Getting Caught Up

I've been moving at 150 MPH since the arrival of our new family member and haven't had the opportunity to share much with you. Here are some of the things that have been running through my mind:

I've been without my camera for almost a month now. I had that and my Ipod stolen from my car on Oct 6 and I've been working with the insurance company (more accurately, the mysterious-and-hard-to-communicate-with 'Adjuster'). I didn't realize how much I had come to depend on both.

I have taken to keeping my camera handy so I can take photos for the blog. I've seen so much around town and been in so many situations that I've said, "If only I had my camera." I listen, almost exclusively, to my Ipod when I'm in the car.

The check from the Insurance company came today and I ran right out and got a new Ipod (80 GB Classic in black) and will pick up a new camera tomorrow!

Trying to adjust my thought life since Samantha Page has been born is more challenging than I thought it would be. I find my thoughts and prayers drifting in her direction far more frequently than I ever anticipated. I have found this to be a far greater blessing than I had ever imagined.

Kelly struggles with her own desire to be near the baby (and Ruth and Todd). Whenever she hears a baby cry or sees another one up close, she gets a little teary eyed. Her heart for her children and now for her grandchild make her even more beautiful than before.

This is a happy time in our lives. With all the changes we have been through in the last 7 years and all the potential for disaster, God has blessed us mightily over and over again. I have to confess that, at times, it has been difficult to step out in faith and trust Him and His promises. Whenever we muster up the courage to set aside our fears and concerns (we're not always successful), He has proven, yet again, that His faithfulness far surpasses our own.

Kelly and I are blessed with a great and growing relationship with each other. We have great kids and a comfortable home. But, by far, the greatest blessing God has so graciously given us, aside from knowing Him, is the honor of being able to minister and serve at WBF. This is so far beyond our wildest dreams that I have to pause each day and give thanks to God for bringing all this about.

We appreciate all the love and concern you have shared with us. We appreciate the patience you've exhibited while we were away. We appreciate your allowing us into your lives. This is all so exciting!

I am hyped about this series we are about to enter in 1 Corinthians on "Spiritual Gifts". I can't help but feel that God's timing is perfect for WBF and our study of these Scriptures. I was taken by surprise by how strongly Chapter 11 hit me and I was excited to be able to preach through it. I believe that God is preparing us for something significant as we move into the next 3 chapters. I would ask you to be in prayer for us as a body as we go forward in 1 Corinthians and into the holidays.