Send My Regrets.

Back in late July/early August, I received a phone call from a mentor of mine from about 10 years ago. Pastor Tim Payne asked me to consider serving with him as their youth pastor for the new church plant God had called him to start in Florida.

Flash back: I got married a few months before on February 29th, 2012. To a beautiful Cali girl on Leap Day!

Flash Forward to my response: "I am honored that you would even consider me. But it's different now. If I was single, I'd pack up and go. But I am married now, and I would have to consider my wife in this."

I did ask for a period of time to pray about this. I was scared. I had my normal feelings of being inadequate, and unqualified. And other excuses. Pastor Tim graciously said that no time limit was needed and to just pray and seek God's will. He expressed that God was directing things, and all things will work out as this is His plan and ministry.

My wife and I prayed. Talked about this over our meals, during our drives, and cried out of fear and the potential discomfort in our lives this would cause. We prayed some more, and talked some more.

So... I'd like to share what I read in Luke during this time.

Jesus said, "For there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, 'Come on in; the food's on the table.'
"Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses. The first said, 'I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.'
"Another said, 'I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.'
"And yet another said, 'I just got married and need to get home to my wife.'
"The servant went back and told the master what had happened. He was outraged and told the servant, 'Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.'
"The servant reported back, 'Master, I did what you commanded - and there's still room.'
"The master said, 'Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! Let me tell you, not one of those originally invited is going to get so much as a bite at my dinner party.'" Luke 14: 15-24 (Msg)

When God calls, don't make excuses.



Pray for us as we obey God and move to Gulf Breeze, Florida, and serve at Momentum Church.

Check out the website: momentumonline.org

Happy Mother's Day, Ma.

When I was a kid, about 13 years of age, I had thoughts about how I would 'manage' without my parents. How I would live without them. I remember the fear, sadness, the morbid, eerie feelings. I just knew I couldn't take it. A year after, God decided through His infinite wisdom, to take my father home. A few months before Papa died, I was encouraging a friend of mine whose father had passed away. Because of the feeling of knowing that that could've been my dad who died, I remember thinking that I did not want him to be in this situation. I tried to sit down with him, listen to him, and just do whatever I could to 'make it easy' for him. Of course, I didn't succeed. I probably helped in some small way, but that's as far as it went.

I didn't think I'd make it this far without him. My dad was a huge presence in my life, and I thank God for the memories. I thank Him for the grace to move forward.

During the next season of our family's life, I also remember the thoughts of losing my mother. After hearing the news of her being diagnosed of Ovarian Cancer, I thought, "Am I gonna be that person losing both parents?" Another few years later, and I did. I did become that person. My siblings and I. We did. 

Every Father's Day, and every Mother's Day, I am overwhelmed with the clear memories, and the reality of not being able to send them greeting cards. Not being able to call them on speed dial to hear their responses. 

And as we celebrate our Mothers during this special day, I just want to focus on how much God blessed me through His sovereignty by allowing me to be born and raised through parents who loved Him like crazy. How I am grateful to the Lord for giving me a Mother who always wanted to be in the center of His will. 

Ma, I wish you were here. I wish I could write you a card. I wish I could give you a kiss and a hug. You would be surprised of who I married. You would've been proud of me. But I'm glad you're in the arms of our Saviour. I'm jealous. But I will see you and Papa again, for sure. I know you can't hear me, but, Happy Mother's Day. I love you.