New Challenges I Get To Experience

This past weekend Pastor Bob Stoudt spoke in our service.  He has done a great deal not only for our church, but for many other churches and individuals in the North Country.  A few people commented that it would be nice for me to "not have to" speak.  Personally, it drove me crazy.  I have gotten used to being able to share how God is speaking to me every week.  It probably didn't help that we didn't have Sunday night service either.  I love being able to share the Word of God with others.  Pastor Stoudt was talking about how long it had been since he had been able to speak in a church, I'm sure it was eating at him, and he did a wonderful job sharing yesterday morning.  I guess it all gave me plenty to talk about in my blog.

We are in the middle of our building project, literally in the middle of it.  We are paused while we seek clarification on the fire code for the state.  We want to do what's right, but we don't want to do unnecessary work if we don't have to.  I have been through several building and rehabilitation projects over the years (6 in 13 years).  This is the first time I have had to fill the role of "fundraiser" though.  I don't like it.  I like realizing God will provide all that is needed, and that those He leads to give will give.  I don't like being in the position of reminding people to give.  I have plenty of issues in my life I have to deal with, but by the grace of God, giving has never been one of them.  I have always loved to give, especially to the things of God.  He has always blessed me for it.  He has always taken good financial care of my family and me.  I know how faithful He is if we are following His will, and I enjoy sharing that with others.  I believe that is the best way to help others learn to give, let them see what God does when people do give. I can look back and remember programs I grew up being a part of.  "Try it you'll like it" when people would be able to tithe, and if they felt they needed the money back over the course of a couple months, the church would refund them the money.  God took care of people willing to join in.  "All tithe Sunday" was another fun one when the members were encouraged to tithe that week, whether they normally tithed or not.  I saw God do great works while doing those programs.  Money is just a difficult subject to address, but Christ dealt with the subject often.  Guess if I want to be like Him that means I have to do it too.  I "love" it when He stretches me!