So... it's been a while. But the storm of stuff is subsiding. I've been so blessed to see God in many different ways lately that I wanted to share them in hopes of encouraging you. We have had a rough few years. It has been trial after trial of great intensity. But there are people in our lives on purpose. Often, though, our expectations rob them of any notoriety. But I am just very grateful for these...
First, my wife. Who, through an intense schedule of 3 jobs has held our family intact, sometimes single-handedly. I began this schedule in September as i took on 2 part time jobs - one with Lehigh Valley Christian High school advising their student worship band, and the other beginning my own remodeling business. All that on top of still leading both the music and student ministries here at Carpenter's. There have been days at a time when the only time we see each other is when it's dark and the only thing we have left is a vegetative grunt. But as things calm down and family time reemerges, I am eternally grateful that despite the stress I know she still loves me and she shows it. That, for me, is unconditional. She doesn't think does much, but she has done it all when it comes to my family.
Second, the band. We have walked an intense road over the last 6 months together as ministers and musicians. The elder team began months ago looking at ways to relieve my responsibilities at the church and that relief came to fruition because of a hand full of people willing to step up and lead, no matter the discomfort or, at times, tremendous scrutiny. They have stayed strong and grown stronger. Jim, Justin, and Steff have stepped up to share the worship leading responsibilities which means I only lead worship every 4 weeks or so now. I still choose to play occasionally, besides leading, but these are no longer part of my job description at Carpenter's, rather an exercising of my gifts. Tim Cunningham, Mary Lou, and Tim Beam have stepped up into leadership roles - Tim C. as the Deacon of Media and Technology and Tim B. heading up the tech team. These two guys have grown in front of my eyes into great heroes for me. They will never know the full weight they took off my shoulders. And Marylou - handling the scheduling admin that I so despise.
Third, for Bob Hampton. He came on as our Sr. Pastor just over a year ago (April fools to be exact... cause we're cool like that). I think I speak for many when I say we were reluctant to think that anyone could help us out of where we were. But Bob has been an amazing example of simply knowing the Word of Truth and living it. He has been real, but led us to a place where the Word is changing lives. I hope people can say the same of me some day. He's not perfect... thankfully - he fits right in. But he loves his calling to these people and it shows.
And finally, the Elder board. My brothers in arms. They have pressed and pushed me into God these past 2 years and I can honestly say, that if it wasn't for them, I would not be as close you Him. They helped me see what He had next. They laughed with me/at me for hours at a time - those were our monthly meetings. And yeah, we're down to a monthly 2-3 hour meeting. THAT is church body success for us! We were just remembering yesterday the 4-5 hour weekly meetings!! It is because of the devotion of these men - Dave, Jerry, Jake, Mike, and Chris - that I can say confidently that Carpenter's is not perfect, but it is now healthy.
I hope that you can be thankful in the midst of trial so that you can take a deep breath on the other side, resting in the thoughts of purpose.
