Friday, July 24, 2009

Marriage is...

















Marriage is a life,
A life lived not for yourself,
But for the one who holds your heart.

Marriage is a bond and a friendship,
One that is unrivaled by another,
another In this world.

Marriage is a source of grace,
And hope for sharing love
That knows no bounds.

Marriage is not a mere season,
But a calendar of decades
Planned for a lifetime of adventure.

Marriage is a celebration
of the perfect unity
found only in the mystery of our creator.

Today Jeanine and I look back over five years of marriage in amazement at how love can grow! I'm so thankful for this beautiful gift... This lovely lady!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

A day among days...

A day among days...
Today is a day among days... It's the day of our church's annual district conference where the vision and course is set for the coming days and years. It's a day of being with friends from across the state and hearing how God is moving and working.

Today, as a part of this gathering, is my ordination for ministry as a pastor in the Wesleyan church and The Church which is the presence of Jesus Christ in the world today. Over the past few days I've been reflecting on this day and what is Ordination.

Ordination is not something of man. Though there will be people of God gathered round and laying hands on those of us being ordained, it is not they who ordain. I've been to college and seminary - I give to ministries financially and of my time - I've gone to interviews and conferences - I do a lot of things, but ordination is not something I earned. No, ordination is not because I'm different, more special, more loved or more holy than anyone else.

Ordination, as best I can understand it from scripture and the calling of prophets teachers and leaders, is something that can only come from God. It's much like salvation and life transformation, it's a gift of grace to an undeserving, maybe even unlikely person. That free gift of salvation doesn't leave a person the same; it brings about change over time. In that process each person is given gifts of the spirit (strengths to carry out God's purpose and calling in your life) because we are all called to serve the Kingdom of God - some as teachers, some as prophets, some as preachers, builders, leaders and janitors. God alone gives freely of love and grace and each is ordained to serve.

Tonight's ordination service is specifically a recognition of God's work in a person's life to lead the church. I'm humbled to be a part of this and so thankful for the family and friends who have helped guide me in my relationship with Jesus. He created each of us different, special, and loved, and wants us to be Holy as He is Holy.

This is a day among days! To God be the Glory!

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Adventures in the Western Territory...

Jeanine and I just returned from an adventure out west. Jeanine was taking a class at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. Neither of us had been to Washington before. We got to work in a quick trip to Idaho and then spent a few days with our good friends Char & Kevin in LA, Cali on the way home. Lots of fun flying and really beautiful scenery. Check out the pictures in these different albums from our trip.

Assorted WA & ID

Mt. Spokane

Spokane River

Cali