Not my pics...

     So this update is gonna be different. My brother Mark has become quite the photographer.  All the photos below were taken by him and I friend on a camping trip.  I'm using his pictures to explain how I'm doing, because I am a terrible photographer and don't take many pictures.  If you think that's a problem you are welcome to tag along and take pictures for me, otherwise I probably will only take pictures the few times each year I actually have a camera with me and the motivation to make some memories.  Sorry for those of you who are really artsy and have the gift of snapping memorable moments.  Maybe I'll get better at that some day.

     Anyway I've been reminded that God's mercies are new every morning.  The longer I'm alive much less in Clarkston, GA I learn more and more how much I need that mercy.  It's funny how verses in the Scriptures don't come alive sometimes until they prove their worth to you or prove God's worth to you.  Some days I still wake up not knowing what in the world will happen in the afternoon. No schedule.  No plans.  A "to do" list that needs to be done at some point (writing this update is one of them!).  Some days when things are scheduled they don't turn out like I thought they would.  Other times they do.  Such is life.  "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."
     You know when life just comes at you in waves or floods. Reminds me of a water fall.  Challenges in ministry in Clarkston are no more difficult than other places in life, but the are still challenges: language barriers that don't away in three months, spiritual warfare that continues and sometimes is worse that before, relationships with imperfect people, "failed" attempts at ministry (as think it should go), laziness, not being in control, and the list could go on.  But the joys come in floods too: group of Burmese people coming to worship with us, chances to share the teaching of Jesus with those who've never heard, brotherhood with friends and co-workers in the Gospel here, the peace and rest in God through Christ in times of challenge and ordinary daily activities, the enjoyment of coaching a kids' basketball team.  So in general I'm thankful for the floods of life, the ups and downs that bring us to a place of humility and dependence that you can't get to by yourself.  God's grace just ordains these circumstances to renew us "in knowledge in the image of [our] Creator"

     The future is only in God's hands.  When I think about what will happen next year or even next month, it reminds me of this picture.  I'm on a path and can see the path right ahead of me, but I can't see the rest of it.  But if you look in the distance you see a beautiful view with details you can't make out yet.  It's like you know and believe that the big picture is awe-inspiring, yet you don't know exactly how hard or enjoyable it will be to climb the path on the way there.  You see and know and trust what's right in front of you.  Do what you know to do now.  Obey God in the things you know He wants you to do.  Be holy because He is holy.  Trust in Him.  Is this all talk?  Will the rubber stay on the road when it gets dangerous and difficult?  Will you trust what you can't see?  Will you do the work of God and believe as Jesus teaches?  God be merciful in our journey.  Give us grace to arrive at the end of the road safe and without falling. Then may we look back and see the ground we covered and know that you are good and trust with the psalmist, "How great is the goodness which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you."  Ps. 31:19.

"I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Is 41:10b