Regalia

Yesterday, my brother, John, Rob and Nadine and I went to NNU to pick up all my graduation regalia! I love the campus. That may be because I didn't spend years of my life there, but I do think it is so beautiful and quaint!

See the gown, the cap, the hood...makes it all so real! It's very exciting! Today Rob, Jourdyn and I are off to brunches and receptions.  And then tomorrow is the big day! We have graduation festivities all day long! I also get to meet classmates today for the first time face-to-face, as well as seeing an old friend from Hope that is a pastor now in Texas.  He is graduating with his Masters of Arts in Christian Education. 

It's going to be an awesome day! Even if it's only 60 degrees!

A long drive...

Tuesday morning our family headed out on a long road trip.  This weekend we will celebrate my graduation commencement at NNU in Nampa, ID.  Since much of our family lives in Idaho we will also be spending time with them. 

The drive was long and tiring! Tate (our dog) came along with us! This was his longest ride ever! He did very well.  Now that we are here he is itchin' to get outside and do some exploring.  The kids traveled as well as to be expected.  They've made this trip often so they are somewhat used to it. 

What I'm not used to is how a whole middle section of the States cannot have Starbucks or even just good coffee places along the expressway.  In Nebraska, I typed Starbucks into the GPS and there wasn't one within 450 miles...OUCH! But I finally found one in Utah! :) Gotta love those gift cards that I received for graduation gifts!!!!!

So we are here! But not without a heavy heart.  A precious friend of mine is in the hospital back home. She is probably not going to make it.  Please pray for her.  She needs a touch from God in so many ways.  My heart is in constant prayer for her.  If you are a prayer-er, please lift her up! Pray for a miracle in her life!

What's in a title?

This evening I was asked "What's the title 'Pastor' mean to you?" As much as I've thought about this question, I wasn't expecting it tonight because the title doesn't mean much to me.  It's a formality that I need, but beyond a title, it's who I am. Not because a group of people have decided to call me that or award me certain recognition, but because it is who God says I am.  Pastoring has become part of me, part of the me that God has formed me to be.  I already pastor. I have for several years now. I'm just starting to finally believe that I am who God says I am and letting that rest on my shoulders with some inkling of confidence.  A pastor is who God has made me to be, whether anyone ever acknowledges that or not, that's who I am. 

So the title 'pastor' isn't something that I seek out for some kind of power trip or control. Unfortunately we live in a world driven by status and titles, many notably earned, but my calling is far more than any title that could be afforded me...it's who I am in God's eyes!

Proof-positive that God is still in the business of miracles! Because I am one!!!!!!

May Day

The first Saturday of every month is reserved for Lifeline, last night was no different! My sister, Julie and I headed out to the North's for a night of fellowship.  These nights have come to mean so much, so quickly.  The encouragement and support that is experienced is absolutely amazing and freeing! It feels like we've known these people for years or have found long lost kindred souls. 

A woman named Katrina came and played her saxophone this month. She is amazing. We are going to look into having her give lessons to Jourdyn. I believe she has enough soul and energy to really captivate Jourdyn and let her seen that music is so much more than school band!

We spent time just visiting and sharing with people about our lives, our struggles, our joys. I also tried a Chipolte Black Bean Burger and it was fantastic! The best news about it...Steve buys them at Costco! Costco rocks!

One of Jourdyn's best friend's mom came to Lifeline for the first time! It was nice to get to know her a little more.