A New Era

I haven't written in a while. Let's just say things have been a little bit busy! Not the kind of busy that leaves you frustrated and worn out but instead the kind of busy that leaves you absolutely grateful to have been alive!

February 9, 2011 was an amazing day in Branson, MO. As ten inches of snow fell in sheets, covering the ground, Mikala and I found ourselves driving to the hospital shortly after our doctor had succinctly said, "Let's get to the hospital. You're going to have a baby today." We drove through the snow. . . Mikala in shock and myself more nervous to drive in snow than ever before. It was a tender point in time full of expectation and the kind of depth of emotion that is etched into your mind for life. What a strange blessed moment! That evening Kiley Maks King finally greeted the world face to face. She had already become such a blessing in our lives, but to see her was a magnificent moment! It was just the beginning of many beautiful times as we have now seen her develop these six months, each day more amazed at the blessing God has chosen to place in our lives.

It is funny how God chose to orchestrate the time just after Kiley came. February 20th, I found myself doing something that I thought would never happen, I was announcing to fbcBranson that though I would still be on staff with them that my role as youth pastor would be coming to an end. Instead I would be serving as pastor for Ozark Mountain Community Church where God had called me to lead. We started our journey with OMC March 6 and have been amazed to see God's movement there as well.

I have smiled many times when I think of the two major changes in our lives. I must admit that I have seen similarities in the two circumstances. I have been desperate for my Father to teach and lead me in areas that I had no experience. I have also been blessed to see His guidance and faithfulness at each new turn. Just as in the life of our child our church has seen growth physically, spiritually, and emotionally. At the same time I have continually grown as a pastor, to Him be the glory!

Yes these last few months have been a remarkable blessing. The kinds of times that leaves me completely overwhelmed yet absolutely confident that I am secure in the palm of my Father's hand. Thank you all for your prayers. May God be glorified as we continue to mature in Him.