Update(s)

Well, after that heart heavy piece just a few minutes ago...

I did my second interview on Monday with the congregation I am in conversation with. It went very well. I am eager to take the next step. They would like to hear me preach and we are working to set up a date for that. Potentially mid-late July.

All of this means that things in the call process are much slower than I anticipated. If I don't preach until mid-late July, and they decide they wish to offer my name to the congregation, well it first goes through council (and then I may have to meet with the council and/or congregation meet-n-greet) and then a congregational meeting will be called (with at least two weeks notice) and a vote taken. So ordination - if all of these processes yield a "Yes" can't be until at least September.

What does all that mean? Well, I have to get a PT job. But here's the exciting and funny news. Some of you know that for a long time one of my 'dreams' was the be a grocery store check-out clerk - even if just for a day. So, yesterday I was bouncing around Manassas/Bristow/Gainesville checking out the way-too-fast, way-too-much development since I left for seminary and found a grocery store named Harris Teeter. I had just seen a cool commercial for it the night before, so I thought I would look around. After doing that and being greeted, and welcomed, and offered assistance by staff members, I thought....why don't I see if they are hiring PT? So I did, and about an hour later (after application, computerized skill assessment, and drug test) I was offered a conditional postion as cashier, pending the results of my drug test! Let me tell you - I did NOT plan this. I was in jean shorts, a scruffy grey t-shirt, hair just there, and no make-up. And I walked out with a job! Now, I won't be starting until they get the drug test results (8-15 with the holiday) but wow, I have a job. I am going to be a grocery store check-out clerk!

Well, life hands you funny things sometimes and you just role with it. Besides, what a great job to have where I don't have to bring it home with me, and I get to meet people all-day long! Here's to the process - first call, grocery store, and life! God's pretty funny sometimes I think! :-)

The Truth

Why is the truth so hard to find sometimes? Why do some people run so far from the truth, only to continue to burden themselves with lie after lie? These have been two questions that have been prevalent in my thinking and in my prayers.

Truth is not always easy, because we indeed need to look our broken selves square in the face. But untruth/lies become weights that ultimately we can't carry. We try, sure, but we fail each and every time. Lies begin to unravel and before we know it we are not only fully exposed, but we are left scrambling to try and cover up again.

This morning I am praying that the truth be the live-giving power that it is, and that those who are running and carrying lies alone, would drop them and reach out for the truth, or let truth reach out for them. Living in the truth is true life, living in the lies, well that's death. I pray for those who can't see this or are afraid to step into the light of truth, let them find someone who is reaching out a hand saying, "Come." And may those who reach out to others straddled by falsehood see the fullness of the person burdened by this, and love fully that person. I hope and pray that I can do this for the ones I love...

Velvet Elvis

I am just about finished a new read, "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell. And I really like it. Don't get me wrong, I wrestle and struggle with some of his theology, but like one of my friend's said, "You've gotta read it through your own lens and situation yourself there." Situate, but not cement.

I am finding much in this text that I intend to use devotionally or as encouraging/provoking statements as a pastor, as well as using this text in a book circle.

I highly recommend it, and will share further commentary on this book in the days to come, right now, apparently I am still on vacation...heading back to a beach (third one in three weeks), so more to come.

Peace.

Some pics from the recent trip - more to follow

Sun, Fun, and Friends

What more could you want? I am sitting in the living room of a pink house in SW Florida. The pool is just off to my left and the convertible car is off to my right in the garage. We have massages and facials scheduled this afternoon, followed by some good time on the beach. This is great, but I am not sure I could do this forever. No alarm clocks. Watching TV from the pool. Eating and drinking good (and not so good) for you delicacies? This is why they call is vacation.

Tomorrow morning we will set an alarm clock and get up before dawn to head to Sannibel Island to do some shelling. Apparently it is one of the biggest and best places to shell in the US. We will also probably rent some scooters and just putz all up and down the island as we wish.

Yesterday we drove from Ft. Myers to Lover's Island or something like that...great drive. Ended up at a beach - Barefoot Beach - that is a Gopher Turtle Sanctuary. Didn't see any turtles, but got some great shells and a wonderful walk on the beach - even those it was threatening rain. Saw a movie in a theater that serves you lunch/dinner. Nice. Good movie, okay food, good friends.

The quiet time in the morning (right now) as my friends are sleeping in is great! I find some good time for prayer, reflection, and reading (or updating my blog.) The pool is calling right now, but I am going to hold off.

Vacation is good. Now if I could get mself to enjoy and truly take this time (although not in such quantity) regularly, Sabbath would be found and lived. We will see.

(SIDE NOTE - I am interviewing with a parish and will probably interview later this month again. Please continue to pray for me, for the parish that interviews me, and for this process as it takes place across the church.)

Graduation Day!

Well, today is graduation. In several hours I will walk across the stage at Mees Hall on Capital University's campus and receive my MDiv. It has been four wonderful, challenging, and affirming years. I am eager to jump out into my first call (in conversation right now with a church) and see where and what God has in store for us.

There are people who have made my time in seminary what it is. Family and friends back home - you know who you are. But also some phenomenal servants of Christ here at Trinity. Kudos to you folk, especially - Hank & Shirla Langknecht, Jane Jenkins, Cheryl Peterson, Lisa Dahill, Rod Hutton, Lynn Nakamura, Mary Shields, Jane Kirchhoff, Mark Ramseth, Mark & Melissa Powell, Ceicilia McEldowny, and Carla Birkheimer. Thanks for who you are and what you do.

Well, I should get moving here...keep checking back for updates.

Peace!