1 Down; Eternity To Go...

We finally got started yesterday. Administrative stuff mostly, but we started with a short study of II Timothy 2:1-13. I've felt like a kid waiting for Christmas the last few months, waiting for LDI to start, and it's finally here. The only thing is, this doesn't last 1 day; this is for the rest of my life. That's pretty cool...

There will be 6 dudes together in LDI this year. 2 of them will be in Trek 2 so I won't be in the same classes as them, but will still be spending quite a bit of time with them througout the year. 1 of the Trek 2 guys is Johannes Best. He's from Kassel, Germany, and he's due to arrive next Wednesday afternoon. Should be fun to get to know him. Attached is a picture of the LDI group (minus Johannes.) I'm on the left end. 3rd from the left is our Pastor leading LDI, Cor Chmieleski.

Thanks for all who are supporting. Keep the prayers coming. Pray for strength, endurance, courage, patience, and humility. This is so exciting... I will be choosing my ministry opportunities in the next couple of weeks. So I will post on that either next week, or the week after. You can be praying that I hear where God wants me and will follow courageously!

Thanks! See Ya!

Wild Hogs...

Well, LDI starts in just over 2 weeks. I just returned from a weekend motorcycle trip around Lake Superior with Pete Larson. What a blast. If you've never been, it is a spectacular stretch of road/lakeshore. The posted pictures are just a couple from the trip...

I sent out support letters today. Now I just have to pray and trust that God will provide what He knows I need. I made the decision to try and sell my motorcycle. This is a big deal. I know that God is calling me to LDI, and I am willing to forego certain "things" to be able to do that. I'm also selling my condo. So, if any of you know someone who wants a very affordable, very beautiful one bedroom condo in downtown St Paul, let me know...

I can't wait to get started. We start with a 3 week study on How to Study The Bible. If you remember, please pray that I will rest in God, knowing He will take care of me...

Thanks!

What is Sin?

trike posed the question to us, "what is sin?" I responded with the following:

choosing my innate, sinful desires, telling myself that they are "better", more "right" for me, or more "satisfying" to me than what God, holy and infinite, has set before me. I hate sin. I hate that I choose it over God. I am not worthy of His grace and mercy, but God ROCKS! I am alive only by His infinite worth!

what do you think??? what is sin to you?

What a great day!!!

Sunday, June 1st. I was baptized today! What an awesome day, too. Sunny and 80 degrees. There were nearly a hundred people from Hope that came out to witness and celebrate the day. We had 8 of us that were baptized today. Thank you Mom, Dad, Lisa, Steve, Samantha, Austin, Karin, Heather, Chad, Henry, Liza and BC for coming out today. It really meant a lot that you were able to share this with me.

I know it's all God, but I have to say thanks to Rob, Cor, Seth, Trike, Karin and the folks for all your support in my new life. I am so stoked to see how God is growing larger and stronger in me as I begin my new life in Him.

God Rocks!

Happy b-day, Billy! Hope India is treating you well. See you this weekend!

LDI Baby!

I did it! I committed to LDI yesterday. I am SO excited for what lies ahead, both spending a year studying and growing closer to God, and to see His plan unfold before me. Yeah, baby!

It was a little tough telling Susan that I wasn't coming back, but she's awesome. She was super supportive. It's hard to leave after investing so much in these kids, this program, and building connections with some co-workers. It'll be weird telling people about my decision... and exciting.

So, if you read this, please pray that I am very active in preparing for next year. There's a lot to do.

that's it for now...

getting started...

not sure what's going to become of this blog. i've been reading some stuff written by friends, and thought this was a fun way to stay in touch with others.

this picture was taken last august in beijing. we spent the summer working in inner mongolia, and were blessed to spend a few days in beijing. we spent an afternoon walking the wall. are you kidding me??? God is beyond amazing. what an amazing creation He has made.

i look forward to sharing with all of you....

tf