God-sighting

Lately, the Lord has really demonstrated his love for me in some very practical ways. On my way home from Costa Rica, I had to stop in a line to pay an airport tax. For some reason I put my wallet in an open, small pouch on the outside of my bag instead of back in the zipper pocket of my carry-on. After I handed my bag over to be loaded, the young man behind the ticket agent, alerted the agent to my wallet that was just sitting there in the open. He could have so easily missed it or stolen it. Either way I would have lost my wallet which would have been a hassle in so many ways. I was so grateful.

Then, at the Houston airport, I was looking for a place to sit and eat lunch while I waited an hour for my connection. I ended up not wanting to eat in the food court so that I could eat dinner with Robin when I arrived at home. So I went to my gate and found a little shop serving fruit drinks. After I purchased it, I noticed that Boston was not the designated city on the marquis at my gate. So I went to the monitors to see what had happened. I realized that I had misread a five for a six. Then my eyes noticed in big red letters on the monitor - Local time. 12:30. I didn't realize that the time had changed so I thought it was 11:30. I could have been at the food court and missed my flight. Again, I was so grateful.

Yesterday, I took our '93 Altima to the Nissan dealership to have the wiper blade motor fixed. I also mentioned that there were a few other quirky things and that I would like to have those checked as well. A couple of hours later, I received a call from the dealership saying that they condemned the car, that they wouldn't touch it so as not to be liable, and recommended that I not drive it off the lot because that' s how dangerous of condition the mechanic believed it to be in. So, Robin and I went to the dealership to retrieve the junk that was in the car. I made a few calls to some friends who knew how to get cars from an auction. I told the Lord that I would be willing to do all that monkey business but that he had to help us not pick out a bad car. But then I told him how much I wish I didn't have to go through all that hassle and how I would love for Nissan to have a cheap used car we could buy there. Well, after we payed for the diagnostic, the service agent said that she believed that one of the technicians was selling his Maxima for $2000.00. We looked at the car, heard about all the things he had replaced, and bought it. The only thing it needed was new tires. We had just bought new tires for the '93 Altima in January. They were the same size so he said that he would change them for us. We will have the car tonight. Yeah God!!!!!

"Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap and yet I your heavenly Father, feed them. ARE YOU NOT MUCH MORE VALUABLE THAN THEY!" Thank you Father for your loving care and provision. You are awesome!

Growing Pains

Last night was my weekly team meeting/home group. These people are my friends, my teammates, and my accountability group. Last night, I found myself in the hot seat with my wife. Starting this ministry has caused a lot of change, upheaval and adjustments. I needed a little "sober thinking" about how all this has affected my family and Robin. Hard but good. Keep us in prayer as we continue to work out all these changes. And especially pray for Robin who has had to weather the most change.

My Aching Heart

Last night, one of my children stopped me in the hallway to ask some questions. That led to us retreating to their room to talk. Eventually I was sitting on the floor next to them, holding them while they cried in my arms. So much internal growing pains. My heart just ached as I listened and found I had no words to say that could help their situation. I am desperate for the Lord to breakthrough into their heart with some hope. By the end of our time, my child drew the conclusion that the only sure thing at this time was to pursue God because at least that has lasting significance and God is a sure foundation on which to build a life, whatever that might look like in the future. Wow. I was amazed at their logic. My child asked if we could start meeting to build a foundation in God. How awesome. Please pray for my child and our conversations about the Lord.

"Mark, my son, if you can feel such an ache over your child's condition, how much more do I, your heavenly Father, ache over their struggle. I will prove myself faithful on their behalf and yours. Never forget how much more deeply my compassion flows for you both. I love them and I love you Mark. Trust Me!"

Father, thank you so much for your love and assurance. I love you Lord.

I'm Back!

Hello All. These past several months have been wild and crazy. Just a quick review. In January, Robin and I spent two weeks in Grand Rapids preparing for our oldest son's wedding. The wedding was the 27th and was a wonderful experience. My extended family were awesome and we enjoyed welcoming our new daughter and her family into ours as well. FLM had one weekend experience at First Baptist in Springfield, Ma. with pastor Bob Smith. On Sunday morning, a number of people who had experienced the weekend spoke up at the beginning of the service pleading with the pastor to let them share their experiences. Our hearts were overwhelmed by their testimonies.

The first weekend of February was 3 days at Vision New England's Congress Conference in Boston. We had a meager little booth in the exhibit hall but many people stopped to listen to the CD; often times they bought it on the spot, and then would let us pray for them and share about the ministry. A number of people said that experienceing us at the booth, my workshop and the CD was worth the whole price of admission (200.00)!

The next weekend I was in Jacksonville, Florida at the Beaches Vineyard. I spoke at both of their Sunday AM services. The response was overwhelmingly positive. One gentlemen in his 50's who had been doing ministry for 28 years told me the next day that his experience of church and all that he did afterward because of church was the best day of his entire Christian experience. I was blown away. We are presently working out the details for me to return quarterly over the next year to implement the materials slowly.
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The next weekend I was at the Southside Vineyard in Grand Rapids, MI. doing the weekend experience for 22 of their leaders. Again, God was so faithful and amazing.

As soon as I returned home on Monday, I was instantly engaged in a week of making the DVD. What an amazing time. So many wonderful people helped in so many ways to make it a success. And by God's amazing grace, I completed all six teachings in the 30 minute limit!

That Friday the FLM team was off to West Haven, CT. to do another FLTL Experience. The next weekend I was in Portland, OR. at the Montavilla Baptist Church. I was home one day and then 8 days in Costa Rica.

This past weekend I was supposed to be away again but a snow storm cancelled it. I was really glad. I needed the brake. This weekend I am at an Advent Church in Haverhill, Ma.

As you can see, things have been really busy and really fun the past 2 months. Please pray that God would continue to fill the calendar and bless the ministry. Also, pray that I get better at doing this blog thing. My website is supposed to be up for trial by next Monday. I so need the Lord help me with keeping up with blogging and other forms of communication.

Thank you all for your prayers and interest. The Lord richly bless you. Mark