No doubt the Zoe Conference was a major encouragement to me, I feel so much better. It is interesting to me that the theme was Desperate, and I was "desperate" to be there. That just shows you how badly I needed to be refueled and renewed. I was, and here I am. It was really nice to meet some of the people face to face that I had met either through blogs or through worshipforum. I really appreciated Tim and Nena Castle and their beautiful kids, as well as Owen and Dorothy Burgess. These two families took me in like their own and encouraged me more than they will ever know, in addition to all the folks from Bakersfield. It is so awesome to know that family is everywhere. These people truly are like family to me. I am so thankful to God for this thing we call the church. It is when you are out of your element that you most feel the blessings of your brothers and sisters. My flights were great. Well, not in the sense of being comfortable on them, but great. For instance I was flying from Mobile to Fresno, so I had to fly through Atlanta and Salt Lake City. No treasure there, My flight out of Atlanta to Salt Lake was two hours behind which meant that I had to sit and wait for it. That wasn't so bad until I found out I would miss my connection and have to spend the night in Salt Lake. Not happy, but nonetheless they were great, even though on the four hour flight to Salt Lake (which was packed) I sat by a lady who really should have had two seats for herself, I found my sardined up next to the inside window of the plane for four hours, almost unable to move, I am not exaggerating here. It wa the most uncomfortable thing I have ever been though. It was still great. My fun in flight forced me to read. I desperatley needed some catch up time an I got some. I read two book over the weekend. 1- "A Generous Orthodoxy" - Brian McLaren, 2- "Do They Run When They See You Coming" - Jonathan McKee. Two books which helped me redefine my focus. That is is this: Love People as Jesus Did. Stop being about administration and programs and start being more about people. That is my new deal. I know most people think well when you are in ministry then you always are about people = well sorta, but not neccesarily. I have found myself more worried about doing a media presentation then going to a kids game. Or focused on set up so much for Wednesday nights that I forget to go and invite the kids. This is my new way of life more about people less about programs. I feel renewed and ready. I have some ideas and thoughts that are probably going to get me in trouble but, being somewhat radical in the eyes of our modern day pharisees would make me "more like Jesus" wouldn't it?
Donna G said...
Glad you are back, refreshed and ready to go! The Brian McLaren book is one of my "next reads". Can't wait!
CL said...
Ed, no names here, I am sure we are speaking of some of the same people though, sadly people I deeply love and that I "thought" loved me. Either way may we all find peace in God's family! Blessings.
JD said...
Chris is back! And Buzzing! No tip-toeing out to the edge here...just jump right in. That's the way I like it uh huh uh huh.
:)
k2 said...
dude, i am so glad you are back! now can you give me the other songs for 2nites service?!?
chris, i love you like a brother! i'm glad i found this church more than you know. i remember thinking that i will not find a church like p.r. in arlington, but, again, i was wrong. thanks for being there!
u.r. the man! u.r. doing an awesome job with the teens! keep it up!
