What Better Mother's Day Gift Than This...

So its looking like I will be leaving around May 13th. That's right the day before Mother's Day. I could not think of a better gift for mom than to send her favorite kid off for a trek through Eastern Europe. I did cover myself by adding that next Mother's Day gift would be even better because it will be around that time that I will return. She didn't buy it... Well, Adam Jones, the world tour made another stop in Gastonia this weekend. Ever had one of those instances where you felt an uneasiness or restlessness in sharing something. Its hard to explain, but I was trying to be sensitive and responsive to what God may want me to share last night at Firestone, and after sharing, I did not feel much resolve. I don't know. I just hoped that God was able to speak something into someone as I read His word, and according to His promises, I know that had to happen. Nonetheless, I have yet one more stop in Harmony, NC and then its time to gear up and get ready to have my world rocked something awesome! I really do appreciate everyone's support through this whole ordeal. I really have felt God in this, and I have felt your prayers. Its very humbling.

Now onto some things that God has used to encourage my soul. I love the Book of Psalms. It seems like constantly God uses a psalm to communicate to me some truth or encouragement and again, He has done so!

Psalm 62:5-8

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God [a] ;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.

Selah

He is my rock, He is my salvation, He is my fortress, He is my honor, He is my refuge. As I was sharing last night in Gastonia, I am such a weak man. I am easily distracted and overcome by the worries of this world. I have the tendency to let my fears and weaknesses overtake my mind. I know first hand the battle field a mind can be. My mind fills my heart with doubt, and fear, and insecurities. If I allowed my mind and my heart to be my driving force all of the time, I would be a defeated man. It’s hard for me to understand how people can go so long without the promises and word of God. The world does not encourage you or help you any. It only poses a great number of reminders of how you have not arrived yet. How do people survive with the hearts and minds that we as people possess? I can tell you how I have: He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. He is my strength when I am weak man. He is real when my faith is gone. He provides my every need. He encourages when I am down. He is my maker and maintainer when no one else is around. He is my confidence when I need to look this world in the eye and say, “I will not be shaken!”

I praise the Lord for His promises. And in the near future, when I am away from my family and friends, and they are away from me God will remind us that He is our Rock, He is our Fortress, and in Him we will not be shaken. ‘Til next time…

Ain't Life Grand

Its funny how God reminds us of his interaction in our lives. It usually when we least expect and certainly when we need it the most. I know that it has been a while since I have posted, but I assure you that I will stay on it from now til next May. I have had the opporitunity to spend time with some of my best buds as well as my family in the last month or so. It has been great to get some good quality time with those who mean the most to me. God has certainly blessed me with a GREAT family and some great friends. God has blasted through my doubts about raising my support. God has used so many special people, some who do not even know me, to support the work that I will do in Bosnia. I am now at 90% or so with my money and I praise the Lord and thank everyone so much for that feat. Now to some spiritual matters that God is dealing with me about. God has allowed me to see that the time I have spent in High Point has been benefitial. Its sometimes hard to step back and see what God is doing through you. Well, God has reminded me through various ways that He working and moving at Hayworth. I pray that those who have been a part of our youth group will continue to grow together after I am gone. I am excited to see the potential turn into reality as you all grow in Christ. I hope that you will remain faithful as I do to. I have two churches left to visit so pray for me as I share with them about Bosnia. You guys are awesome, those who read this!