Lord, who is my neighbor?

Last Sunday night we hosted two of our neighbors, Carol and Agnes, for dinner along with Drew and Kathryn who brought two friends from their apartment complex, Todd and Jenna. We had a great time sharing a meal and getting to know our neighbors and new friends better. The best part (other than dessert) was being able to serve one another and serve our guests as we demonstrated the love of Jesus.

We invited Dave and Lori as well, but they had a death in the family and weren't able to come. Although we were disappointed, it did give Liz and me an opportunity to take them flowers and let them know we were praying for them and their family!

These are the steps to seeing a new gospel community become a reality in Loveland! Lord, give us compassion and wisdom to reach the hurting and lonely people around us!

Home

We just finished unpacking from a trip "back home" to spend some time with our families for an early Christmas break. It was great to spend time together even though it went by too fast. We had a great time visiting friends at our home church and were so thankful to be able to personally thank so many of you who have been a part of our work here.

But then we had to say goodbye. It was hard. Hard to leave our parents. Hard to leave what's comfortable. Hard to know that what awaits after goodbye is more struggle, more work, more uncertainty of the future, and more moments that sometimes take our breath away when we realize how far away from "home" we really are.

But as hard as it is, what gets us by is knowing that Jesus called us here to live and speak the Gospel, and with all our hearts we want to obey him. And I have to ask myself, "Do I love him more than home? More than my family? More than what makes me comfortable?" For some of us, that is the cost of our discipleship.

You know what though? We've only been on our mission field in Colorado for six months, but Jesus is helping us to feel like this is "home." Our house. Our city. Our mission.

Jesus, thank you for our home away from home. Thank you for parents and brothers and sisters who have released us into your care to fulfill your Great Commission. It's not easy, but we so much want to lose our comfortable lives for your sake. We wouldn't have it any other way.

"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."

getting tired of facebook

Well, let's give this blog thing a try. Got inspired by my sis after seeing her new family blog, and my church planting guru, Kris, suggested I set one up a while back. So, I thought I should make it happen for a few reasons. First, for the glory of Jesus. Second, for the benefit of my friends, loving family, and the amazing financial and prayer support team that God has blessed Liz and me with. And third, I'm getting tired of facebook. More to come!