Potlucks are the best aren’t they? For those church folk reading this right now, you are probably nodding your head in agreement about all of the fun times, good fellowship and of course amazing food you’ve had through the years at potlucks. It’s been awhile since I have been to one and I kind of miss them…there is such a hodge podge of fantastic food that makes this guy happy. I’ve even (kind of joked) for years that I’ll want a potluck at my wedding some day. I’m pretty sure my wife will have a say in that though assuming I get to enjoy that blessing! Anyway, I have a potluck of random things for you in this blog about the past little while in my life.
Today I swept, mopped and cleaned an area that is being leased by The Garden of Hope to be used tomorrow for a pizza party. The Garden of Hope is amazing and works to build relationships, refresh hope while also equipping and educating local women and children. God has His favor on them and is using it mightily…Regardless, Dave and I thought we would be in the kitchen all morning teaching them how to make pizza. I was asked later if I had been disappointed that I wasn’t and it was easy for me to say no. In all honesty, it was completely fine to do something menial yet helpful in order to let the ladies inside continue building relationships…I thank God that He continues to mold my heart. I’m thankful that the ladies got to spend some really quality time together.
Ministry is who you are…not what you do. For awhile one of my grandpas was a janitor at a school. He led a life of a servant and cared little about doing it for the praise of men. He was a good man. I miss him, but am thankful that I was his grandson.
Jen is laughing like a little child right now…it is messing up my train of thought and I’m thankful for that…In fact our whole team has tended to laugh more together lately and that is also something I am thankful for.
Last week around this time you could have possibly found me at the top of a restricted tower or whatever you would call it at Angkor Wat (one of the seven wonders of the world.) This story is worth hearing at some point in time but not now and maybe not on here 🙂 Haha, I am thankful for sunrises in beautiful areas, sharing memories with friends ( TIm Dixon, the little general was also with me) and that I didn’t get into serious trouble.
Shortly before and after Angkor Wat I found myself accompanied again by fantastic friends at a floating village on a lake right outside of Siem Reap. Many of the people who live on house boats on the lake are evidently from Thailand and Vietnam. I’ve been told that they couldn’t become citizens or get property so they live on the lake…because obviously no one owns the lake…I’m thankful for little excursions, peace, friendships that seem like family, humor, water, sunsets and a place to call home
I am hopeful that I will get a chance to spend some time with my team and possibly some of the girls on our squad at the top of a mountain near Chiang Mai for a sunrise Easter service. I miss going to Evangel growing up…they have the best hot crossed buns there and all the local churches seemed to all congregate there every Easter. i am thankful that I can be an extension of all of you back in order to be a blessing to all of those out here in Thailand. I am thankful for my team and my squad and what phenomenal people I am surrounded with. Most importantly I am thankful that my Jesus conquered the grave, rose again and offered me new life as well…that He delights in making me an ambassador of His truth and faithfulness and that He is teaching me to have faith and hope in Him so that I may truly love and trust Him fully…
Kings…Last month I was in Cambodia who has an active king. Likewise, Thailand has a king. However, there is a little bit of a difference. In Cambodia, we stayed with an amazing family (the Cox’s and I would appreciate it if you prayed clarity, trust, direction and favor over them for being such a blessing to us last month.) They had a girl who was from one of the provinces who helped them with chores and cooking. She was learning all sorts of new trades while becoming a support for her family back home. Regardless, she had no idea what the kings name was even though he has been in power for a really LONG time. The king is technically still in control there but it would appear that much of the country is indifferent to him.
On the flip side, Thailand has a king who has been in power for like 50 years as well, but the peopls actually know and respect this guy. We had a cultural lesson in both countries and one of the biggest differences I found was the pride they had in their king. One of the most culturally offensive things to do would be to slander the king. Even touching much of the currency with your feet is a no no because his face is on it. This guy goes around the country always trying to find a way to better it and help the people. This country still has a lot that needs some changes but feel free to pray a blessing over him as well because God has seemingly been blessing him and this country through him for some time now. He seems to be a good man and it sounds like his sons may not be. Regardless, I am thankful that my king is alive and always will be. I am thankful that He is and will be known and that He is a good king…I am thankful that He is the king of kings.
Talking of currency, I am currently 3000 dollars away from having this year paid for which is truly a blessing and encouragement to me. I am thankful for all of you who have chosen to give so freely and generously. I am thankful that money is so useful and yet when you don’t have any life still goes on.
Next Tuesday, Dave and I will join the rest of the guys for a time of MANistry. I’m not positive what we will be doing but it looks like we will be somewhere between here, Chiang Rai and Burma for the rest of the month. I am thankful to get into the woods after being in the city. I am thankful for being with the men and the craziness that is sure to ensue.
God is starting to bring me more of a passion to pray but I feel as though I am just on the verge of it. A few nights ago I was laying in bed trying to pray for all the people that were on my heart to pray for. I was seemingly getting nowhere when God revealed something to me. All of the prayers I had wanted to pray were on behalf of my friends and family. He wanted me to change my mindset and be His ambassador in prayer and thanksgiving instead of the other way around…I think I will write more on this for you later to clarify it all but it’s kind of a big deal. I am thankful for communication and that my God speaks.
Finally, I am thankful that I have someone to thank when I am feeling thankful. Who do atheists thank when they feel truly thankful with no one to thank?
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
much love 🙂
