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Just a little something I shared with our students. Thought you might like it too.

..being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

A little more than a month ago, Starbucks surprised me with a new product announcement. They introduced their first instant coffee. The claim, “Our new instant coffee is changing what people think about instant coffee.” I have to admit, I was skeptical, but because they offered me a free sample, I thought I’d try it. The envelope came in the mail last week and I’ve got a cup in front of me right now. While it’s some of the better instant coffee I’ve tasted, it’s still instant coffee. Translation: Starbucks Via isn’t very good.

Instant goodness is hard to find. The Bible often uses agricultural metaphors to describe the transformational process. It’s not something that can be rushed, in fact, there are times when it looks like nothing is happening. But as long as the right conditions are present and the crop is cultivated it will grow. Paul is sharing the same idea to the Philippians. Don’t worry, this process that Jesus started, He’ll keep it moving along. There’s more going on than what we can see. Even though it seems like nothing is happening, it’s encouraging to know that He’s still working. The change may not happen today or tomorrow, but it will happen and unlike a particular brand of instant coffee, it will be good.

Levi’s been a little clingy lately. Jen’s been bearing the brunt of the attachment, but when we’re in a crowd, he’ll cling to the most familiar hand, arm, or leg he can find. The Sunday morning crowd @ NCC sent Levi into my arms. He must have been pretty comfortable there because that’s where he stayed during until the singing was over.

So there I was, singing about the Spirit flooding my thirsty heart, with Levi arms wrapped around my shoulders and his head tucked under my chin. That’s when I got an overwhelming sense of God’s presence. It was as if He was reminding me of the warmth, safety, and rest He’s been longing to provide for me. In that moment, I could feel my spirit being renewed; my prayer for refreshing being answered. I hugged Levi closer and savored the moment.

My prayer is that you experience the embrace of our Heavenly Father filling your soul as you begin this new week. May you hear His voice as He speaks your language. A gentle reminder that He is near and that He always will be.

We’re back from Mexico and had a great trip.  I haven’t quite worked up the energy for a full account, but stayed tuned, one is coming soon.  But until then, here’s a video of one of the highlights.  It’s a missions trip classic skit with a little twist.  Check it out.

Spring break has started and in a half hour, I’m off to Mexico. We’ve been taking students on missions trips during their spring break for years, but this time it’s a little bit different. I’m taking Sam along too. He’s so excited, I think he might fly to Mexico without the plane!

I’m bringing my computer along with me this time so I’ll try to post some update throughout the week, but until then, please pray for us. We need His grace for our travel, His compassion and power for ministry, and His love to work as a team and give Him glory in everything we do.

Stay tuned for more…

So I was out running today.  No podcast or music this time, just me and my thoughts.  As I trudged up the New Mexico Ave hill I got a feeling that I’ve had a few times here in DC.  It’s a sense of being established–I’m home.

Like I said, I’ve only had it a few times.  DC’s a hard place to think of as home.  Most people (like myself) aren’t from here and they aren’t staying here either (unlike myself).  The only thing big about the apartments are the price tags and you wouldn’t classify your typical city-dweller as warm and friendly.  Just yesterday I was crossing the street near campus when a BMW tried to beat a group of pedestrians through the crosswalk (driver’s ed. reminder: pedestrians have the right-of-way).  A lady almost had a new license plate tattoo!   As it all unfolded before my eyes, I found myself shaking my head in disbelief.  The driver of the BMW then proceeds to roll down his window and curse me out!  Yes with all the choice words too.  Even after living here for 10 years, I didn’t expect that one.

So they don’t exactly roll out the red carpet for you, but I still had that at home feeling today.  I think it has to do with the fact that I’m a missionary.  In the history of influencing the world for Jesus, his followers haven’t picked the easiest spots to do ministry–but they’ve been strategic.  Washington, DC isn’t the most challenging spot in the world, but I can’t think of a more strategic one.  The whole world is here!  Sounds like a perfect place to spread the good news.

So maybe that’s what that feeling was all about.  Whatever it was, it’s great to know I’m right where I’m supposed to be.