Now We Wait

Well, Dan decided to put his bid in for Los Angeles only. He figures he will get it, but doesn't know what he will do with that. Will he decide to take us to LA for a couple of years, or take the layoff and hope there is a door that will open here in a different field? Now we wait...

Another Step

Well, the next step has come to fruition in our journey to unemployment. Dan got his "package" from American Eagle. He got the list of job openings he can bid for...Miami, Dallas, Springfield (MO), Chicago (I think), Columbus (OH), San Jose and Los Angeles. He can now bid for his top two or three places he would want to work and will then be offered one of his choices, most likely. At that point, he can take the offer or take the layoff and maybe look for something else, preferably here in SLO. And I'm still smiling. I think the main reason for that is because I think it's kind of funny AND fun to see what God has in store for us. I'm also getting anxious to start fixing up my new digs...wherever that will be.

Waiting is hard, though, and time is going to start getting short in terms of what we will be doing by November 1.

"And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised." Hebrews 6:157
"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." Micah 7:7
"I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God." Psalm 38:15
"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry." Psalm 4:1
"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3

There is nothing...nothing else we can do but wait on the Lord. We can talk to Him and let Him know our hearts - but He knows the desires of our hearts already. He will hear our prayers. We will seek His will, look for open doors - or closed doors. And He will answer us, possibly in a way we can't even imagine yet. And we will gladly go where He wants us to go. He's shown us before we can minister wherever He sends us. So we shall wait and see where He will lead us. Where will we end up to celebrate, proclaim and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ? On the Central Coast...OR Beyond?

If Jesus Goes With Me

(verse 4)
It is not mine to question the judgments of my Lord
It is but mine to follow the leadings of His Word.
But if to go or stay, or whether here or there,
I'll be with my Savior content anywhere!
If Jesus goes with me, I'll go anywhere!
'Tis heaven to me wher'er I may be, if He is there!
I count it a privilege here His cross to bear;
if Jesus goes with me, I'll go anywhere.
Words & Music by C. Austin Miles
©1908 Hall-Mack Co.

It's hard to believe that right now, I am content to go wherever God wants us, be it Ohio, Arkansas, Dallas - wherever. I know my kids don't want us to go too far and, honestly, I would prefer to stay here. My heart's desire is to stay here where I grew up, where my kids grew up, where my church family is, where I work and where I play. But then, we need to go where the job is for Dan. Hopefully, by November 1, we will know where we will be living...in SLO or elsewhere. And I pray that wherever it is, I would still be content, knowing He has placed us where He wants us to minister.

What? Say hi to someone?

Before you read the excerpt below, I have to admit I've been guilty of feeling the same way. I say hello when I sit down and I'll say hello on the way out. But to be "forced" to say hi to people felt scripted and that I was doing it just out of duty and to get it over with. Then I wouldn't say anything afterwards to anyone. I would come late on purpose. And I do know others who do the same, feel the same and avoid the greeting time. And part of it was because it was such a short time to try to get to know someone or have any kind of conversation. I don't know Abby's spiritual state, but I did like her answer. In a house of God - how dare we - I - turn my back on people He loves and has placed there for a reason. I turned around one time to say hi to someone, and found someone who just needed a smile even though she was crying. She didn't want to talk, but thanked me for just saying hi to her and asked me to pray for her. Others around her didn't even notice her state. What if I had not said hi to her at that time? You never know who you will touch or make an impression on, even if it is sometimes "forced." God sometimes has to push us to do things and this may be His way of pushing me out of my comfort zone. Living our lives is a form of worship to God, not just Sundays in church. What we do everyday should be honoring to Him and point others to Him. What are you doing to show the love of Jesus - in His house and in your community?

DEAR ABBY: I am writing about a change I have seen in church. I accept the loud guitar music and informal settings, although I do miss the traditional hymns and formal altars.
What I cannot get used to is the forced "friendly" greeting and handshaking. I attend church to meditate and worship with my family. I do not go to shake hands with strangers and give them a greeting dictated by a pastor.
I like people. I am naturally caring, outgoing and friendly. However, I believe that a greeting or handshake should come from my own heart.
I have mentioned this to friends and family from all faiths, ages and walks of life. None of them like this scheduled "greeting" either. Many say they head for the restroom at that time, turn their backs or just shake hands with the people they came with, come to church late to avoid it, or don't come at all. Others feel the practice is unsanitary. I suggest that church leaders take an anonymous poll and ask how many in their congregations agree with me. What do you think, Abby? -- MINISTER'S DAUGHTER, CAYUCOS, CALIF.

DEAR DAUGHTER: Thank you for asking my opinion. Here it is: Something is wrong in our fragmented society if, for one moment in a house of God, people cannot find it in their hearts to reach out and make sure that everyone feels included and welcome. And for those who fear it is unsanitary -- bring small bottles of hand sanitizer.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.