OK, I apologize.  I haven't blogged in almost three weeks.  The official definition of blogging, is "a frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts."   Key word is "frequent".   I think that is more often than every three weeks.  Sorry.  I am actually going to start blogging daily.  I promise (I think).

Personal thoughts.  Here goes:

I missed work today.  Had a minor surgery, unexpected and painful.   I won't go into details, let's just say I got a dose of reality today about what matters.

G.K. Chesterton said "his goal in life was to take nothing for granted."  Today I have just spent time thinking about what I am grateful for, and I have been reminded that NOTHING really belongs to us.   God has done so much for us.  God has allowed us to be part of something so much bigger than any of us can ever imagine.  I just am humbled.  I can't believe that this weekend we soft launch to 4 theaters in Vancouver with hundreds of people who will "be" the church to so many.  It is an unbelievable thing, really. 

Isn't it good?  I am so excited.  I will be praying for all of you.  God hasn't brought us this far to let us down. 

I promise to blog on Saturday and I promise to (eventually) tell you about the embarrasing moment.  It is not good.

I still have only 2 words.

john

Michelle and I are sitting in LAX, getting ready to go spend a few days together.  We are so excited to have the time with each other.  I promised her I would dance, so dance we will.  I learned the salsa, and actually like it (I think). 

I met a lady that works for Alaska airlines, who came up to me and introduced herself as a member of Living Hope at the airport (among several other people also traveling or working at PDX).  Sidenote:  Living Hope is everywhere.  I can't get over it.   We are all like secret agents, reaching the world for Jesus!  Anyway, Heather asked me a good question, "How do you know when to fight the giant?"   Yesterday, I tried to explain that when there is a holy discontent factor, we go and fail boldly, SO THAT THE WORLD WILL KNOW THERE IS A GOD (in Clark County, in your life, in the world)   Sometimes the giant looks different, because it is personal.  Maybe a doctor report, maybe a husband who has left his family, maybe financial issues.   If the giant is of a personal nature, I say sometimes you fight (do what you can and trust God for the rest.  Remember, always DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING IN YOUR SITUATION).  Then there are other times that you wait.  Waiting on God is the hardest thing to do, because we are "fix it" people.  We want it resolved, but God is doing something in your heart.  He is making you stronger, more faithful for His glory.  I believe there are times we fight with everything in us.  Then I think there are those odd times, where you don't know what to do.  Those times God hasn't led us, seemingly hasn't spoken to us, and certainly hasn't delivered us.  WAIT ON THE LORD.  The Bible says those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength, then they will mount up with wings of eagles.   I pray for the lady I met at PDX, and others I met this weekend who are in a season of waiting.   

One day things may make more sense, but you don't want to miss what God has for you.  Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart."  That is the verse for us.  When I delight in Him, my desires are Him.

I am not sure if I can blog while we are gone.  There is no cell phone coverage, and if I am good, Michelle may let me get on line.

So the world will know there is a God in the Northwest!

John

PS:  I have the funniest thing to share that happened to me.  It is so embarrasing that after 2 hours Michelle is still laughing.  I may share it this week.  A bit humiliating, but she loves it. 

As I write this blog, I am sitting with Michelle and watching "It's a wonderful life"   The movie is 60 years old and still is one of the most popular and watched movies of that era.  Can you believe it, I have never seen this movie?   OK, I am sheltered.  I am enjoying George Bailey's life.  At this point of the show (under 30 minutes) everything is SO good for George.  He is optimistic, happy and things are falling into place for him.  I know, because I have been told, life changes, George gets extremely discouraged and has divine intervention from a wingless angel.  He hits bottom and begins to realize what matters.  I have to make this short, because I can't miss the movie.

We are starting a series this weekend.  I AM SO EXCITED.  Our creative team brainstormed, our programming team is in overdrive (what's new for Teresa and team?), our construction team is in the process of outdoing themselves building a set that will simply be incredible.  I always wonder, how does it get better, then God (again) overwhelms me with creativity and energy.  I love what we get to do!  We are starting a series "UNTHINKABLE YOU."  The tag line is "Living Hope @ the movies."  So cool.  We will take a movie each week, teach spiritual principles from it, and that night show the movie for the whole family at 6:30 PM each Sunday evening.  Isn't that fun.

The teams at Living Hope are so amazing.  I feel honored to serve with them.

OK, the movies gettin good, and Michelle is gettin suspicious of what I am doing. 

Gotta go.

It is a wonderful life,

JOHN