A day among days...

A day among days...
Today is a day among days... It's the day of our church's annual district conference where the vision and course is set for the coming days and years. It's a day of being with friends from across the state and hearing how God is moving and working.

Today, as a part of this gathering, is my ordination for ministry as a pastor in the Wesleyan church and The Church which is the presence of Jesus Christ in the world today. Over the past few days I've been reflecting on this day and what is Ordination.

Ordination is not something of man. Though there will be people of God gathered round and laying hands on those of us being ordained, it is not they who ordain. I've been to college and seminary - I give to ministries financially and of my time - I've gone to interviews and conferences - I do a lot of things, but ordination is not something I earned. No, ordination is not because I'm different, more special, more loved or more holy than anyone else.

Ordination, as best I can understand it from scripture and the calling of prophets teachers and leaders, is something that can only come from God. It's much like salvation and life transformation, it's a gift of grace to an undeserving, maybe even unlikely person. That free gift of salvation doesn't leave a person the same; it brings about change over time. In that process each person is given gifts of the spirit (strengths to carry out God's purpose and calling in your life) because we are all called to serve the Kingdom of God - some as teachers, some as prophets, some as preachers, builders, leaders and janitors. God alone gives freely of love and grace and each is ordained to serve.

Tonight's ordination service is specifically a recognition of God's work in a person's life to lead the church. I'm humbled to be a part of this and so thankful for the family and friends who have helped guide me in my relationship with Jesus. He created each of us different, special, and loved, and wants us to be Holy as He is Holy.

This is a day among days! To God be the Glory!

Adventures in the Western Territory...

Jeanine and I just returned from an adventure out west. Jeanine was taking a class at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. Neither of us had been to Washington before. We got to work in a quick trip to Idaho and then spent a few days with our good friends Char & Kevin in LA, Cali on the way home. Lots of fun flying and really beautiful scenery. Check out the pictures in these different albums from our trip.

Assorted WA & ID

Mt. Spokane

Spokane River

Cali

Perspective of The Intern...

There's a guy here with us in Chapel Hill for the summer. His name is Nick Coronado...we affectionately refer to him as "The Intern"... but that doesn't even come close to describing him... A student at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, he comes to us as much a minister to this town as me, Jeanine, Matt, and Sarah. He's a spiritually mature man of God just living out his faith. He recently started a blog and I want to encourage you to check it out. It's neat for me to see his perspectives on thing as he gets into this mission of Loving Chapel Hill. Alright, enough talk, take a look:

http://nicksbignews.blogspot.com/

Team 3G...

We're getting ready to head to the New River in West Virginia and play in the beautiful rush of the whitewater, but I'm realizing I never posted about our last trip out... The last trip on the river was the award winning team 3G - 3 generations, one raft and a victory! Grandparent, uncle, parent, brothers, wife and friend... Team 3G. I just wanted to share a few pictures with you from our trip. I cherish these memories!

baptism in the first degree...

or maybe I just got my first degree in baptism? Who knows. But, I do know this has been an awesome day! It's late, so I'm going to keep this short and let the pictures tell most of the story. Today was the first baptism service of my pastoral career...I'm not sure I've ever been so humbled and excited at the same time (outside of our wedding). To be a part of such a sacred movement of the Lord where all three Holy Persons of the Trinity are present and active is simply overwhelming. The church body blew me away as well, coming around this young man to celebrate the work of God in his life. Praise God for a love that is always, ALWAYS, greater than sin! The old is gone and the new has come! Take a look....