October 10, 2008

Wow, I didn't realize how long it has been since I've posted here. The whole month of September has gone by. And as usual, there are many praises and prayer requests and opportunities to share Jesus.

The Space is really hopping these days with shows, rehearsals, classes, and people in and out all the time. John and Frank have been very busy keeping up with everything. Lots of new contacts and networking going on...

I've been working from home more (where it's relatively more quiet) and have more time to connect with people one-on-one. Being able to be productive from home has really been helpful since I have not felt well for the last 4 weeks or so. God will always make a way for His work to be accomplished.

I enjoyed a nice visit with a 'partnership' Pastor that I respect very much. It was good to share about the new, simpler, more God-focused mission for Parable. It is very encouraging to me to have these conversations with people who want to help Parable share the true love of God with the people of NYC. Thanks Bill.

There aren't many days at Parable that I would call 'normal' (what is normal, anyway?) But these last weeks have been full of challenges. Pastor Mike has been through a whirlwind with the sudden illness of his mother, who was admitted into the hospital with migraine headaches and ended up with brain surgery to remove a tumor. Within weeks, she was welcomed into God's loving arms. Mike spent most everyday at her side at the hospital in PA, with just a few days to whip back to NYC (1 1/2 hour drive) to get clothes and such. While sitting with his mother in one hospital, across town, his sister-in-law (wife of the brother who went to Heaven this past spring) gave birth to Mike's first niece. He posted pictures of Uncle Mike holding this precious gift. We all missed Mike at Parable services during this time, but he was very much with us via email, text, phone calls and God's grace.

Erin, who is one of the strongest young ladies I know, has been stricken with debilitating migraines. She suffers with these occasionally, but currently is on her third week of a doozie. The meds have their own issues of side effects to deal with. Things like this reminds us of just how complex and miraculous our bodies are made and how we should not take for granted being able to live in good health. Please keep Erin in your prayers.

Frank and Allie are expecting their baby any day now. We are all so excited! We haven't had a baby in the congregation for a while. (we have grown to 4 married couples now though!) The sex of the baby is going to be a surprise to everyone, including Mom and Dad. That just seems to add to the wonder of the power of God to create life and surprise us with it. I can't wait to hold that baby!!

I have had my own health issues lately. For weeks I have had some stomach issues. The most bothersome is nausea and a pain in my side. Being on a really bland diet has helped the pain diminish to a dull ache. I have had multiple tests, (blood tests, 2 ultra sounds, cat scan, endoscopy, colonoscopy) and other poking around. The good news is that I had a good report from the colonoscopy (only 1 small pollop that was easily removed) and the spot on my liver was confirmed as an hemangioma (kind of a birthmark on the liver - no problem at all). I still have nausea and a dull ache, but hopefully I'll find out some good news when I see the doctor next Wednesday to talk about the results of all the tests. The consensus is that it may still be my gall bladder acting up. Unfortunately, the gall bladder can be sneaky. (I think the 'pain in Paul's side' was actually his gall bladder...) The praises from all of this are: I now have 2 new doctors here in NYC that I really like (I was putting off looking for a Dr here because I figured it would be such a huge, unsatisfying ordeal), I had a great report from the colonoscopy (good to know since my Mom has major colon and abdominal problems), my innards seem to be chugging along fine (thanks to the ultrasounds and cat scan), I got to meet some interesting people in all the waiting rooms and also the medical staff, I have gotten a lot of rest (although I also have gotten room fever aka cabin fever), I've saved money on groceries (which will be made up by paying medical bills), and I'm loosing weight (which I need to do badly anyway).

I've really enjoyed reading some books that have spoken to me deeply about my walk with God. If you get the chance to read, check out these: "The Shack" by Young, "Margin" by Swenson, "One Month to Live" by Shook, "Cross Culture Conflict" and Cross Cultural Servanthood" by Duane Elmer. There are other books on my list to get to, but these have been interesting to me lately. More and more God is making it clear that our focus is to be on having a relationship with Him. That is an on-going relationship where we talk to Him everyday and seek His guidance and listen to Him. And to share that relationship with other people. To talk to them about our lives as we interact with God. To love people on the most basic level. It all sounds so simple, but we miss the mark when we start adding modern bells and whistles to this simple witness technique of just opening up to another person. I love it that God asks us to just be simple, just love, just care, just share...

I was blessed by my conversation with the landlord of my building. I asked God to give me discernment in determining if I am to stay and how much longer. A lot of it is dependent on the amount of the rate hike and if they would allow me to sign a 6 month lease. Well, God made it so obvious, that I almost heard Him say 'duh - is this clear enough for you?'. There was no problem with the 6 month lease and the rent hike was only $39 (it was $100 last year). So I'm here in NYC for at least the next 6 months. That will put me here 2 years in May. It's up to God to determine where and for how long I serve. I am totally comfortable leaving that decision up to Him. With the economy being as crazy as it is now, God will show His grace in blessing my supporters so that they can continue to be a part of this ministry by financially supporting me here. I am sooo thankful for those supporters.

Well, I can't think of anything else to share for this moment, so I'll sign off for now. I just want to thank everyone for their support of prayers, money, care packages and love. I am so privileged to by serving here at this time. I wish I could find the words to let everyone know how much they mean to me. I leave that up to God to fill your heart to show you and bless you.

Watch for the blessings that come (sometimes subtly) from being a child of the King.
Blessings!