JUST US!

Saturday we had a little family get-together here in Mulvane. Todd, Eric, and I celebrate birthdays in October so we had a little birthday party. Right after lunch we went to a local park and had our pictures taken by a woman from our church. She did a great job, especially working with 4 grandbabies and the Kansas wind. Thanks Chele.


Here's the four grandkids. ML is holding Addy. I am holding Aubryn. Brayden is in the middle and Owen is on the right. They are a blast to have around. And to think - 2 boys and 2 girls! Pretty amazing!

Yep, here we are - Just us! All together at one time - a miracle. Todd and Melissa are on the left with Owen and Aubryn. Eric and Andrea are on the right with Brayden and Addy. Kyle is in the middle between ML and Andrea.

ML and I are so blessed with our kids, their wives, and the grandkids. We love them dearly and are very proud of each one. But the greatest blessing is knowing that each one of the boys and their wives have made Jesus their Lord and Savior of their lives. They are all involved in their local churches and are serving in various ways. To know that we are not only family on this earth, but that we will always be together in eternity because of our faith in Christ is truly a reason to rejoice! So, praise the Lord for family! And "double" praise the Lord for helping us come to grips with what Joshua proclaimed in Scripture, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"

"....AND THEY RECOGNIZED HIM!"

A milestone was reached this past weekend as 41 women completed the 100th "walk" of the Bread of Life Community Walk to Emmaus in Wichita. What an incredible story to think that over 3,000 men and women have taken part in the 72 hour spiritual journey with Christ from all over the state of Kansas (and other states as well). For those of you who are unaware of the Walk to Emmaus, (in a nutshell) it is a Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon gathering of men (one weekend) and women (the next weekend) who come together to be challenged, restored, renewed, and encouraged in their faith in Jesus Christ with the intention of not only strengthening individuals, but strengthening the local church.


As one who has been involved in countless walks and am now the community spiritual director, I have seen lives and churches transformed as a result of what God has done through the Walk to Emmaus. And as is always the case, this happened again these past 2 weekends. Men and women experienced God's grace in ways never before experienced. They experienced God's love through times of fellowship, times around the table, various talks given by both laity and clergy, times of worship, and times of invitation to the Lord's table. And to hear the testimonies of those who participated - well, once again God did His thing. What a blessing!



I am so thankful for those who were sensitive to the Holy Spirit back in 1987 to charter the wallk in the Wichita area. I am grateful for their persistence, their energy, their patience, their endurance, and their love for the Lord to see that this movement would carry through and carry on. And yes, here we are - 100 walks later. Incredible!



As I mentioned last week, I am seeking to discern those areas that I need to set aside because of my busy schedule. And to be honest, I was considering stepping down from my role in Emmaus. But God affirmed to me through various circumstances and through the voices of many people this past weekend that I am to continue to lead the Bread of Life Community. I have experienced God's working in my life through Emmaus. I have seen lives - men and women - transformed because of Emmaus. I have seen and experienced what Emmaus can do to transform the life of the local church as well. So, with that being said, I commit myself to serving the Lord in this capacity until the Lord tells me differently.





To you who have gone through the walk - De Colores!! To you who will be participating on the future, let me know your desire and I'll be sure and get you a sponsor for the next walk or one down the road. The next walk? 2011 in Garden City, Kansas. Men's walk - March 3-6. Women's walk - March 10-13. Looking to experience God? Take a walk - a walk to Emmaus.

THIS AND THAT!

Hi folks. It's been a little while since I've been able to do this here blog thing. Busy as all get out! Since I returned from the high country I've hit the ground running. A couple of funerals, several meetings, preached a 3 day revival, was sick, my mother-in-law's 80th, my 52nd, did this, did that. But, God has been faithful. Very thankful. Here's a few thoughts. I encourage your comments.

• I began a series preaching on the vision that God has given our church - "Inviting ALL to experience the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ". Last week I preached on being very intentional about us inviting others to church to experience God and what He has in store for them. This week I will speak on the invitation offered to ALL!. Stay tuned.

• Enjoyed getting together with ML's family in Marion on the 2nd for her mom's 80th birthday celebration. A good time was had by all. Lots of fun- games, food, laughter, food (did I already say that)? We too often take family for granted. It's God's blessing!

• Just bought another couple of books by Francis Chan. Crazy Love and Forgotten God. Pick up a copy of each. But beware - you will be challenged and convicted. Good stuff.

• Watched K-State get hammered by Nebraska last night. Wow! Big time F on the fotball grade card. Still shaking my head (thus the neck ache).

• Preached a 3 day revival in Peabody. Aulne joined forces. God was in the house. Great participation and wonderful response to the "invitation" to come and leave the junk of life at the foot of the cross. Had the opportunity to pray with many folks - many issues. The time was sweet. Unfortunately, the third night is really when you get a feel for what is going on in the lives of the people. Need to take a few more nights. I plan to do a follow up after the first of the year. Thanks to ML and some of the Mulvanites who showed up Monday evening. (It was a nice b-day present). Also stayed at my folks 8 miles up the road during that time. That was special.

• Praying for some friends who are going through cancer. It really stinks. However, God is faithful. Will we be faithful to support and pray for those who are struggling? Will we be the church or just "go to church"?

• ML and I went with a sunday School class from church today to the Carriage Crossing in Yoder for lunch. Wow, I am still stuffed - fried chicken, mashed potatos, corn, home made bread, coconut cream pie. Oh yeah! Not to mention some great fellowship. Thanks to the Crusader/Phoenix class.

• A couple of dear saints from the church passed away and I officiated their funerals these past 2 weeks. We have all been blessed and impacted by the lives of Mary Croft and Dolly Pittman. Thank you Lord for their lives.

• I could use your prayers. Trying to sort out those things that are merely "good" in contrast to those that are "best". I can't keep this pace and remain effective for the kingdom.

• I'd appreciate your thoughts on any of the above or anything else because I am trying to determine if this blog is something that needs to continue or go into hibernation. Let me know.

• Have a great week!!! Blessed art thou!