Well…it’s sure been a while, eh?  Training for Pitney Bowes, and all that life has itself….it’s been a full month thus far.

The past week or so, Sarah and I have been at Indiana Wesleyan University with a group of teens from Jackson, Mississippi.  It was an awesome time of worship, serving /showing God’s love to that area, and celebrating together with some fellowship at Ivanhoe’s (great ice cream), and Cedar Point (America’s Rockin’ Roller-Coast). 

I was allowed to speak 4 nights during the retreat of about 80 people who all used “ya’ll” like no other, and call every form of pop “coke”.  The theme was “Inside Out”, and we talked about who we are in Christ, and what this looks like in our lives.  It’s humbling to see what little we have to offer God, when it is actually taken and used by Him in more ways than our efforts deserve.  I loved it, and if I thought I could do it full-time and provide for my family, would seriously consider it.  Perhaps someday.

It was my first week-long speaking engagement.  There are a ton of things I’d like to go back and re-work.  Things I said I wished I said differently.  Teens I would have liked to spend more time with.  But all being said and done…it was an incredible week with a GREAT group of teens, who God will use in HUGE ways to affect their world/s.  To those of you from Jackson reading this….you rock.  God has definitely blessed you and your Youth Group.  You have a natural enjoyment of the things of God, and time with each other.  Most Youth Groups/Youth Pastors have to work hard at what you seem to have naturally.  Don’t ever lose sight of what a gift that is.:)  Reach out to your world, and to those we so easily overlook.  Love.  Breathe.  Live uncommon lives.

To my friends/family who have been waiting for an update….thanks for all of your prayers.  Life is great/blessed lately, and I’m being stretched in many ways.  There’s so much more I’d love to do with the youth group I’m working with…so many plans I believe God has for us.  At the same time, I’m excited about hitting the street with Pitney Bowes, and providing for a new life for the Anderson’s here in Decatur.  God continues to call out to us from the Kingdom, beckoning us towards a future full of His life.  I’m excited to see where we will all be in only a few years. 🙂

To those wondering, Hockey is DEFINITELY happening this season…first game set for October 5th.  Still no word on Yzerman, but the new coach seems to be gung-ho about revamping the Detroit legacy…it’s going to be an exciting and new game this season….watch out.:)  Let me know if you’re interested on being on an NHL Fantasy Season….I’m getting details together.

God bless you all, and remember to stretch yourself this week.  Do something you wouldn’t normally do.  Go out of your comfort zone to seek God this week.  Live uncommon lives.  Christ came, so that we might do so.  Breathe.