Last night we had a some new friends over for dinner. Now that may not seem like a big deal to you, but it sure was to our family. You see, when we moved into the apartment our house was full of boxes. Now after about a month we (more my wife) have all the boxes out, things in their proper place, and the apartment clean and ready for guest. My point in all of this is that the change that occurred in our lives was not instant, but took a transition time.

When change comes into my life, I expect it to be quick. I often forget that change is a process. Think about it, when I decide to change my appearance by loosing weight - the change takes time. After all, I did not put on an extra 10 ponds overnight, and they won't go away that fast either. When change comes we need to be patient through it, not whine about when it will end. If God produces change in our lives to bring us closer to Him and His will for our lives, then we need to learn to trust Him during the transition of change. I know, easier said than done, but must be learned.

Personally: we are finally beginning to adjust to our new lives. The girls are doing good with homeschooling (well they have days). Also, it is a new concept to be able to run out and pick up whatever you want at any store you desire after living so far away from anything, but it sure is nice. We are continuing to build relationships with those that God brings into our lives and I am excited to see how all this will work out.

The picture above is of The Paddock Club apartments. While this is not our exact apartment, they all look the same. We live on a ground floor like the one.

Jesus and Change

I have always heard that Jesus was a change agent while on earth. Everything He did introduced change to the established traditions of the Jews. I agree with this, but what was the reason for the change. I believe Jesus caused change because He was fulfilling His Father's will. Think about it, Jesus did not follow the law as closely as the traditionalist because He fulfilled the law. Therefore, it was not a big deal for his disciples to pick grain or even for Him to heal on the Sabbath.

So, if I view change as a way to fulfill God's plan for my life - then should it be such a big deal. Will it be a big deal to move, change jobs, etc. if I understand that this is the fulfillment of God's will. If I am growing in Christ, then change is inevitable. Actually change happens even when I am not following God. The way I view the change is up to me. I can either realize it is necessary, or I can fight against it.

So what if the change hurts or cost me something? Let's look at that tomorrow.

New Look

Well if you have visited my blog before, you notice that it looks different. I got tired of viewing the same background everyday and felt the need for change. I guess that says plenty about my personality. I know some people don't like change and given the choice I probably do not either; although this year our family moved to a new city, began living in an apartment (definitely a change), began a new position of church planting, and set out to build new relationships. Remember I said that I do not like change given the choice, this was not a choice but a command of God - that changes everything! I want to continue more about change the next couple of days.

Hey, check out the links on the top right hand of the page. I found a free website page and took advantage of it (it is http://www.freewebs.com/ if you are interested). Anyway I put a site together for my book coming out, Dealing with the Diagnosis. Also there is a link for a way ministry partners can be involved in our vision to reach the Greenville area for Christ. Check them out, but remember that they are still in progress.