She Must and Shall Go Free...: I've been wanting to get this album from Derek Webb but either haven't had the disposable funds or the store hasn't had it. Well today I needed to use up some gift certificates that we have that are for stores only in Frederick and lo and behold the Christian bookstore had it, so I bought it. He wrote the album to illustrate his passion for the church as the bride of Christ and I must say that the album is beautiful.

He wrote an album about the Church like Rich Mullins did for Jesus Christ.

Moved: We have moved from Frederick, MD to Suffolk, VA this past week. The truck was loaded on tuesday and then unloaded on friday. We made it in one piece and enjoyed staying friday night not only in our new home but in our own bed as well. We're back in Frederick for a few days. Today is my final sunday and farewell luncheon and youth party and then Heather needs to finish up work. So on Wednesday we'll drive back to Suffolk to stay, thank goodness.

Fly: I was driving around Frederick last night just gathering my thoughts about this whole transition, thinking about the years past and imagining the years future. The past was comforting, the future was exhilirating but at the same time frightening. EAC has been a place of preparation for me, I have learned much and am ready to use what I've learned in a new ministry. EAC has also been a safe learning place, where people didn't try to beat me down when I messed up or fire me when I made a mistake. I look very fondly at the people of Emmanuel, they will always have a special place in my memories.

The mental picture I keep getting is that of a bird ready to leave the nest.

Birds are meant to fly.

Settlement: We closed on the townhouse today. Things went very well and the people seemed as pleased to buy it as we did to sell it. I'll miss our first house. I think mostly because of Nathan. That's where we brought him home to, where we used to walk around the block...little stuff like that.

Wal-Mart: I saw a big yellow flag flying just under the American flag at walmart. I looked closer and it's the smiley face flag. Can walmart do that? do they own the smiley face as their logo? What is this world coming too?

I was sitting down to type this entry and heard a knock at my door. It was my next door neighbor, David. He wanted to make sure I knew he wouldn't be able to help me out this week packing the moving truch but that he was going to miss us. He also returned the reply card to my newsletter with a nice financial contribution. It's amazin how those keep coming in. It is encouraging to me because I feel that people are embracing the vision that is Suffolk, VA.

I preached today out of Matthew 6:25-34. This was the least nervous I have ever been and that means, I wasn't nervous at all. It actually made me nervous that I wasn't nervous. OH well.

Zorro: Heather and I saw The Legend of Zorro last night. It's one of those movies that doesn't blow you away but it was a good movie. The plot went way deeper than either Heather or I expected.

Etiquette: So I'm a pretty on time person and anytime someone is late, without good reason, it actually gets me a little angry. I've learned to calm down about it but it still irks me a little. Last night I was able to figure out why. So Heather and I sit down in our seats about 15 minutes before the movie starts, the theater is small but not crowded. So the movie starts and...people start coming in. So they are climbing over you while you're trying to watch the movie. I'm sure they don't like it but don't inconvenience me for your lateness.

Winter: Winter came to town this morning. You always know when official winter comes because the wind goes from non existent to blowing your front door off the hinges. It's really incredible. My lunch box shaped Explorer gets blown around the highway like a kite. Yikes!

Truth: Truth...truth is...truth is I'm done.

I preach this sunday (the 13th) and it's going to be a meaningful sermon from Matthew 6. Then on the 20th is my last Sunday (where I get to present the church plant in Suffolk!) complete with our farewell lunch. I know it will be special. I also have youth group tonight, next wednesday and then our final night tuesday the 22nd. That will be special as well.

Come to think of it...I'm not done at all. There is a group of students that I need to say a strong good-bye to and bring this bad boy to the end!

Redskins: I've been a Redskins fan all my life and I know they are not beating down the doors of the Super Bowl but there is some hope...thank goodness it's been more than 10 years.

Gank: I don't mean to steal ideas from fellow bloggers but this is worth posting one more place.
Professional Christians

Our Contract was accepted on the house.

Our New Home!

Fall Colors: Fall is probably one of my favorite seasons. The rain is tolerable because the temperature is so nice. That and that rain makes for beautiful fall colors on the trees. The hoodies come out, shorts are still being worn, flip flops and the floor heat on in the truck. It might be heaven.

Green Machine: I noticed yesterday that the Green Machine, my 96 Ford Explorer, has seen better days. It was a beautiful work of art in it's prime complete with a 2" lift, 31" BFG AT/KO's, a Safari Brush Guard and KC Dayliters. I'm still real proud of it but...she's starting to wear down.

Giraffe: So I get back from the camping trip and there is a giraffe in my office. This is no small stuffed animal either, it's at least 4 feet tall. I guess it will go with Nathan's stuffed lion. I hope the giraffe doesn't get eaten.