Life... à la mode!

So, maybe after a two-week break there's enough life that's happened to make up a short post.

Ok, well, I started the foundations course a week late at The Mission because of work schedule. It's pretty cool, though. Actually, it's a lot more work than I was anticipating. They assign homework. I kinda miss homework... something about it makes you feel smarter--even when you're just staring at the wall at Peet's thinking about something totally unrelated to Foundations homework-- *clears throat* -- but, I've... never... done that. This course is really going to be good for me, though. It's a requirement for any church involvement other than the regular meetings, i.e. mission trips, corporate outreach, etc. And the leaders really have a heart to bring people into the experience of God that is in the information. So, they make us put it into practice in class. Pretty neat idea.

As I've mentioned before, it's been slow getting to know people here. Well, on Sunday I was really excited to go to my first small group meeting. So, I hung out after church in Vacaville till 4pm when the meeting was to start. For the last 45min of my wait I was actually in front of the house resting in my car thinking "I really hope they don't look out their windows and see me." So, the time came around... I was a bit curious. No other cars driving up. "Hmmmmm...", I thought. Knocked on the door. No response. Yeah, so it turns out they're on a mission trip this week and I guess I missed the memo in typical Thomas style.

But all was not lost. I know God's got good planning, but this week was amazing. So, a little back story. Money's been tight but enough amazingly for everything I need... I mean, if I could write out the balance sheet of the last month and a half it would look like this: Thomas-???? God-:-) How does he do it? Like when rent's due, loan payment's due, my battery on my car dies, and my first and only paycheck is two weeks late (literally living on tips which varies from $20-30 a week!). But... here I sit. I haven't missed a meal. Probably actually gained some weight from eating beans, rice and potatoes. I now make a mean stew, by the way. Anyways, I finally got paid and it is EXACTLY the amount to cover rent, loan payment, replacement battery ($91 Ouch!), and tithe. Not only that, but the financial timing has been perfect as well. If the check was any later I would have been sunk.

Wow, what a long back story... So, God's timing and suprises are great! So, with the last two paragraphs coloring for you my situation in general (few friends, not many tasty enhancements to my diet), you'll now know the importance of Wednesday. I was actually invited by my church carpool to a prayer meeting they have on Wednesday nights. So, I show up 10 minutes late... On my way I'm picturing a very solemn meeting with people crying out to God in fervent intercession. And where you sneak in and get a look from the leader like "this is very serious, please be seated." And, of course, you're kicking yourself for being late because if there were refreshments you missed them; and to eat them during or afterwards, well, that would just be cheating, right? Borderline gluttonesque (you sinner;-)). So, long story short... I walked in and they were just chatting. Then they forced me to have iced cream with the chocolate shell stuff on top... a real sacrifice, which I thoroughly enjoyed... wow (now Kelli is jealous). And if that wasn't good enough... when we started they asked me to lead worship for them! I mean, God. He's like specifically setting me up. Also, they seem to be really great guys that are searching for the kingdom and what it means and how to live it at work and in life--the very questions I've been pondering.

I think these are going to be some good friends over time.

Next time, maybe I'll tell you about Eliju (Ee-lie-who), who is probably the most interesting spiritualist person I've met yet in California. Or possibly about the bisexual-liberal-buddist I work with... Oh, the possibilities. But you'll just have to wait!

:-D

One year...

Well, the plan is... still figuring that one out. After a couple of weeks of praying every prayer I know and trying to sell my car, the best offer I got was $2,200. So, I'm not selling my car and I'm not doing the worship training school this year.

You know, I'm actually really relieved that God is leading me in this direction. To be honest, I've been struggling with lonliness and boredom; but add to that the uneasiness of not being sure where to concentrate my attention and energy. I've really needed to be able to point myself in a direction and say I'm going this way. Lately it's been more like pointing myself in several possible directions and feeling stuck. So, here I am. I'm going to work for a year and save to be able to do the school next year or possibly to do something completely different. A year can change a lot of things, huh? I know that for sure first hand. That doesn't mean I'm home free by any means. God is really going to have to provide me with several things. And this is what I'm praying for right now as well:


1. Godly friendship. This is moving really sloooow. But I'm about to do an 8-week foundations course with the church to get to know people.

2. Discipleship. I'm not taking this instance with the training school to sit back, but I'm taking it as leading from Jesus that I'm to pursue growth other ways. I need accountability and to experience the joy of a godly mentor relationship. If you know me well, you know I'm a verbal processor. I need a pair of ears to help me think!

3. Job. I'm going to need a second part-time job or a full-time job.


In the last two weeks everything's been screaming at me that I've made the wrong decision and that it's all falling apart. I just want to say for the record that God is faithful even when things don't go my way. I will see the goodness of the Lord in my situation. So, according to his plan and leading, I'm committing to stay here a year and seek what God has for me. He can mess my plans up if desired, but I'm not leaving for fear of failure or lack, if you know what I mean.

So, that's where I'm at. I'm so thankful for my friendships from home and abroad. I know I would not be walking in very much confidence and encouragement right now without the history of walking with such wonderful faith-filled friends.

I'm blessed!

Picture time

So, in keeping up with Kristine--as if I really could--
I've got a picture now on my blog.






Thanks... you can all go home now.

Keeper

"Sheeringly rockus," says the New York Times...

"A summer hit!" writes Ebert and his friend...

In the small town of Davis, CA lived a simple man with a somewhat unusual sense of humor--but humor was exactly what this town needed most. In this summer blockbuster of the season, you'll be blown away by the stunning visual effects as the thrilling life of Thomas Wright, played by Oscar Award-winning Leonardo DiCaprio, pans out before your very eyes in awesome 3-D! Be amazed all over again as you see it again for the first time... the first time! Fun for the whole family awaits you as Thomas breaks into the unsuspecting lives or his fellow Peet's Coffee employees with unrelenting humor and punning for your viewing enjoyment.

Blog III
...coming Sep. '08

*Ahem*... Ok, so I needed to have some fun.

So, in all reality, I've been enjoying California and taking it all in-- the way God's been providing for me and directing my steps. Also, you may remember me mentioning that I was planning on applying at iWar, the worship training school at The Mission. Well, I applied a little late (was waiting on the application fee money) and I got accepted! It's really funny how God works. One thing I've consistently felt from Him was that He's moving at the speed I am... like I'm setting the pace. So, I really was in a place a week ago where I didn't know if I wanted to apply to the school or not. The money was the reason for my debate because it costs $2,500 to attend the school for the year and I haven't gotten a paycheck yet since I've been in California. But, you know, God is amazing... He just kept reminding me and holding out various promises to me last week. Then on Sunday there was a presentation, of all things, at church about the training schools where several people got up and told their testimonies about how God's led them from all over the U.S. to attend this school and provided miraculously the money needed. A couple of the stories were a lot like mine. I just sat there, my heart burning with hunger and my mind wondering if I'd missed something God had for me here. Afterwards, I went down front to talk with one of the leaders of the school and asked if there was any chance I could still apply. He asked me to tell my story and afterward he encouraged me to go ahead and put it in God's hands by applying. So, I did that yesterday and got to spend a good amount of time talking with one of the leaders and he was so encouraging. Funny, too, he was SO a James Love personality and read me right away in some of the things he was feeling from the Lord as we spoke. Only James can fully feel the importance of that last sentence. Anyways, really encouraging.

New paragraph... whew... So, I went home and prayed and something unusual for me began to happen. I think I can best describe my state as "giddy" before the Lord. I just had peace and emotion (strange for me) and I felt such joy. It's like all the challenges that are ahead of me became like a child's game and it didn't matter whether I won or lost. I still feel that way today, interestingly enough. That being the case, I really believe I need this from the Lord. If He provides the money for the school I'm going to have to quit my new job and move from my new place of living to Vacaville to be close to town. So, unless God is my keeper, this is the craziest decision of my life. In fact, today I listed my car on Craigslist. Funny, I was talking before the move about wanting to sell my car and rely on public transportation and my bike(which I got fixed and is really fun to ride!).

Anyways, I've settled in my heart to work and save for next year if the money isn't here in time. I need it within about 10 days if I'm to do the school this year. Hey, we'll see, right? God's not worried... and no money is an obstacle to His plans.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Keeper

My tread-worn path etches long and deep
  Given no reason to be here
  'cept that you've called and I'm yours to keep
Into provision one safety liner's sink
  Have no reason to fear
  Awaken my heart with strong lover's wink
One back burner broken, time's leftovers lost
  Into forward motion you steer
  The call to jump ship at whatever the cost




Thanks for reading...