Farewell to 2007

It is early on December 31st a cold crisp morning and the end of one my most enjoyable years in life, family and ministry. I traveled to India,Oregon,Alabama,and Mississippi raising an awareness of what is happening in the world. I met wonderful people, raised funds for missions, got reconnected with old friends and made new ones.

I celebrated 28 years with my wife Kathy, gave away in marriage my oldest daughter Mary to her new hubby Tim Mason, went to see my youngest son Chris play in his Hard core band Split veil wore ear plugs and did what I swore I wouldn't do I complained about how loud the music was. I watched my daughter Leah lay hands on sick people and saw the Lord use her healing hands. Prayed for my son Shaun as he is working on his story of faith. I love you all dearly. Spent Christmas eve crying as I watched with such joy my kids affirm each other with words more precious that gold.

Got reconnected with old friends.kevinCooley a young world changer. Will McFarland broth life to our church and the men of Oasis. Hung out with my best friend Neil Silverberg who makes me laugh but is one the most Christlike men I know. Met Bill Hull who has become a mentor and a friend who speaks into my life and challenges me with humility and brokenness 2 things I seem to avoid allot in my life.Preached at the first church I was the Youth Pastor at 27 years ago. What an honor it was to be with Pastor Raymond Biard he has been in ministry 55 years amazing. 2007 has been amazing

The number 8 is typically referred to in Scripture as the number of new beginnings. I have travel plans to be in India, Nepal, Africa, Romania, South America and much of the US this year.To all my family and friends thanks to you for your prayers, love and giving over the last year. May God be glorified in us and through us in the up and coming year

Number 5 Bill Johnson's Dreaming with God. Bill's words from Proverbs 13 have been a lifeline to me this year. Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is the tree of life. We focus so much on what God isn't doing instead of what he has done. Which brings such despair. When we focus on what God is doing and what he has done, Hope springs a fresh in our hearts. This is a must read if you have battled discouragement or depression.

Number 4 is a once a year for me. It brings me back to the Gospel. James Boice does a masterful job of making sense of Reformed thought. I read this once a year so I might be challenged in theology. Allow yourself to be stretched. Doctrines of Grace is a must read for everyone who hungers for truth.

Number 3 is The Vision and the Vow by Peter Greig

The earth shattering words Jesus is the vision. Wow how these words have changed my life in 2007. Living a life of the vow of the Count( You will understand when you read it). The Vow is simple: Be true to Christ. Be Kind to all people. Take the Gospel to all the Nations. This book will change you................................

Consider the Vision and the Vow.

Number 2 on my list is organic church by Neil Cole. Neil excites me with the thought that we can return to the roots of an ACTS 2 church. I read this thinking why has church become an instution and is no longer a movement that invades a culture. Thanks Neil.

Top 5 reads of 2007

Number 1- My mentor and friend challenges me with truth and humility on things we all feel about the christian life but we all seem to afraid to say. Keep writing Bill your words have keep me on the path.

Go2819 Blog

Today I celebrate my 28 anniv with the most beautiful woman I know. I met Kathy Keene in a living room at a halfway house in Jackson Ms. I was smitten the day I saw her. I knew she was to be my wife one day. When I finally had the courage to talk with her, her beauty became even more amazing. A woman who desired to travel the world and preach the Gospel.

For those of you who know my wife she truly is amazing the best friend any one can have. A great listener, a great cook ( look at me), funny she makes me laugh every day, she is the best mother I''ve ever met. Amazing is the word that comes to mind when I think of her talent, beauty, creativity, personality, a friend to the friendless. I could go on for hours and days talking about that she means to those who know her.

But I know her best at least I think I do. After all these years the flame is still hot. Our kids 50% married. You worship everyday because I hear this voice so angelic singing to the Most High. You even illicit the praise of our dog Kobe who worships you.

For you this day Decemeber 21st I am blessed because of you!