Big Week, Big Day

I haven't posted in a long time, but this has been a big week for us so I thought I would share a little. Our kids start week 3 of school tomorrow. Anda, I don't know about 5 kids, but I know that our lives are very full with 4. I won't go into the schedule because it would sound like whining and you wouldn't be nearly as sympathetic as I want you to be. But it has occured to me that the level of inolvement required for a child to participate in even one activity was determined by someone that did not have more than two children. Earlier this week Alan and I were with a group of guys wondering if the world has gone crazy.

Today was one of the most exciting days I can remember. It was a least 10 years ago that I can remember thinking and talking about planting a new church locally. My mantra was "new churches reach new people." I didn't do much to bring it about, but to see it born in flesh and blood was overwhelming to me. It was a great day. Ben and Trisha are doing some great work. It will be fun celebrating for the next few months. I can't wait to see what God is going to do with this work.

This week the elders decided to give me a chance at the executive minister position that Mike Wiley had. I am not sure what all that means and I am a little overwhelmed by all that needs to be done, but I am as excited about this new role as anything I have ever done. The elders are supportive if cautious. I haven't told all the staff yet, but those who know are extremely supportive. I am grateful and humbled by that. We will announce it to the rest of the office support team and talk about it with all the staff tomorrow. I believe that I can serve Jesus here. I am looking forward to the challenge.

Our house is a couple of weeks from completion. I love it. It is going to be a wonderful place to live and minister. We can't wait. I love you guys. I am looking forward to labor day. We won't be there until Sunday afternoon, but we will enjoy the time we have.

Grace,
Tod