Away in a Manger

 

GOOD JOB YOUNG LADY!

Update

Yesterday Susan and I had lunch with Bill and Brooke (pastor and his wife).  We met at Jason's Deli and sat talking for a good while.  We talked quite a bit about our status, including support-raising efforts.  It was good to tell them that our monthly committments were up to 69%.  It seems we've been sitting on 67% forever.  Actually, we have been there for maybe 6 weeks.  I have been conflicted about the right tone to take with potential supporters.  Bill and Brooke were encouraging about our approach as was a church elder several days earlier.  We are seeking partners for a long term ministry. I hope that means that our supporters are excited about our ministry and see great value in partnering with us.  One who feels pressured or manipulated is less likely to stick it out for the long-term.  At least that is how I see it, but I do have moments of doubt when support-raising efforts yield little for an extended peiod of time.  I was very grateful to have wise and timely counsel from good friends.

The other big piece of news is that we are preparing to move back to Susan's hometown near the end of January.  We have been given a great living situation and an opportunity to meet with potential supporters in Southeast Georgia.  The hard part was telling my mom.  We went Christmas shopping on Saturday and stopped at Johnny's for lunch.  While waiting for our orders to come back, I brought the subject up.  It was tough for me to tell her and tough for her to hear.  She teared up and didn't really say much.  When we leave for Glennville we will not see my mom and Dad much before we head to Bulgaria.  Please pray for my mom and our entire family as the time to leave approaches.  Though we are excited about the road ahead, departing will be hard for us all.  

Bing Crosby & David Bowie (see previous post)

Surprised by joy

This morning I found myself inconveniently stuck between appointments.  I dropped Joshua off for school and soon I will be heading to the doctor, but the time between is just enough that it doesn’t make since to go home or directly to the appointment.  I decided to go to Starbucks, do a devotional and work on a draft for networking with Christian therapists.  As I sat working on Biblical references for some of the ideas I was trying to develop as they relate to caring for disabled children, unexpected joy overcame me.  You might be surprised to hear that God used David Bowie in my life this morning, but God is surprising and He can use anyone and anything for His purposes and His glory.  I had just read the verse in Revelation, “Behold I am making all things new…(21:5)” Then I found 1 John 2:17 and read of the reminder that this world is passing away, but that the things of God are eternal.  At that moment, in the coffee shop, the song “Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby and David Bowie began playing.  Now I love “Little Drummer Boy,” but I’ve never really cared for that version because I didn’t like Bowie’s lines which always seemed to be an intrusion to an otherwise great song.  This morning was different, though.  When Bowie began singing “peace on earth” and men living in peace, the goodness of God just overwhelmed me and woke me up from the dullness of the last several days.  Just a little footnote:  The reason I love “Little Drummer Boy” so much is that it is a picture of a humble boy giving to God out of his poverty and God smiles on him.  Lest you think I speak of works righteousness, the boy in the song plays to honor his King.  He is given a place at the side of Jesus before he ever strikes the drum.  I want to live before God in the same way and I want to “play my best for Him….pa-rum-pa-pum-pum.”  Here's my favorite version (Jars of Clay):

The Sunday Paper

Click on the title to go to the Ledger's website.  Our family was featured on the front page of the Sunday paper. Now that a lot of people know what we are doing, please join me in praying that this new exposure will help us find new partners and increased support.