What Season Is It? The Answer Could Be Risky

When I think of seasons, there are many images that come to mind. The natural, physical weather seasons definitely can paint a picture whether it be Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall. Most of you who know me, know that warmer seasons are too my liking.

As I get older, people talk about seasons of life. Sondra and I are now out of the child-rearing season for the most part and definitely out of the child-bearing season unless God decides to play a practical joke.

Sports have their seasons as well and I know many of my friends are huge college football fans, but college basketball is my favorite season. I like football. I love basketball. It is a good season right now for me. Go MIZZOU!

Ministry has seasons too it seems. And, at times, those seasons are not clearly marked like the seasons in a year or the seasons of life. These ministry seasons can get a little murky at times and actually confusing if one is prone to focus on the situations/circumstances rather than the One who controls the seasons.

Our pastor has been sharing vision and direction for the coming year of ministry at our church and he began to mention and talk about risk. I have always be a little risk averse but have tried to portray myself as someone who likes risk and new things. And, I do to some extent.

Lately in my times with God in the morning and the backdrop of our pastor's messages, I have been thinking/praying/reading and focusing on risk.

My conclusion is this - The greater risk is not the task/circumstance/action but the greatest risk is in not trusting fully the One who can be trusted. I am praying that God will show me Himself in such a way that I will live the reality that not trusting Him is the greatest risk of all.

God, help me see You and trust and follow You wherever/whenever You send me.

Happy New Year!

Here we are at 2013 and how amazingly quick 2012 was in so many ways. A year ago today, Shelbi and I were in San Francisco "on one last trip before you get married"excursion. She was not even engaged yet, but this dad knew, that by year's end, Shelbi would add a new last name. We had a great time out there and in April, Mark popped the question and in August, well, if you follow this blog at all, you know that we enjoyed a glorious day at Mark and Shelbi's wedding.

2012 brought on some new adventures for us as a family too. We said so long to Evelyn in May (the Chinese student who spent the school year with us) and said Hello to Alysha Cook. She has been with us since July and we are thankful that God put us all together. She has picked up a new name while here so if you see her, just call her Lily. I took on a new role at work and am excited to see what God allows us to be a part of in making a difference in cities. Actually, I get back at it Jan 2. It is a fun team to be on and I am learning so much. It will be busy and hard but I am excited about the challenge.

We love being a part of our church, Hermitage Hills. Sondra continues to sing in choir and praise team and is on the search team for our new worship leader. I continue to work with the college-aged students and help with middle and high school students. Love working with those students and the other leaders.
Sondra and I continue to love each other more. She is planning on going on a mission trip to Guatemala with our church in March; we will celebrate 28 years or marriage in May; Morgan graduates from Union in May and who knows what else will happen involving our family. Sondra's mom continues to do pretty well and still resides in Bolivar, MO. My dad is doing well and lives in Independence, MO where he enjoys preaching on Weds. in a local nursing home.

I am committing to blogging a little more regularly in 2013. I know so many of you are sorely disappointed when I fail to update you on what is happening in our lives (of course, that last statement is tongue in cheek.)

God's richest blessings on you in 2013. Come see us if you get close to NashVegas!