Prayer- Richard J. Foster

in my endless battle with prayer, i picked up Richard Foster's book entitled "Prayer- finding the heart's true home." i woke up wednesday morning feeling a bit homeless, considering we just moved from cincinnati and our family at northminster (that's not quite home anymore).. and just settled into a fresh life in wichita (with boxes stacked to the ceiling and the newness of it all- it's not quite home yet). so we're in this strange middle place of homelessness. so i went to the Lord in prayer, and as the book's title suggested, found my true home. here is an excerpt from the introduction that ministered to me:
"For too long we have been in a far country: a country of noise and hurry and crowds, a country of climb and push and shove, a country of frustration and fear and intimidation. And he welcomes us home: home to serenity and peace and joy, home to friendship and fellowship and openness, home to intimacy and acceptance and affirmation.
We do not need to be shy. He invites us into the living room of his heart, where we can put on old slippers and share freely. He invites us into the kitchen of his friendship, where chatter and batter mix in good fun. He invites us into the dining room of his strength, where we can feast to our heart's delight. He invites us into the study of his wisdom, where we can learn and grow and stretch... and ask all the questions we want. He invites us into the workshop of his creativity, where we can be co-laborers with him, working together to determine the outcomes of events. He invites us into the bedroom of his rest, where new peace is found and where we can be naked and vulnerable and free. It is also the place of deepest intimacy where we know and are known to the fullest."

moved in today

Yesterday was our first Sunday here in Wichita- HOPE Community Church. It was amazing. Pastor Steve took a break from his teaching series to teach on the reason for having a Pastor of Worship Arts (that's Eric). He told the church three things: 1) Eric is NOT the music messiah. 2) Let Eric be Eric. 3) Give it time. He then gave Eric some fatherly advice- ways to care for himself, his family, and the congregation. It was sweet, powerful, and perfect. Eric spoke, introduced himself, made us laugh, was deep and tender, and endeared the congregation to himself. He was eloquent and wonderful. After, the church anointed and laid hands upon him- commissioning him for this new leadership role. The church brought TONS of groceries for us- a table that was overflowing- bags and bags of groceries (root beer, pumpkin pie, hot sauce!), decorative cakes, gift cards...
After church we were invited to the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association)'s monthly meeting at Pizza Hut. Truly, it was incredible. The place was full of bikers who love Jesus. They gathered around one member and laid hands on him- right in the middle of the restaurant. We are excited to be a part of that ministry.
Today, we unloaded the storage facility, loaded trailers, unloaded trailers, and loaded our house full of the stuff we really don't need. Our new house cannot accommodate much of the stuff we brought here... oh well... there's always Craigslist. The boys love their new rooms- I love the new kitchen. Everything turned out so beautifully.
Some of my plants didn't make the trip out here- they're a bit sad looking. Wilma Jean and the pink flamingo made it just fine but our concrete dinosaur arrived with his head smashed to bits.
A good friend, Eric Bowen, just happened (I don't believe in coincidence) to be in Wichita for business this week. He brought Chinese food for the whole moving crew to our house and visited for the evening. It was a blast to see him again. We talked a lot of Jerry & Julie Franks (man, we really miss them) and reminisced of old Beggarman times. Good memories. Good friends.
I will post some new pictures soon... thank you for all of your prayers and phone calls- we are doing great. Love you all.
b.

a long goodbye

wow. these last few weeks (or months!) have been the best and greatest and hardest of times. a HUGE thank you to our friends and family at northminster - we were hugged, cried over, blessed, and showered with love/prayers/gifts. what an amazing time. during one of our many goodbyes i whispered a silent "thank you" to the Lord for pouring His love over us through such wonderful friends...
today we are in st. louis. the boys (all three) are downstairs swimming and i am taking some quiet recuperating time. driving out here this morning, the snow was shimmery and beautiful on the trees. it was quiet and calm. today i feel peaceful.
tomorrow we head to the City Museum after a free HOT breakfast (with belgium waffles, donuts, eggs, bacon, danish, juice, coffee- whoo hoo!)
talk at ya soon
b.