trust my God to meet that need as I follow Him. Bec and I would appreciate your prayers.

Away Games

The kids had away games yesterday (soccer & JV volleyball). One of the most interesting aspects of the games was the opponent -- Valley Forge Baptist Academy. Playing Valley Forge just sounds cool. The kids had a great time and the relationships being built as they begin a new school are important. On the way back to Hummelstown, it absolutely poured. It was strange, as I am not use to water falling out of the sky. I felt sort of like Noah. All in all, it was a great day.

Walking where He leads

Well, this first post comes amid one of the strangest-felling days in years. I dropped the kids off at school and sat in the car for a while to watch the action. It sure feels strange. For the first time in 17 years, the school year begins without me standing at the door welcoming the students and parent as they arrive. It feels odd, but yet I am excited to see what God has in store for the coming days. Bec and I would appreciate your prayers as we seek God's leading. we plan to be here in the Harrisburg area for at least this school year to allow the kids to attend school, but we do not yet have longterm plans. I cannot wait to get back into a school setting, doing what I love. It is completely up to God as to when that happens.

I will try to update this regularly, but it depends on what I end up doing. Enjoy.