crowded, creative and comfortable

Back from Haiti and an incredible week sharing with pastors hungry for the teaching of the Word...and overwhelmed with a sense of all of the stuff I have...I headed out with Beverly to a little place called Morgan Hill in Northern California in our trailer.  Our goal--to spend Thanksgiving with our two sons and their families--including eight grandchildren!

Both Tim and Chad have trailers so we parked side-by-side--grandma and grandpa in the middle--giving the intended easy access to the early morning hot chocolate Bev prepared each morning for the grandchildren.  Squeezed into our trailer with all eight of them, provided unforgettable moments of high audible joy that are still resonating my heart..and ears.

The weather was nice enough that we set up for Thanksgiving outside--carefully decorated tables under a "protective "awning but by the time dinner was ready a raucous storm had moved in causing us to relocate in the biggest of the three trailers, fourteen of us.  We were a closely-banded and bonded together by our 32' x 8' enclosure but it was a comfortable setting--more than enough delicious food, including my first attempt at fried turkey (it got rave reviews!).  We read the 100th Psalm, prayed together and thanked God for His bountiful blessings.

It is these kinds of events I will always remember--when we have to be creative, when we are crowded--but we find comfort in one another's company and the special relationships with God and one another that cause us to be thankful..."for the Lord is good and His love endures forever", Psalm 100:4b.

New challenges...old fears

I am preparing for retirement in the next year, although it will not be the kind where you don't need to work!  However, it is a time of wonderful transition and anticipation after forty-five years as a pastor, counselor and life coach.

I am handing the baton of leadership to someone I have mentored for over thirteen years.  he will do an excellent job and undoubtedly lead the church into new challenges and greater opportunities of ministry.  Nothing would make me prouder!

Transitions and challenges go hand-in-hand.  Are you anticipating some changes in your life?  As I contemplate an uncertain future I am sometimes fearful but I was reminded this morning in my devotions with Bev (my wife ) from Proverbs 18:10, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the rightheous run to it and are safe".


I need to "run" there more often when I am worrying about the next steps of my life,  The Lord promises that he will be "a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path"--exactly enough light for the very next step only.  This makes me have to trust the one who know the beginning from the end and who works all situations together for my ultimate good and His glory.

So, recognizing that God does not give us a spirit of fear (someone else is responsible for that...), I resolve today to release my fears to the Lord, and to embrace the strong tower He is and will be wherever I land and whatever I do.

How about you?