Developing community is crucial for personal growth. Everybody wants to grow and be connected with others in some form or fashion. Community tends to happen naturally with those who are most like you. But what about those who are not like you? What if they don’t look like you or dress like you? What if they don’t hear like you or speak like you? How then do you go beyond the boundaries of culture to create a community of love and acceptance? You guessed it, you build a coffeehouse! Join us this March as we travel to Managua Nicaragua to assist missionaries Matt & Eva Barlow in building a modern day well in the middle of their community. This coffeehouse will meet a crucial need to bridge the gap between cultures and all people of their community. What an amazing opportunity to be a part of this catalyst to change a neighborhood.

Psalm 93

The Majesty of the Lord

Its been a while since I have last blogged. I feel like I am at a "soak it in" stage. I have been trying to slow down lately and focus on the basics again. I have been processing through things in more of a silent manner. It has been interesting even for myself:) God takes us on different seasons and we enjoy the time. Thanks for those that tune in on a regular basis and sorry for any unmet expectations. I know what its like to anticipate something new on the screen only to find the same thing you read last time:) Thanks for your patients. A lot has happen over the past month and very quickly at that. I will enjoy process it with you and sharing all the really cool happening that God has blessed us with. Until then, enjoy the seasons of life. There is a time for everything...

The weather here in DC has been so nice lately. The other day Shelly and I woke up, got in the car and just went for a ride. We opened the sunroof, put the windows down, and gently breathed in the not so fresh city air. After driving around for a while and taking in the site we decided to return for home to get on our bikes and continue our exploration. On our way home one of my all-time favorite songs, which i will leave you guessing for, came on the radio. I was so excited and cranked the volume. Just as we were getting into the tune and singing at the tip of lungs we were approaching the tunnel near our house and the signal began to fade. My instinct told me to speed up in order to get through the tunnel and catch the rest of the song. Since we are supposed to obey the laws of the land I only excelled to 10 mph over the designated speed limit...i think. However, buy the time we ascended out of the tunnel, you guessed it, the song was over!
Later that afternoon I came across this scripture about the Great Banquet found in Luke 14:15-24. I was overwhelmed with the invitation that God gives us each and every day to come sit as His table and eat with Him. His table is the place where everyone of us belong. At His table there is no need for image, or titles, or anything else that drains our life and energy throughout the day. Its the place were we feel normal, comfortable, valued, loved, appreciated, and protected. The greatest thing is, its an open invitation everyday. I believe with all my heart that, like radio waves that are moving all around us, God is speaking and inviting us in, always. I need to sit and eat with God. I don't want to be the one who is too busy to accept the invitation to what really matters. The question is, are we listening? Are we tuning in to hear His invitation?

Check out The Nines today. Its an all day online conference. 60 leaders from all over the country are sharing their thought for 9 minutes on the biggest leadership lesson they have learned up to date. Check it out if you have time today and learn along with over 12,000 leaders who will be tuned in. 9/9/09 @ thenines!! Brought to you by Catalyst.

It was just about a year ago today that Shelly and I put out house up for rent, I quit my job, Shelly transferred offices, and we moved to the DC Metro area as missionaries to team with NCC for one year to impact the marketplace community with the hope of the Gospel. I can remember like it was yesterday, driving over the bridge in the Uhaul, leaving behind everything that was comfortable and familiar. With all the overwhelming emotions and the anxiety waiting to rush through the door of my mind, there was one thing that I am forever grateful for...we were not going at this alone. Throughout this entire year we had 10 families that faithfully and sacrificially gave to us as provision for all of our daily/monthly needs. Plus many more that gave throughout the year to help keep the ministry happening. This was a new method of provision for me. It taught me so many things that I will never forget and have made me a better person because of it. The two major things it has taught me is that trusting in God is more than just saying it from your lips or knowing it in your head. Trusting God is walking forward when you don't see the ground. It puts faith in action! The second thing is that none of us can do this thing alone. We need each other. This year we have shared life with so many. People are the prize. People are what matters to God. This year I have truly learned that. It has been such a great experience sharing life with others and joining in on the up and downs of life. I would not trade it for anything. I wish there were enough letters in the alphabet to use to express my love and gratitude for all those who gave this year. Each person went beyond the letter and realized a great opportunity was at hand. And for that I am eternally grateful. We could not have done this with you!! Thank you so much for everything!! Here is to a great year!!!

We are doing a cookout for the Freshman at Gallaudet this coming Labor Day. So excited to make some great connections and just hang out with some students and learn there stories on how they got here. We are just going to roll up our sleeves and bless em' with no strings attached. Should be a fun Labor Day!! If you are around, come on out and enjoy the fun!