New Beginnings and a Team

Maybe it is Spring in the air but I am enjoying a freshness at The Crossing. We have a new series starting this Sunday (Take This Job...and Love It!). We have new board members that are passionate and bringing a lot of energy to our church. We are however indebted to those who have served so faithfully over the years. Thanks to LeeAnn Utley who has served on our board for years, the last few as our treasurer. Thanks to Joel Bell who has been on our board for the last four years and served so admirably. I want to thank Elvis Ward and Paul Wallace for faithful service as well. Those who have served are going to benefit from rest and the fresh perspective of other endeavors.

But as with all things, there must be change. In fact to not change is almost abnormal. Everything that is living changes as a part of its life cycle. And things that are not living still are being changed by their surroundings; cars rust and houses need fresh paint. We see change all around us as well as within us.

We are going through necessary changes as a church too. I welcome new leaders to the board: Karl Alspach, Chad Aukland, Brad Burks, Jeff Runyan, and C.Y. Smith. I have already been blessed by the contributions of these good men. Our team at The Crossing is experiencing a new beginning just as the Lord would have it to do. He has sewn change into the fabric of creation...days becomes night and night becomes day again. There are new seasons and fresh starts imbedded into the pathway of life.

Please pray for these new leaders and follow them. They are where they are because the Lord has led them to be. The same Lord that gives a new Springtime of life and possibilities every April.

New Beginnings @ 0 mph

Last week I talked about new beginnings and getting started with new things in your life. One thing I have noticed is that getting started is difficult. If you have ever pushed a car you know one of the laws of physics: an object at rest tends to stay at rest. That process from 0 mph to 1 mph, is much more difficult than going from 20 mph to 21 mph. When you are at 0 it is tough to get started. So accept the fact that getting started is difficult. Know that once you get going then it will be easier and that should be your focus. We all start at 0--but we aren't going to stay there.

So get started...it only gets easier!

Spring Beginnings

Man I love the Spring! It's like the whole world gets a fresh coat of beauty. The birds sing more happily...nature seems to smile in her new spring wardrobe. I think God aligns our souls with the springtime to inspire a fresh new attitude in you and I.

I was walking the other day on a trail I had discovered and I just had to stop for a moment to take in the audio/visual symphony of my surroundings. Praise for God poured from me almost instinctively and reflexively as all the natural stimuli of what I received passed immediately to my soul.

It reminded me of the verse that says, "I am doing a new thing...do you not see it?" Those tired old dead trees seemed to applaud the new life of Spring. The flowers were like starlets at a movie premiere; wearing their new gowns, they parade on the red carpet and wave to their adoring fans. The animals, like paparazzi seem to be caught up in the spectacle and in fact add to the glamour of it all.

This is God's version of a Hollywood premiere. Something new and wonderful has come--not just outside our windows but in new ways God wants to work in our lives. He wants us to know that all this new stuff is not some unique action he takes with only nature. If that were so then the newness of Spring would almost be a tease: flowers and trees can be new but nothing else can be. But I believe Spring is a message to us. Spring is what God is all about..."I make all things new!"

What needs to change in your life? What seems dead or hopeless? Where do you still feel like winter in your heart? I have good news: God makes all things new. Need something new in your career or finances? How about in your relationships or with your kids? How about with your ministry or mission in life? God is the author of Spring(s)...those in nature, and everywhere else. Believe Him and seek Him for your Spring Beginnings.

None of the Above

I do not mean to pick on your candiate for president. But this picture illustrates who many people have decided to vote for this year: none of the above. While our candidates for president may not always be inspiring our nominees for the church board at The Crossing, are. Don't miss this Sunday's elections...we need you there if you are a member!

Dr. Hull to be at The Crossing

Don't miss Dr. John Hull this Sunday at The Crossing. Dr. Hull has been the president of the Equip Foundation for several years and was recently appointed president of Injoy Stewardship Services by John Maxwell as well. Prior to his tenure at Equip John was the pastor of the world renowned People's Church in Toronto. Under Dr. Hull's leadership, Equip has reached and surpassed its goal of raising up and equipping 1,000,000 leaders world-wide. Equip was recently recognized as one of the finest workplaces in America. Dr. Hull is a gifted communicator and leader...do not miss his ministry!

Final Thanks in Argentina

The excursion to Argentina has been unforgettable. I have made some wonderful friendships with fantastic people. I have experienced a unique culture with many beautiful qualities. I love the cuisine of Argentina. I will take empanadas or steak at a parilla any day of the week. I have seen God at work in this country in such a way that I am convinced that the future is bright for Argentina. I am already missing those I met and looking forward to my return.

The next time I come I want to visit Barioloche and San Martin de los Andes. I hear that these places are extremely beautiful. I also want to see the Southern part of South America where penguins and glaciers are common.

God has been so good to me to allow me to see another fascinating place. Argentina takes its place in my memories along with Africa, Ukraine, and Romania. I must thank those in Argentina who were such a blessing to me. My teaching partner Doug is a precious friend who is going to make a major impact on Argentina before we are finished. Of course, Horacio Fischer who is leading the charge for Equip in Neuquen was an outstanding organizer who made sure all the bases were covered. And then of course we must thank Roxana and Rodrigo. Roxana is a beautiful person who was so kind to translate for us during our sightseeing and conversations during dinner. She and her husband Rodrigo are people that I wish I could see more often as I am sure we would be close friends. Manny, our interpreter for the sessions, was not only outstanding in his work but a blast to hang with. He interpreted all six sessions, too, something I have never seen. Thank you, Daniel and Mariette for taking us to those Christian schools in the area. Thanks again to Lorenzo and Carmen for the wonderful meals and a shining example of a beautiful marriage for 52 years. And finally thanks to everyone who hugged and kissed us, served us some Mate, or just smiled at our sometimes pathetic efforts to communicate. You were a precious audience and will be great partners with us for many years.

Thanks also to the exceptional beyond description team at Equip: JM, JH, Doug C., and Caroline who gave me this opportunity. One of my proudest achievements in life is saying that I am a small part of that world-wide standard bearer of Christian organizations known as Equip.

Most of all thanks to the Lord for an amazing time.