AND THE SEASON IS..........???

Just when we thought Spring had arrived, old man Winter decided to show his ugly face. So we found ourselves in the midst of a blizzard today with howling winds and blowing snow. I have no idea how much snow we received because it blew all over the place but it was enough to slow everyone down, in fact many businesses were closed. (ML was happy). But in the big picture, it was much needed moisture (we've been praying, remember?) And as the pictures show, it really is quite beautiful.

When I see snow I am often reminded of the verse in Psalm 51:7 that says, "...wash me, and I will be whiter than snow". You having a bad day? Think you've messed up so much you can never be forgiven? Beyond hope? Then read all of Psalm 51. If King David's sins were forgiven and he was washed whiter than snow, be assured that you too can be restored and renewed and purified. That's good news - even in the midst of a blizzard.

Some birds huddled under the bird feeder - Lunchtime!

This is good imagery. Has your life gone adrift (a drift)? Then why not step into the Lord's house and be drawn back to Him?

The road less traveled.

COUNTING THE COST

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" Matthew 16:24.


These words were spoken to Peter and his companions shortly after Jesus predicted his upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection. Peter, as you may recall, took Jesus aside and rebuked him. "Never, Lord" he said. "This shall never happen to you". But as we know, it did.

Obviously Peter thought he was doing Jesus a favor by attempting to keep Jesus from making his way to the cross. But he failed to understand that the reason Jesus emptied himself from His Father's glory was to become like us, to take on our very likeness, and in obedience, offer himself on the cross for our sins. To do otherwise would be disobedience. And we would still be left in our sins. Yes, for Peter to follow Jesus, he must get behind him.

Was it costly for Jesus to be obedient to the Father? Yes - it cost him his life. Was it costly for Peter to follow Jesus in obedience? Yes - ultimately, it too cost him his life. But what about us? Is it really costly for us to be obedient to God as we seek to follow Jesus? That has been the discussion.

There has been no physical persecution for any of us in our study. No one has lost a job because of faith in Christ. No one lives in fear or danger because of following Jesus. Yes, a few have been made fun of. A few have some family struggles amongst each other as it pertains to going to church, being in a Bible study, or desiring to grow in the faith. But over all, do we consider it a cost to follow Jesus?

I guess I'd just like your feedback regarding costly obedience and what you think it means to "deny self and pick up your cross". Personally, when we were called into ministry we felt it was quite a cost - leaving our home and moving 12 hours away. Not sure how we would make it financially. Unsure of what the future would hold. But in the bigger picture, and as we look back, was it really a cost? We've made friends wherever we've been - Chicago, Salina, Leoti, and now heading to Mulvane. God has always been true and faithful. He has always provided. So is that a cost? And then I think of those who die daily for the faith throughout the world. Now to me, that's a cost.

So what do you think? What's your cost for following Jesus? Is there a cost? How do you understand it? Just click the comment button. I'd like to hear what you have to say.

SPLISH SPLASH!!

This past week I had some meetings in Salina which gave me the opportunity to see one of my grandsons. Owen is Todd and Melissa's little boy and they gave me babysitting duty on Sunday evening. So they left me (literally) with taking the little man for a walk, feeding him, giving him a bath, and getting him ready for bed. Do you know how long it's been since I've done that? All went well and we had a great time. The above video is his regular evening bath, which as you can see, he loves. Lot's of fun. (Oh yeah, I even made it to my meetings).

PASS THE DRAMAMINE!

Wow! What a roller coaster ride this past couple of weeks has been. By now, you (or most of you) know that we received a call from our district superintendent who relayed to us that we will be making a move the end of June. I was told on the 27th to be prepared to receive a phone call on February 28 with more details. After waiting with nervous stomachs that day we received the call. After some pleasantries I was told that the cabinet (Bishop and DS's) had discerned a change of location for us and requested we pray about a relocation to Mulvane UMC. We were to let them know by Tuesday evening. After a few sleepless nights, prayer, several tums and more prayer, we returned the call on Tuesday. We were then told that we were to have an introductory meeting on Saturday morning with their PPRC committee (the committee responsible for staff and congregation). The roller coaster ride really kicked in - up and down, round and around - tums and dramamine needed.


Friday came - we drove to Newton and stayed with ML's sister and then on to Mulvane the next morning for the meeting. In the meantime, our PPRC committee was called to have a meeting with our DS for a "consultation" meeting - "what if" scenarios. So needless to say, they knew something was up. More dramamine needed. We met with the Mulvane PPRC and it was a wonderful meeting - very informative and productive. There were no red flags on our part nor were there any on their part and as a result we will be making the move to Mulvane at the end of June. We then toured the parsonage (ML is pleased) and returned home that afternoon/evening.


That then left us with the gut wrenching task of making the announcement to the church on Sunday morning. Thankfully, God blessed us with his presence and it was a good time of worship (not that anyone remembers). We participated in holy communion which left nothing at the end of the service but to make the announcement. I almost made it through without having to regroup. But I make no apologies for the emotion because it identifies a strong tie between us and the people of Leoti. That will never change. What will change is the pastor and style of leadership and that's okay. God uses us all in a variety of ways. What will not change is God's unending love, mercy, grace, and presence in the midst of his people.


So - we have 4 months to go. And yes, there will be days where we go up and down and all around. But be assured - God will be riding with us all - all the way!