The Flip Flop

Hello, my name is Andy, and I am a sporadic blogger. The first step is just admitting it.

I haven't been very consistent in my blogging. I can give you all the reasons I've been sooooo busy that I haven't had time to write, but you already know them. I'll just say. This week I'll do better.

What I'd like to do over the next few months is simply blog about going to 2 Worship Services and 2 Sunday Schools. I've been holding lots of emotions and thoughts in over the last few months, but now that the cat is out of the bag I have some freedom to start talking about the plan.

Riverview is a great church. We are 54 years old, and have only had a few pastors. I'm probably 7 or 8 on the list. My wife and I (and the kids) love it here. When I came to Bixby we saw immediately that the church needed to move to dual services. Going to 2 worship services is no big deal, the church has been planning this for a while, but adding a Sunday School has really raised the anxiety level at RBC.

As of today (Monday, September 22, 2008) we have held 2 Town Hall Meetings in which I 'roll out the plan', and then answer questions. My gut feeling about the THM's is that they went very well. I really hope to keep people informed and encouraged about this transiton. There were several questions, and I think they helped me understand the needs at Riverview at this 10 seconds.

I know there is not much meat in this post, but it is just the beginning. If you read this please pray for me. I wan't God's will to be done. I wan't to follow God's leadership, and I wan't God to be glorified. I am the pastor of a great church, and I know God is going to use us to do indredible things for His Kingdom and His Glory.

aj

Why Do I Cry...Everytime...

Every time I watch this video I cry. Why? Maybe its the song. I love this song. Maybe its Dick Hoyt's love for his son reminds me of my love for my sons. Maybe its because I can see Rick Hoyt delighting in his father's love, and I am once again blown away by my FATHER'S love. Sometimes I think it is because I like guys who gut it out. Who sacrfice. Who lay it on the line for others.....nah...it's the love.

Part VII - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Conversations with the Father

If My People…Pray

When I travel I love calling home to talk to my children. Just hearing their voices makes my heart well up with joy. They usually tell me about their day, and what fun they had, or maybe about a new ‘owie’ they have suffered. I then hear Dustie in the background say, “Tell Him what you did.”, and a full confession ensues. I don't even mind hearing them ask, “What are you bringing me?”

However, I don’t like coming home from a long trip to be ignored because the boys are distracted by a video game, the television, or some other toy. Just for a short time I want their undivided attention. I want to know they love me, and that I am important to them. Especially more important than the plastic noise makers that do not care for them nor love them like I do. Somewhere in the back of my mind it clicks; they are captivated by the gift, and not the gift giver.

I wonder how often conversations with our heavenly father resemble the conversations between us and our children. When you talk to God is your main concern what He is going to give you? Do you only go so deep with God so as to tell Him about your most recent ‘owie? Do you ignore God while giving your attention to the trivial things of this world?

I am certain of this; our Father in heaven longs to have a meaningful relationship with His children, and a fundamental part of that is simply spending quality time talking with Him. Will you spend quality time with your Father this week?

aj