The end of a day

Hope this post doesn't go too long - as I am quite ready to head home and to bed for the night. It's been a long weekend, a long day. You know what I mean? I'm looking back over the events of the weekend have to say of all the wonderful times I shared with friends, times in worship and hearing the the Word of God taught, the most special time was the couple of hours where I just got alone again with Jesus and heard His pleasure in my life. Have you ever had someone ask you the question, "what's your pleasure"? That's what I found myself asking the Lord this weekend. "What is Your pleasure with me?" Whew! It's a little overwhelming. On one level to really believe that Father God takes pleasure in me. I can't comprehend it. I'm not down on myself, but I do know me pretty well and, well some of you know me pretty well also...and there's definitely reason to question how God can take plesure in me. But I trust HE really does.

On another level, and more so what was happening in my heart this weekend is that God can and will do what He pleases with me. I hit a place of wanting to just return to safety. You know the feeling - vision and call and ministry and obedience is so, so thrilling and frightful all at the same time - I'm a go go go go go kinda guy and then I hit a wall....like I did on Thursday night...I think it was Thursday. I just wanted to retreat back to what is safe and familiar...no Africa trip, no starting new churches and ministries.....so I told the Lord that, and the Spirit responded to me as I lay there in bed, "do you want to go to sleep tonight? or would you like to wrestle through the night?" I surrendered quickly - I really do trust Him with my life and I really don't want to return to "safety" you know....so anyway.....the next morning I woke with a refreshing word from the Lord.....he's opening doors and allowing me and others who are close, to enter into Kingdom ministry here and all over the world. I must walk through those doors. To come to the end of my life one day and say, "I had the opportunity, but chose safety", how sad.

O.K. I hope this makes at least a little sense......and even if it doesn't you get a glimpse into what's going on in this boys heart.

Love yall.

d.

Change of Date for Worship Gathering

We scheduled a worship gathering for the 14th of June, well that evening several of us will be in Waco for Noah and Natalie's wedding rehearsal...which is on the 15th....so.....we will reschedule for another special time of worship and prayer prior to our team leaving for Burkina Faso West Africa. We leave on the 20th, so watch for an email regarding a time of worship....

American Idol

O.K. So i started watching American Idol this season for the first time, somewhere around the top 12. Never interested before - I have to admit I was hooked this go round. And so last night was the final night with David Cook who I was personally rooting for) the winner! I was amazed to see the amazing celebration at the end as David sang, "time of my life". Applause, standing ovation, confetti, screaming...it was awesome and I was equally as thrilled for him....and yet I really no nothing about David.....

My heart was a bit overwhelmed on two levels so I thought I'd share those with you this morning. First of all, I immediately thought of the celebration in heaven when one person comes into the kingdom of God.....such as my 6 year old niece Hannah who recently gave her life to Jesus.....WOW! Is there anything greater? I don't think so.

Secondly, I was moved to think of all of the people in my life who mean the world to me.....my family, my close friends, all of those the Lord has allowed me to connect with through ministry and especially those who I know struggle so terribly and all for the glory of God....I want to celebrate all of you today and if I could fill a room with 7000 people all cheering as you take the stage I would do so.....I deeply believe God wants us to celebrate one another more extravagantly and more often.

Upcoming Worship Gathering and Supper Club

Our next Supper Club at Samaritan house is June 11th. Be sure to set that evening aside. We'll make special plans for the evening, working together as a team to make it a wonderful evening for the residents and staff.

Our next worship gathering is Saturday, June 14th at Fairmount Park. As always, we will gather early for prayer walking at about 5:30, followed by a meal (I'm thinking let's have some watermelon and fried chicken) and then worshipping together.

As you meet folks out and about in the southside community, be sure to invite them to join us.

Have a great week,

Darrel

The sound of rain

Wow! So i'm sitting here in my office just taking care of detail things, and the storm is blowing in, and the sound of the rain is amazing - it's like relaxation for free - and as quickly as the rain comes, so also comes the refreshing presence of the Lord when we quiet ourselves and stay still long enough to know He is with us.....

Let it rain! Open the flood-gates of heaven.

Worship Gathering/Cook Out Saturday May 10th

Everyone make plans to join us on Saturday May 10th at Fairmount Park. If you plan on prayer walking, meet at the park at 5:30 p.m.....others will begin gathering around 6:30 to prepare the hotdogs/hamburgers etc. We'll eat at 7:00 and then have a time of worship. Be sure to invite friends to join us....

Fairmount Park is easy to find, from Rosedale turn left on Henderson and just stay on Henderson for several blocks until you come to the park.....

Tuesday Life Group at Fairmount Park

Starting last Tuesday, we have moved the Lifegroup that was meeting at Kim's apartment, to Fairmount Park. The weather has been perfect, so come enjoy and evening together with friends. Stop by and pick up fast food - and meet us at the park at 7:00 p.m.

Fairmount Park is easy to find. Come west on Rosedale, turn left on Henderson. Cross through Magnolia - the park is about a block south of Magnolia.

Invite a friend to join us.

Darrel