Life can certainly be an emotional roller-coaster.  The very best of times can turn in a brief instant into a time of sorrow.  You see, most of us allow circumstances to determine and gauge our happiness and peace, and obediently follow the prodding of the world to make us “feel” one way or another.  Therefore, something good happens and we are happy, until an unexpected turn of events instantly shatters our joy, and we fall into despair.  What an undependable way to live.  No wonder so many of us have high blood pressure!

But didn’t Christ talk about a constantly joyous life?  He promised that we could “lay our burdens upon Him,” and live in “peace that surpasses understanding.”  But the problem is that we are selfish with our troubles!  We refuse to truly “lay them on His shoulders,” but rather keep them to ourselves, constantly working upon our own solutions, and feeling older all the while.

Why do we hold onto troubles, when He is waiting to receive them?  Maybe we don’t really trust Him?  Isn’t that what we are saying when we hold our problems in, worry, and wring our hands?  It is time that many of us ask ourselves the question, “Is He capable of handling my problems better than I, or is He a liar?”  There can be only one answer.  It is time we lay our burdens at His feet and allow Him to do what He does best!

Kerry

Wow, life is getting crazy!  Since we’ve announced our upcoming transition to Jonesboro, Arkansas and the Valley View Church of Christ, it seems that there is more to be done than ever can be… and it won’t end anytime soon.

If I were to describe my current emotions, it would be 33% Excitement, 33% anxiety, and 33% fear.

The reasons for my excitement are clear.  I am moving to be a part of a vibrant, growing Church.  The sky is the limit.  They have already experienced phenomenal growth and look in faith for even more in the future.  It is exciting!

My anxiety, strangely, has to do with the same things.  This is a great challenge.  Can I rise to the expectations?

The fear I feel is because of what we leave here in Florence.  We have a large house to sell in a bad economy.  We have dear friends we intend to stay close to regardless of distance.  We have a daughter going off for the first time to college.  All of these are real concerns, and the “What ifs” can be frightening.

Yet, as I look back through the years, history is encouraging.  God has always been on our side and seen us through everything.  He will be with us in this as well… so… Future… HERE WE COME!!!

As Lenora and I prepare for another adventure in ministry, I have been reflecting upon all the good friends we have made through our travels.  Idaho, California, Texas… we have dear friends in every locale.  What a blessing!

Having spent the last six wonderful years here in Florence, we are grieving to leave our dear friends.  No more last-minute lunch appointments, no more football parties in our living room, and no more Sunday Dinners at Casa.  Things will be different, and although we know that new friends await us in Arkansas, real friends can never be replaced, only substituted.

But… we are Christians!

This simple fact changes everything.  Even though we answer God’s call and leave the people who have made this “home,” we KNOW that it isn’t our REAL HOME.  We are going there someday… and we are going TOGETHER!

The song by Michael W. Smith comforts me in these moments,

“For Friends are Friend Forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them…”

To all of our friends in Florence… WE LOVE YOU.

It has been about two years since I last blogged.  I am not exactly sure why.  Perhaps it was a season of nonexpression?  Well, now the winds have shifted and the seasons have changed.

I will attempt to say things that will have some meaning… at least to me!