Finding Life in Life

I only have a few moments, but I wanted to share with all of you the experience that I had this morning. In an attempt to get ready for work this morning, I chose to pick Danielle up out of the crib because she was crying for attention. After holding her for a few moments I decided that it would be more beneficial to get back into bed where it was warm and inviting. So there I laid, with Angela sleeping on one side of me and my precious little daughter sleeping in my arms on the other side of me. The feeling was indescribable. I had found life in life. It has to this day, been the greatest experience of my life. To be surrounded by the two I love more than life itself, and be caught up in the moment of it all. Needless to say, I was late for work this morning, but it was well worth it all.

Saying Hello to the World

As the proudest father in the world right now, I would like to introduce to you for the first time, Danielle Esther MacPherson. She was born on Feburary 16th at 2:34pm. She weighed 9lbs, 2 ounces and measured in at 19 1/2 inches long. Ang is doing well and had a short labor, lasting only about 6 1/2 hours.

1 vs 10

I remember taking a youth class at BBC where Troy talked about the joy of having 1 great youth worker verses 10 average youth workers. When I heard him say that, I really didn't think much about it. Having now been in youth ministry for three years, I am now beginnning to understand what he was saying. Six months ago, I began investing in several youth workers who were young, appealing to the teens, and at the time seemed eager to serve. During the following months, I struggled as I tried to meet with them and disciple them. It felt like pulling teeth many times just to get them to do the simple things. All of this came to a head last month when we were supposed to have our monthly meeting. 30 minutes prior to the meeting, one of my leaders called to inform me that she and her husband would no longer be helping with the youth. As I tried to deal with that, the time for the meeting came and went (same day, same time each month), and the only one who came arrived 30 minutes late. This became the beginning of the end with my youth workers.

All this hit me pretty hard as I began to question my leadership, my calling, and myself. What happened next is of God. I came to the place where I left it in his hands. What God didn't do was bring a wave of new adult leaders to my ministry. He didn't infuse our church with new potential. Instead, he called an already very involved family to come out each week and participate in the youth program. One week, the husband is there and the next week, the wife attends. Without any discipling or instruction, they have not only met the bar but risen above it. They lead with lives of integrity, participate in games, laugh, cry and feel with the teens, and meet them where they are at. It was at this point when I truley realized what Troy was talking about. It's not how I would have done it, but how often does God do it my way?! Instead of spinning my wheels with people who don't want to serve, I have been blessed with two who live their lives in servanthood. If someone asked me which I would prefer, 1 great youth worker who gets it or 10 average youth workers who don't but might, my answer would be easy...bring on the 1!!!

The Upside of Long Distance Friends

It is no secret that one of the most difficult things about living and ministering in Alaska is the distance between us and our firends. There are many times when I am tempted to think about the distance and feel sorry for myelf. And while I cannot simply call one of you up to go for coffee, those times when I am on the road and able to drop in for a visit become like a spring in the dessert.

So, instead of focusing on the distance I chose to see the blessing. I am blessed that on almost every trip I take, there is at least one of you I call friend who is nearby. Wheather it's Onatrio, the Maratimes, East Coast USA, or Washington, there is a friend nearby to go for coffee. While you may not always be the reason for the trip, you are always the highlight. So thank you for your friendships. Thank you for opening your homes and allowing us into your families.

There may not always be a reason to come to Alaska, but know that our door is always opened to you.

I Have Arrived IPod Nation!!!

I don't yet have the beautiful piece of art that is the IPod, but it should arrive in the mail on Friday. I'm so giddy with anticipation that I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. This past Sunday, our church took time to honor the pastoral staff and I have to say that it was very overwhelming. Prior to this, my week finished with Sunday being just as trying and difficult as the rest of the week. With each step, the day got harder and then one of our board members took the mike following the anouncements and began to honor the staff with words and gifts. The BM invited all the teens that were at the service to come to the front and share how God has been using me to impact their lives. I don't get emotional too often, but that really meant a lot to me. In one brief moment, all the junk that had been going on over the past week just seem to disappear. The BM presented me with a gift card for Best Buy, at which time everyone began laughing (for those of you who don't know me, I love technology and gadgets)(this is where the IPod comes in), as well as a gas card and certificate for a really nice restaurant so that Ang and I could have a nice date.

I know that I didn't become a pastor so that I could be showered with gifts and words of affirmation, but I have to admit that it sure was nice. Not only did God show me how much loves and cares for me but He also allowed me to see how He is using me. If you are anything like me, you are always asking if the time and effort you have put into the teens has had any impact. On Sunday, God gave me a glimpse into just that...and also an IPod.

The Beauty of a Pregnant Woman

I knew that when Ang and I decided to start having children, our lives would never be the same. One area that has definitely changed is the way in which I see my wife. I have come to the conclusion that my wife is the most beautiful pregnant woman that has ever lived. Not only is she pysically beautiful, but on those days when she is not extremely emotional because of the rush of hormones running through her body, her countenance is beautiful (on the emotional days, her physical beauty covers the emotions). I can't help but look at my wife and think to myself, "Man, my wife is hot!" I wonder if it was in God's plan for women to get even more beautiful when they are pregnant?! It is definitely the case with my wife. So since I don't have a picture to attach to this post because I am down in Seattle right now, you will just have to take my word for it as well as my apologies for the rest of the men in the world for snatching up the most beautiful pregnant woman that lives.