Hey, what’s up?  It is early and I wanted to touch base with you after those incredible pictures placed on the blog yesterday.  Were they not great?  As well, what about that deluxe commentary given by our own Brian Armas.  He is "the man behind the blog" insuring all is monitored on the site.  I want to thank Brian for all he is doing.

There is much transition happening in my life right now.  I am losing some key staff players around me in this seasonal transition before the end of the year.  Rick Ray, my Senior Associate Pastor is entering into a ministry to churches across America.  He will remain in our fellowship as long as he is in Northwest Arkansas, but will depart from all staff and ministry responsibilities by the end of this week.  Becky Fletcher, a top level assistant in the Office of the Pastor, mainly dealing with matters that related to Rick’s responsibilities is helping her husband begin a new business venture.  Jim has retired and is entering a second career; additionally, Becky wants the freedom to go see her grandchildren in Atlanta.  They will remain in our church, active and supportive as ever.  Bert Miller, who has been beside me in many roles since 1988, will be entering retirement on January 8th.  He will continue to monitor the Pinnacle Hills project for us on a part-time basis.  Bert and Wanda have built a home in Bella Vista, just moving in last week.  I am so happy for them.  They will begin to attend the Pinnacle Hills campus due to where they live. 

These three people have been with me, the last 5 1/2 years.  I love them, respect them, and have honored them, continuing to do so in the future.  Yes, transition and change is my journey right now.  With the loss of my Dad suddenly four weeks ago tomorrow, the events of the above paragraph, my heart is filled with so much emotion.  Yes, quite honestly, that is what blogging is about, I feel "left."  Being left is not bad when you know God is in it.  However, even though I know God is on all of this, I still am filled with so much emotion. 

When you have the visibility I have been sentenced with in my life, it brings enormous challenges and scrutiny.  Being protected with discernment from so much "stuff" that can stifle a pastor has been a great blessing.  Confidences and trust are built through experiences together, as well as over time.  Losing staff is a part of a leader’s life.  When staff are friends, the struggle of loss is greater.  Yet, I have full confidence that God is in control, receiving what He is getting me ready to experience as well as our church.

I am fired up about the future of my life, ministry, and our church. I have seen God do this one time before.  When He did, He lifted the church to a new and powerful future.  This is why I have learned in life to embrace change as a friend, not an enemy.  I believe God is wanting to do more in me and in our church so I bless staff members who believe God is calling them away to a new assignment.  Every one needs new challenges.  We all get tired and the "same old thing," even "same old place" can make us stale.  I am very confident that our Lord is preparing me and our church to enter into unprecedented greatness in Him and for Him.

This is what is up with me . . . how are you?