Packing the Tony's

As I pack and prepare to cross the pond, God continues to show Himself faithful, gracious, and generous to me. Sunday, the church I have attended all summer took up a love offering for me to help me get to the United Kingdom. The church through its giving, provided enough money to pay for my round-plane ticket!

Praise The Lord!

This is truly God's mercy as many of the congregation in the church have lost homes in the past two years due to the Crystal and the Hyde Park wildfires in Colorado.

As I have been reading in my Bible preparing for serving in a semi-pastoral capacity, I began reading 1 Timothy. 1Timothy 1:12-17, "I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinner, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."

This verse has meant a lot this week, as I know that I'm the least likely candidate to serve in this capacity. I'm not perfect, I've got plenty of faults, yet God has called me to work, at least for a time, in the United Kingdom with a church plant.

One other thing I've been reminded of lately, and this might surprise some people, but I believe it is something we must be reminded of. Each of us (as Christians) has been redeemed by Christ; however, that is not the goal/pinnacle of our life. Rather, the peak is when we are being used by Christ to redeem the rest of the world. Because He is coming to make ALL things new, not just me. And not just you, but EVERYONE, and everything. All will be put back in order when He returns. My time in England, I pray, will be a time that hastens His return.

I will fly out to the United Kingdom next week. Any and all prayers will be appreciated as I will be flying the week of September 11th. I know God is faithful, and it doesn't matter what the world does, He is in control; however, my family still worries.

Many thanks to all who've helped me get the flight, and other transportation to England. I'm excited to see God work in the lives of those there, as well as in my own life.

You are likely wondering when I'm going to get to the "Tony's" part. The missionaries there (and myself) really like Tony's Creole Seasoning. Unfortunately, that cannot be found on the British Isles. So, I'm bringing as much Tony's as I can with me. While this may mean I can't bring other items. I am confident that the Tony's will suffice. Although I'm not sure if Tony's will help when I need another book to read. I guess I will just read the ingredients list on the plane!

God bless you all! Remember that you are a servant of Christ, and you have been redeemed to bring redemption to the world.

Changing Paces and Places

It's been awhile.

I want to write to give you all an update on things.

Three months ago, I graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor's in Geosciences focusing on Professional Meteorology with a Broadcast Emphasis.

After graduating, I went to the United Kingdom to see London, and to work with kids in a VBS type of setting in Grantham, UK on one of the estates there. For you Americans, an estates in the United Kingdom is similar to what Americans call "the projects."

This summer has been spent in Colorado working at Sky Corral Lodge, a Christian family camp in Bellvue, CO. Which is just west of Fort Collins, CO in the Rockies.

Both experiences have been incredible, and I have loved spending time with people in both locations, as well as the different types of weather. Colorado has had mammatus clouds almost every day this summer! British weather is almost exactly what they describe it as. Cloudy about half the time, rains about once a day, and cool.

God has used this summer to teach me a lot about trusting Him. About letting Him provide for me, physically, financially, and emotionally. He's opened my eyes to His strength, love, and patience. Psalm 71:3 has been a source of strength and peace. "Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress."

Although I have searched throughout the summer for a job in television telling the weather, God hasn't provided a job, but I know He has called me to this field, and so in the meantime I must wait, and serve Him.

This fall, I will be moving to the United Kingdom for a semester. I will be posting on here updates on life there, what I am doing, and of course, comments on the lovely British weather. This will be another time of trusting God. I do not have the money to get to the United Kingdom on my own, however, I have faith that God will provide the funds necessary to get me there and back safely.

If you enjoy reading this, are at all involved with the business of television or know of job openings in television, please let me know!

I love Jesus Christ, weather, people, and traveling. If any of these pique your interest, I hope you will read this blog.