Uh...I'm confused...

Well, God can move in some mysterious ways that is for sure!  Thursday afternoon (around 4pm) I walked into my boss' office to ask a question regarding a project I've been working on over the last year.  We exchanged some dialog about what to do here, what to do there, etc.  He stopped himself and said, "I was going to wait and tell you tomorrow, but I'm just going to tell you today.  We need to make some major,.. I mean major changes around here if I'm going to keep this company afloat, and your one of them."

I must have had one of those "Uh, oh" looks on my face because he felt bad enough to look at his desk when he started his next sentence, "Please don't come in tomorrow".

I sat there in shock for the next couple minutes as we talked about who else was getting laid off and how I was going to wrap up my last 5 years at the company in one hour. 

For some obvious reasons, I was confident that my time of employment was going to end when I decided.  I told everyone (including my boss) about our plans for Mexico, our timing, how I would transition out, help my boss plan for the next guy to replace me etc.  My timing and plan was established.  However, the Lord apparently has a different plan.  Frankly, He does many times. 

God has a perspective and view on this life that we don't have.  Nine times out of ten, our plan involves our comfort (which is quite natural), rather than God's discipline for his Glory.  If even our intent was to receive His discipline, how would we know how to??  Does a child discipline himself?  Of course not, that's silly.  The parent (who is wiser) needs to do that.  We all know what unattended children become like.  It's not a pretty picture.  God must discipline and teach us, and we need to respond to the unexpected events in our lives with Teachability, Thanksgiving and Expectation.

I kid you not, my prayer over the last month has been, "Search me O God and know my heart, Test me O Lord and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."  Praise God he loves us all enough to answer our prayers, discipline us as the children he loves and lead in "ways everlasting".  What a promise.  What a Savior.

As always, we get to make a choice, "To Become Bitter, or to Become Better".

Today is a great day.  Today I get to baptize my Daughter during the nine o'clock service at Santa Cruz Bible Church, during the missions festival.  It's perfect.  It was at our Missions Festival 15 years ago as I envied the life of one of the missionaries who spoke; I prayed, "Lord make me dependant on you".  On Monday, I was laid off from that job too!  That was the beginning of a ten year adventure of self employment that was wonderful, exciting and fun.  We didn't make much money, but we ALWAYS had what we needed.

Pray for us, if you are so inclined, as we walk through this process.  I'm not sure what's next, but God's got my attention!

I'll keep you "posted".

Blessings,

Michael

Hosted George Palau tonight

We just got back from hosting a potluck with George Palau - director of Grace Children's Home.  He shared how God is working at the Home and beyond and the vision for several upcoming projects.  For those that weren't able to make it we are excited to tell you about the vision for a basketball court...currently a sloped, dirt hill used for a parking lot...at the Home. Anyone inclined to basketball or kids getting exercise?  Jump in!  Goal $10K for court surface, retaining wall and equipment. :0)