Becoming Greek

Back in the dorms

Well I am back in the CBC dorms as School of Missions has been rolling along this week. We have had some great sessions so far, and have connected with a lot of other missionaries. Today we talked in our Europe meeting about locations that are at the tip of the spear. Areas that have a few pioneers before a larger movement can happen. Greece just happens to be the place, and we happen to be on the tip of the AGWM spear.....

On another note I wanted to show off this picture of Mac. I always seemed to find interesting ways to entertain myself in my former college life. And it seems the DNA continued to my wee ones. Who knew a washing machine could be a hang out place?

Weekend in Oklahoma

This weekend we had a tremendous time in Oklahoma. We started off Saturday at Jet's Grandma's house. She had a pool, and Brady loved his time in the water. They had a slide that is normally slow for adults. Apparently, they do not have kids in spandex suits normally going down the slide. All that to say "the Mr Incredible" suit made Brady greased lightning.... It was a blast to watch.

Sunday AM we were in one of my favorite churched in the midwest in Tulsa. Carbondale A/G has been a church that throughout my Bible College years became an investment in my life. Not only in services, but several lifelong friends are from that church. They made a contribution to the coffee shop, and we appreciate their tender heart for missions.

Sunday PM we spent some time in Bartlesville. For those of you from FYM this is where Josh Willaford is from. I was able to hug on Josh's mom, hang out with Brady (the guitar player at the first Buelah Beach camp), and Chris and Becky Davis. We had a bunch of fun, and a great time in ministry. It was special spending time in the birthplace of Josh Willaford....

Technical Issues

If you are a PC user and have had some issues with reading the blog, I apologize. This website has a new format, and I am trying to get it fixed... Thanks for your patience.

Oklahoma Joe's

This past week I ran up to Kansas City to hang out with one of my CBC friends, Ben Marselus. He is planting a church here in the city, and I had a wonderful time with him. He said a line that all church planters should hear. "you can't make people go to church".... So simple and yet true.

He happened to live across the street from one of the best BBQ places I have ever tangled with. I think it was the number 1 all time. It was this little joint that shared lobby space with a gas station. But this place made some mean food. I am going to revisit this place again. Randy is showing off the ribs, and boy they were tasty.....

The zoo

Today we took the boys to the Wichita zoo, and had a blast! We saw all sorts of beasts, and were licked by all sorts of beasts. I had a personal encounter with a giraffe. He practically wrapped his tongue around my arm when feeding him. He was 18 feet tall, and had a 2 foot tongue. I snapped this pic as I fed him..... The boys had fun as well....

1225 miles to go!

Tonight Brady and I are driving to Kansas. Jamie and Mac flew down Saturday for a wedding, and so it is just the two of us and a few essentials. Brady's big ticket item is the portible DVD player..... I need some sunflower seeds, mt dew, and an audio book.... We should get there in 18 hours. Some quality dad and lad time on fathers day! Well back to driving, and Brady will keep his eyes on his shows..... Every once and a while he busts out in a loud laugh, and it is contagous!!!!

Hellas 2008 Euro Cup

Tonight in Greece all eyes are focused on the first game of the Greek teams European Championship game.  Last time in 2004 the Greece team surprised Europe and won the cup.  So far it does not look good for an opening win, but they should do well this tournament. 

This is their team logo.  Hellas is Greek for Greece.... GO GREECE!!!!

look-a-likes

This past week Mac paid a visit to the eye doctors.  He has some eye trouble and we needed to get him a pair of specs.  I am glad that we have the ability to get him corrective lenses, and that we have the technology to make it happen.  He is a cute little kid, and they even have the wrap around ears so he can wear them.  Yet, there is an un-canny look to him.  He has a famous"feel" to him now, and we have finally decided who the famous person has the look-a-like appearance.  Chicken Little....

What a cute kid!!!

Three no more

Last week I was able to hang out with some old friends.  Bernie and Sarah were youth pastors in the Harrisburg area while I was in Camp Hill.  They are now in Cincinnati, and were getting ready to add another child to the Giliott arsenal.

Bernie is technically, Bernie the IV, and so his son is Bernie the V.  They had the 5th yesterday and thought I would post it since many of you knew them while they were in the midstate.  Praise God for a healthy baby!!

Matt. 19:24

While we have been liquidating the house I have been hit hard by a verse in scripture.  Jesus said that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.  Since you have a computer to read this blog you are in the top 5% of the worlds wealthiest people.  So as a rich person think about trying to sell everything.  As we are getting ready to move abroad we are needing to sell things we have enjoyed for years.  Things that have sentimental value. and things that are just things.  However, I did not really realize how much stuff I had.  

It has been hard letting go of most of the possessions we own.  However, we get to keep some things, and we will buy things on the other side of the pond.  So we are not really selling everything.  And we are not giving all that we have to the poor....  And with all those boundaries set it is still hard.

So imagine if Jesus walked up to you today and asked you to liquidate everything?  I have pondered this thought the past few days, and would not want to be in a position to be asked that question.  Yet, I would want to believe I would say yes.  I would want to believe that no material good is more important than following the call of God.  However, it is a good reminder.  

Think of the 50 most valuable items you posses.  Pick one out, and sell it one ebay, a garage sale, or in the paper.  Then take that money and give it to the poor, missions, or your church.  Test yourself to see if you would be willing to give it all up.....  If you are brave enough to take the challenge post a reply.  You are more than welcome to keep it anonymous, but it would be neat to hear some stories.  And better yet to know that no possession will keep us tied down.....