Takin' the Stairs

Family,

It is a crisp Saturday morning.   Clouds canopy the skies and there is a nice salty breeze.  Shorts and a long sleeve T-shirt should cover it.  Loving life...

So it has been a month since my last blog.  I find in these busy times (they are always busy!!!): 

• I do not get my workout in.   
  
• I will not get into the Word/ scripture.   
  
• I eat the unhealthiest fast-food ever!  
  

Then, these actions compound stress.  Maybe stress creates these actions.  Either way, it is a bummer.  

The other day I didn't get my run in.  So when I arrived at my office, I took the stairs.  It wasn't my 4 mile beach workout, but it was something.  Lunch also included some on-line Bible time. Rad.  And a banana substituted a bag of chips with my sandwich.  Alright!  Back on course!!!  

I am starting to realize that I can't do it all.  But in that realization, God has got it.  I have also realized that when I take time for Him, He multiplies my time.  There is a million ways to break down that last statement, but I am not going to.  I don't have the time, and I am OK with that.  HA!  

All that being said, I am striving to take the stairs when I am busy, get in at least a chapter of the Word in the morning and/ or get a peak at the ocean if I am not getting wet.  

I am going to TJ today with some great people.  So, I gotta go.  There wasn't enough time to get a surf in this morning, but I am going to leave 5 minutes early at least get a glance at God's perfect Pacific.

Oh yeah, I am supposed to write a little bit about the support raising:

SUPPORT Q/A

1.  I am raising my salary for my first year.  As of now, I am 19% there.  The responses have been a total blessing.  Thank you all again for you affirmation.  I am praying for you.

2.  I am currently attending Seminary on my own: One class per quarter.  When I start the position at Flood, I will be a full time student, and Flood will be assisting my tuition.

By the way, Bethel Seminary is a graduate level, accredited school.  I am working on my masters.  Oh yeah, I love it.  

3.  Your support checks are made out to FLOOD.  Send them to me, and I take it to their office.  It is tax-deductible.  

I will research to see if you can donate online.   Thank you again!

4.  Flood is a real church.  It legally falls under the Baptist denomination, but is in many aspects it is an open-door-church that concentrates solely on the Word (Bible).  There is about 1,500 people that consistently attend.  And there is work to do. 

Check out the website:  www.diveintoflood.com

I got to split now.  Thank you for your love.

In it together,

Andy

Psalm 42:1-2

As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  My soul thirst for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?  

     

This is the deep calling unto deep, and the longing heart will understand it. -- Tozer

It has been an amazing, blessed month.  Check out the sweet pic at the bottom of my home town!!!

The 1st Day

What's happening family,  

I am 'online' and pumped to be here! I could write to you about getting out in the water or how much I love fried chicken. But...

I am here to write about God. To recap:

He is good, and I am pursuing Him.

I love Him. It's unreal. No, it's pretty real. And the journey has been epic!

 

It started with the church that my bro, Murph, brought me too: FLOOD http://www.diveintoflood.com.  Check it out!  

As you walk in, you feel as though you belong even if you don't believe.  At first, I was attracted to the worship bands.  They ROCK!  Yeah.  And, I am a punk rocker: still blowing out my neck to Rancid, 311 and a little Hendrix. But now I DIG on worship too, baby!

Then, there was the messages: reading scripture and applying it to my life. Hearing them, I felt God drilling into my heart. I resisted. His love was stronger. There is nothing left to do but give Him all of my heart!  It is a good day to be alive.   

In my new home, God has also provided me with opportunities to serve.  I have been able to hammer some nails in Mex, discuss faith (and BBQ) in solid men's groups, and act (like a fool) in a children's monthly play.  

These people are making a difference and I am a part of it:

I would love to involved with this as my full time job!  Hmmm...

If you want some more footage of my pursuit, check out the following videos on their website.   http://www.diveintoflood.com/videos/ 

We: Encounter God Oct 14, 2007  

We: Grow Within Community Oct 14, 2007  

We: Impact the World Oct 14, 2007

(Start with 'encounter' then 'grow and then 'impact' )

Please note: This is only the beginning. I plan to keep 'bloggin' and keep you all updated as the journey continues! 

Eyes to the Sky!

Andy

Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.