Now that we are 1 hour and 30 minutes away from the new year, I thought it would be nice to go back and look at what has changed in my life over the last 12 months. If you want full stories, you can probably look back at my previous posts and learn way more than you probably ever wanted to know.
The year started out quite trying with me looking for full-time work while working part-time at Kay Bee's (may it rest in peace). I actually enjoyed working at the toy store but don't think the hours were good (opening boxes at midnight was no fun.)
The church has been a struggle. My excitement has been waning for most of the year to the point that VBS suffered. The last couple of months seem to be better. It's getting better. Today's event, even being 5 hours long, was a blast for me. I hope the kids had a good time (although we know we are going to cut it down to maybe 2 hours next year.) I lost my paid position with the church stayed on as the non-paid children's pastor. I was asked if we were going to leave the church, but God hasn't called us anywhere else yet so the work continues. Some things are starting to form that I like a lot. I do need to start training someone to take my place though in case I ever get sick or God does call us somewhere else. We were thinking the other day, if my family left the church (extended included), our AWANA program would crumble (I'm AWANA pastor, my wife is the commander, my sister is the secretary, my dad is the leader for the 3rd - 6th grade class), our Children's minsitry would lose half it's leadership and the youth would lose most of theirs too. The true sign of a good leader is the fact they can replicate themselves so I am failing.
I got employed with San Bernardino City Unified School District in March. I'm a secretary. The job really has been the tale of two jobs though. My first boss had been in the position for 10 years and the office was a cesspool of moral. When she retired in June and the former regime was pretty much cleaned out (Dennis withstanding -- but he was the positive from the previous regime)left also, the attitude changed and now it's ok to joke and talk and smile. I like the office atmosphere now and I get to help kids indirectly. The fact that I was no longer employed part time at Kay Bee's made my wife happy and the fact that the job has good benefits made her much happier.
Life with 4 kids as they grow is interesting. The twins are getting bigger and talking way too much. Micah is becoming more social. So is Becca but she isn't supposed to be doing so. It's amazing to sit back and watch them sometimes to see what a miracle they really are.
I started umpiring baseball this year and I had a blast. It is definitely something I am going to do again. And again. And again. Towards the end of the year, I was able to talk to people about my other job and some of the events we held at the church. Relationship building with the lost is the best way to draw them to Christ. I hope I never get to the point where someone will tell me at the ballpark that they can't hear my words because my actions are speaking too loud. I can't wait for March.
2008 has been a year of paying the bills by faith. My mother-in-law and I don't really make enough to pay all of our bills and eat but God has been good and provided in unexpected places too many times. It was even more amazing when I didn't have the full time job. Now to start working on refinancing the home loan to make it more affordable, but God is good all of the time.
It has been interesting starting to get to reacquaint myself with long-lost friends. I have gotten to get to know Eric even better. I've started to get to talk to those I went on mission trips with back in 1991 (although I am still looking for 1989 Jamaica friends.) There are a lot of people who have had the influence on my life (as I mentioned in my last blog) and it's great to start talking to them again.
I hope 2009 is a better year but am learning to be satisfied in the God of 2008, 2009 and forever.
Happy New Year!
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