Surprises, adventures, and a really long flight

I don't know very much Greek or Hebrew, but there has to be something in scripture about God being "One who Surprises."  The past 12 months have been full of them, and His finger prints have been all over them.  

Tonight, I'm sitting in the food court at Newark/Liberty International Airport, and will board a Continental jet for a 14.5 hour flight to the East in just about 2 hours.  Where in the world did that come from??  I chuckled to myself last night when our Lead Pastor, Ridley Barron, mentioned that yesterday was the 3 year anniversary for Pam and I being at RCC.  All that did was remind me again about the surprises and adventures that come with pursing Christ.  Didn't mean to chase that rabbit, but it goes to the point...  when we determine to place our lives in His hands, He will surprise.  Sometimes it's a surprise of a smile, and sometimes it's a surprise of traveling around the world for His fame.

Some believe that the life of being a Christ follower is confined to a list of do's and don'ts or the safety of a "Christianized culture."  I'm learning that there is amazing freedom and adventure that comes with pursuing Him.  If you are struggling with the "safety" of your faith; if you are board with the cobwebs of religious tradition and opinion; then cast your sails fully and make yourself available to the breath of the Holy Spirit.  You'll be amazed where He will take you.  It might be across the street, across town, into unchartered relationships, or maybe to the far corners of the world.

The journey is big... the challenge is great... but my God is Mighty.

Check this blog frequently this week for updates from India.

Second Chances, New Beginnings, and Snow

Yesterday was a little strange. I guess "new" territory always feels that way though. The staff (at RCC) is always encouraging our people to step outside of their comfort zone and live radically for Christ. Ridley mentioned that as recently as this past Sunday, in fact. Yesterday, Pam and I took the plunge.

Sometimes people need a fresh start. Sometimes, people need a new environment with new challenges. And sometimes, for the church to really be the Church, we have to cross some boundaries. So, yesterday, Pam and I welcomed a new member of the family into our home. We don't know how long he will be there... as long as he needs, I guess. It isn't exactly convenient for us, but wow, what an opportunity to be an encouragement. Today when I dropped him off for school (new experience for me!), I reminded him that it was a new day with a fresh start. Oddly enough, it seems like a new day for me as well.

How does the snow comment mentioned in the title relate? Easy... last night as I was driving home from REVOLUTION (our student worship event), I was reminded how clean and fresh everything looks when it's snowing. Everything seems to glow with newness. It seemed fitting. A young man "re-starts" a life that has been overtaken by some bad decisions, and a crazy couple takes a dive into faith that has already been stretched over the past year.


Let it snow!