[Continued from here...]

We woke up early, around 4 am and were on our way by close to 5. There was a lot of driving to be done and I was surprised how quickly the kids mobilized. We hit the first place that brewed coffee and were off.

Destination: In & Out burgers in Redding, CA

Our youth slept most of the morning and I learned something very interesting about Oregon. You can’t pump your own gas in the state of Oregon. It’s illegal. Does it make sense? Nope. It’s just a 100 year old law that keeps on going.

About mid-morning, Oregon turned into California and we were able to experience the town of Weed, CA. The kids were amused for obvious reasons.

From Weed, we kept driving. And something that started that morning would play a considerable role later on into that day… 80’s butt rock was discovered. But more of that later.

Nearing the noon hour, we rolled into the town of Redding. A few exits later and we could see the sign. “In and Out Burger” read above the trees. We were finally there. The kids rushed out and we all waited in line for our “Double Double” burgers (two patties and two layers of cheese). The food was really good. I mean really good. Most of their stuff is fresh and I ate, “hands down” the best fries I’ve ever had. It was so worth it. If the trip ended there, I would have been satisfied; but it was far from over…

Here’s Tristen and she’s getting older and cuter by the day (almost 8 months)

We got a pretty sweet write up in a regional paper. Check it out here.

[continued from...]

Our first destination on our trip was Albany, Oregon where one of my best friends is a youth pastor. We were going to use Joel’s church as a place to spend the night. Joel and I have some history together. We both worked on staff at a church where I’d describe our experience there as enjoyable as taking a shower in a prison. When put in difficult situations, you bond quickly. Spending time with Joel was quite a blast from the past.

It’s been fascinating lately, how the Lord has been bringing up memories of the past for me to remember. During an quiet time, I was reading though some old journals of mine and was astonished at how far the Lord has taken me. Perspective is an amazing thing. Here is a journal entry I wrote while I was still with this certain church (aka prison) working with Joel (months before I left).

Today I stand at the crossroads, actually I’ve stood here before. I’ve been standing here, but just didn’t know it. There has been a rock placed in my path and I have been waiting on the Lord to either 1) remove it or 2) move me. And he has chosen to remove me.

I come to this conclusion with peace and of sound mind. The Lord has given me a torch to run with and I must run. I just need a place where this is possible. This church is not my home or even a fertile garden to plant seeds. I am meant to sow elsewhere. Lord show me which earth to till.

I know these things about myself:

• God calls you to a region and not a location - I’m am not mean to be here [at this church]
• I have a desire to create and lead - I need to be in a position to do that
• I need to come before Him [the Lord] daily and follow Him with a passion - My life depends on it.
• I have a passion to reach the lost - I need time and resources to do accomplish it
• I am a passionate being - I need to be in a position to drive forward after the Lord
• I need my family - I need a job that respects that.

I look back, years later to see what the Lord has done. He has fulfilled the desires of my heart and answered my prayers. Spending time down in Albany with Joel reminded me to this. God is faithful and good. He led me in faith out into the unknown. I now look at myself and the youth I’m able to minister to and know I’m where I am supposed to be. It’s an amazing feeling to know that I’m right where God wants me to be.

[to be continued...]

Yes, it’s Friday and I don’t know about you, but it’s been a long week.

So here’s your pick-me-up….