My Dilemma

I know that I have not posted in a while, other than just lately. It has been a struggle.


I have been the feeling the odd man out for a while now at church. I taught through the Matt Chandler series on Philippians, and thought that went well. But when it comes to what we teach in other areas or what we do in response to the Gospel, I feel alone.


At our recent elder's retreat, there was no vision casting (although that was the supposed purpose). There was little prayer (although the minister did notice that one the last day, and said it was okay, because we were doing God's work).


Can you do God's work without prayer?


A year ago I was asked to evaluate the Student Minister. Today I was taken to task because I was not completely positive in my efforts.


After much discussion with my wife and prayer, we decided to make a move. I do not believe that this decision was made in haste, and we have had many confirmations along the way that we have made the best choice. However, it is not easy as it seems. Finding a good, Gospel preaching church is a challenge.


We have visited a few churches. The first just seemed dead. The second was better, but the messages were lame, lots of opinion and little Scripture. We tried a few more Sundays, but it only confirmed our first impression. I miss not having a church family.


It has been over a month now since we have been to our former church. I resigned as an elder and went to the last meeting so they could ask me any questions about my decision. They didn't.


I have gotten an e-mail from the church's new Executive Director and one from the Minister. I have had one phone call from a friend in our Sunday School class. I have ran into a few folks and they have said that they have missed seeing us.


So I wonder, have I not had a church family for a while and just didn't know it?

Follow Up

I said yesterday that I would follow up with a few pictures. Here is one from my seat on the deck, facing north.

This is my view to the west. It is nice, because I can sit in the shade and keep an eye on the kids in the pool.

I feel blessed to have a nice home, but I also have to realize that this is not my true home. It is not even a shadow of what awaits for those who love the Lord.

I look forward to that day. No more sorrow, fears, mortgage, weeds, etc. Just being in the actual presence of God, seeing His glory, justified through Christ. All of this in so little in comparison to that. And that is what I need to keep in mind, so that my focus in forward, and not only in the present.

Well worth it.

I sit in my back yard, typing on the laptop, watching my children swim in the pool. It has been a long wait to get here. First, the school year had to end, which it finally did. (Amen!) Then there was the hours of pool preparation and work landscaping in the backyard. (Okay, still some yard work left to do.) But I am at a point where I can finally sit under the pavillion in the shade with a nice breeze blowing, watching my children play, listening to some classic Beach Boys, and catching up on the blog (it has been way too long).


It is wonderful, but it did not happen by accident and it took quite a bit of effort.


And to think, this does not compare to that which awaits in heaven. That too did not happen by accident, and there was some work involved...most of which was accomlished well before I was even born.


Hopefully I can get to the other computer and post a few pics later. But right now it is so nice out here.


...fun, fun, now that daddy took the T-Bird away...