Screwups and Sacrifice

Two things that stand out from this past Easter weekend -
Screwups
Easter weekend at FRC kicked off a new series on confession. The series even has it's own website, called www.ivescrewedup.com. It is always so exciting to see others follow Christ with their life and this past weekend was no exception. The message was simple, yet packed with so much truth for the believer and the seeker. I personally think this is the best series we have ever done at FRC or maybe it is just being done at the perfect time. I believe the website has the potential to reach worldwide and allow so many people to have their screwups show them about the One who sacrificed for them. We are all screwups and yet, God chooses to use us. When we are willing...
Sacrifice
...He uses our imperfections and mess for His glory. This past weekend hundreds of those willing people showed up early at FRC to help with parking, pass out water, greet, make coffee, care for children, play instruments, run cameras, sing, and even dress up like the Easter bunny. Another 25-30 people showed up at 5:30am to help with parking and registration at Beach Baptism. I personally worked with that crew of volunteers and just want to extend a great big THANK YOU to them for how they gave of themselves on a cold Florida morning so others could come and follow Christ in obedience. Because of the sacrifice of the volunteer, God was able to have His Word reach the seeking and hurting heart. And God was also able to rejoice in heaven each time they stood for Him and each time they walked in the water and were immersed.
I know we celebrate big numbers because it is Easter and more than the norm come to church for the holiday. My personal thought and prayer is that, I hope all those who witnessed how great God is either through the message or serving, will treat each day as if it were Easter!

IN on the Action

A few days ago I was reading the following from the Bible (Message). I started reading the Book of Acts. I read the following in the intro section of the book, "The story of Jesus does not end with Jesus, it continues on IN the lives of those who believe in Him...Christians are not spectators of the faith, they are IN on the action of God, God acting in them, God living in them, which also means, of course, in us." As I read this I thought about how it reminded me of someone whose life has modeled being IN on the action, not a spectator. His name is Bob Johnson. I met Bob over 17 years ago. He has always been a constant and faithful doer of the Word. Bob has served in Student Ministry as his main place of service since I have known him. He has helped with Student camps, 3 on 3 tourneys, leading small groups and so much more. When he is not giving of his time and talents in Student Ministry, you could find him greeting at the front doors of the main service. Bob's life has always modeled servanthood. He has never volunteered in order to impress man or be put in the forefront. He has served Christ with his life and with the gifts that God has given him out of obedience and love for His Savior. Bob is someone who "gets" that intro statement that I read in Acts. His life shows that the story of Jesus truly continues on in 2007.
Bob and his wife, Barb are moving to Georgia this week. You would think that his week would be filled with packing, closing on his home and focusing on his personal needs. Yet, he still found time to meet up with the Student Ministry team as we had a camp planning day. Thank you, Bob for your sacrifice. There are not enough words to truly express our gratitude, but I do know there are rewards awaiting you in eternity for your commitment and faithfulness.

Not part of my plan

Monday was going to be an exciting day for me because Chad, our student pastor and my boss had told Carson and I that we could take Monday off to rest and get ready for our big Easter weekend. I had plans to go to the beach on my own, then get my car washed and repot some plants that needed new pots.
I did want to include my daughter in the plans, but she was hosting an elementary cheer camp and would be busy til 3pm. My husband had to get ready for a softball game, so I made these plans for just me, myself, and I!
Well, that is not exactly how the day turned out, but I wouldn't trade my day. I must admit, I was a little aggravated at first. My daughter told me the night before that she needed my help with registration. She and her friend, Jessi, were the organizers of the camp and my husband was the responsible adult, but at the last minute he couldnt be there. Thank goodness, I didnt have to be at my job, I thought. My plan was to go and leave, but it didnt go as planned. As I assisted my daughter and then ended up helping my husband get a last minute list of track team students into the FHSAA, I realized, that I was really having a great day working alongside my daughter and my husband with the things they were passionate about. Many times they had worked alongside me with jobs that I am passionate about. Families used to be more connected and work together for the sake of the team.
When my daughter and I got home, she had flicked on the tube and the Oprah show was on, guess what the topic was - family. Wow, God, I do know this, I thought, but it was again reinforced that there is nothing like family. In this day and age, we purposefully have to put our families first and schedule family time (as Rev Run spoke about on Oprah). When my children were smaller it seemed easier, I could plan the event. But I have learned to join them where they are in their life, whether its cheer camp for my daughter or concerts and Gator games with my son. My family is the legacy I leave and sometimes the place I hear God speak the loudest!
Yesterday wasn't part of my plan, but it was definitely how God planned it would be!