Contagious Joy and Growing Pains

Thank you, God, for the shuffling you do in my life.  I like consistency .  I like growth. Seldom are the two compatible. Growth mean change in some form.  Our church is a growing church and that means movement in all directions at once.  Disconcerting at times.  OK most times.  And usually I do OK.  But sometimes I do not and I am not proud of myself at those times.  Lots of self talk.  Thank you, God, that in those times of bad response You speak through people and ground me.  Not that I like it, but I need it.


Thank you for Mitch.  His humility and his passion for you speak truth each week.  But this week he nailed me.  What are my kingdoms that I want to go my way?  Ouch.  Especially given an upheaval that I was not happy about facing.  And then You spoke through him to remind us to pray for each other.  Everyone.  Hard to have a bad attitude when I know it's not right AND I am praying for people.  Thank you, God, for using willing servants like Mitch.


Thank you for Francisco.  Joy has a face and a name:  Francisco.  He will become full time in July as Hispanic minister.  He is a true fisher of men because he understands in a very real way Your love for the lost.  Lord please let his joy be contagious.  Let him be Your reminder of what the Christian life is all about.  Let him raise the bar for the ministers and staff.  Use him to ignite a fire. Thank you Lord for allowing me to see Your Joy face to face in him.


Thank you for my conversation with Carrie yesterday.  Just a conversation. She shared a part of her life with me.  That is a privilege I have not had in a long time.  


Thank you for our healthy unborn grandchild. Thank you for the wonderful doctor Kate has found and the go ahead (at least for now) for her to travel to Brazil.  The excitement over a new birth...thank you Lord.