Things God Has Taught Me In 2008 (Part 2 of a bunch)

#2 (In no particular order) God cares more about Elk Creek Church than I do

God reminded me this year several times that Elk Creek Church is His church, not mine. He has shown me that no matter how much I care about Elk Creek Church, He cares more… No matter how much I love Elk Creek Church, He loves it even more…No matter how much I think I am sacrificing, He has sacrificed infinitely more.

I can look back over this past year and see how God has provided for us. This time last year, several of us were putting together the budget for 2008. We were putting together a budget with no track record to go on…no history, and nothing to base it on other than what we trust God for. I remember looking at the projected income and saying, that’s a big amount, but God…we trust you to provide…And God did! It looks like we’re going to end the year having met the projected income that we budgeted for 2008…Praise God!

Sometimes we forget that this is His church, not ours. Sometimes we forget that it’s not up to us to produce the results. I’m thankful that I don’t have to take on the pressure of yielding results. Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the powers of Hell will not stand against it!”  I look forward to what God is going to do in 2009. I know this much…It’s probably going to look different than I expect.

God I pray that you will use me as you continue to build your Church…Use Elk Creek Church to accomplish something BIG for your kingdom in 2009. Father, we give you all the credit for what you’ve done and will continue to do! Thank you for caring more about Elk Creek Church than I do!

Things God Has Taught Me In 2008 (Part 1 of a bunch)

Sorry for the lack of action on my blog lately. However, the break has been nice. Sometimes we need to reflect, soak in, evaluate what God is doing in us and through us. Sometimes it’s good to be silent and quiet. 

It’s crazy to think that in just 18 days we will be donning those party hats and those oversized 2009 glasses and bringing in a new year! 

God has taught me a ton in 2008! I think we look forward to each new year so much that we forget to look back to see what God has taught us. To see how far God has brought you, you need to look back. I’m not talking about dwelling on the past. I’m talked about evaluating the past…there’s a BIG difference. Dwelling on the past becomes a “pity party” and evaluating the past can become a “praise party” for what God has taught us.

I’m gonna post a series of things that God has taught me in 2008. This is my list…I hope that you make a list of your own.

#1  (in no particular order) – To be comfortable in my own skin

This has been a breakthrough for me this year. When you are new at something and are learning, the tendency can be to seek out someone in your field that you view as doing a good job, and take on their persona. This happens subtly and usually with good intentions to model their successful qualities, but instead becomes copying the person, not just the transferable qualities that you see in the person. I’ve learned to ask myself the question…

 Am I transferring a quality that I admire in someone or am I trying to copy this person?

The truth is, God created me to be me and He created you to be you. He wants us to learn and grow without us losing us in the process. I think that’s what it means to be comfortable in our own skin.

The more we learn to be comfortable in our own skin, the more we can be who God created us to be!

Unite ‘08 – Thanksgiving Meal Video

Hey Creekers…you guys are awesome! Way to go…way to BE THE CHURCH today. Special thanks to Dave Gomez for taking all the pictures and video footage. Dave posted all of the photos of the day here.

What was your favorite part of the day?

Host an International Student

International students make up about 10% of Lincoln University’s student population. These students come from all kinds of very diverse cultures from around the world. They have come to America not only to receive a great education, but also to learn about American culture and tradition. 

Lincoln University matches up International students with host families in our area. These host families get involved a few times/year in the life of the student by inviting them over for dinner or an activity. Take them to the mall, or out for a cup of coffee…and just let them experience American life and culture.

We were able to host a student in the past from Germany. Our family really enjoyed the experience. We also learned a lot about their culture as well. Around the holidays, the campus clears out as students go home to spend time with family, but the International students stay on campus with not a whole lot to do.

There are 2-3 students that still need a host home. If you are interested, let me know and I’ll put you in touch with the person to talk to. It’s a great opportunity for you to be a blessing, but probably receiving a bigger blessing in return.