Happy Gotcha Day!

Six years ago today...
Klaire was passed from her dear nanny into our families arms.
The miracle of adoption became real to us.
Our family grew by one precious little girl and one great big adoption family.
God blessed our socks off!

Our experience that day is still hard to describe. And unless you have experienced the miracle of adoption for yourself you simply can't fully understand. I realize adoption is not for everyone but today I'm so thankful God chose our family to experience the miracle. 

Oh be careful what you TWEET!

A couple of days ago I received a tweet from @Sean_Breslin telling me he had used one of my tweets in an article for The Weather Channel. To say I was surprised is a major understatement. I was shocked even more when I saw that it was simply a random tweet I hurled into cyber-space about my morning run in Tennessee. However, he thought it fit his story and he used it.

Now, the funny thing is Sean never asked permission. He just used it. And, I was okay with him posting it on a major website for millions of people to read without my permission.

You see, here’s what I understand about social media;

*What you tweet can and will be used against or for you.

*Once you tweet it or facebook it – you can’t take it back.

*Like it or not, some people will judge you by what you tweet.

*Social media has the power to influence others in a positive or negative way.

Social media is the use of words. And words are POWERFUL. James reminds us of the power of our words in James chapter 3.

 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness.10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. (NIV)

So, the next time you post a random tweet or write something on your facebook wall remember the words of James – it may seem harmless – but it can destroy – start a fire – ruin your world – bring chaos. Or your words can bring encouragement, hope, joy, praise, influence and blessing.

Here are a few rules that might help you when considering what to post or tweet;

1.) If you wouldn’t say it to your mom’s face then don’t tweet it.

2.) Never air out your dirty laundry between friends, your kids, your family, or your spouse in a tweet.

3.) Never tweet in anger. 

What rules would you add?

Our last week in Nashville

The last 6 to 8 months have been crazy. I’m not sure how else to put it. My decision to leave The Hanna Project has been excruciatingly difficult. I have loved the work and feel incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity.

I have struggled with leaving all that my current position offers. I’ve been able to travel the world, work with people I consider to be heroes (our missionaries), visit many churches, district & state meetings in the US, work with the IM office staff.

And yet, all along I have missed being a pastor. I have missed discipling new believers. I have missed having my wife by my side as we minister together. I have missed seeing my girls grow up. I have missed being a part of a local church and leading it to impact their community and world for Christ.

This is our last week in Nashville and yes it is hard to leave all of our friends, family, home, and work. We love middle-Tennessee! And yet, we are excited about all God has for us in Michigan as we once again step out in faith and trust His leading. 

Thank you for praying for our family during this transition. For our home to sell, Julie to find a job, the girls as they transition, as we look for a place to live, and as we adjust back into local church ministry. 

Escargot!

One of the great things about visiting other cultures is sampling the different foods. Well, while in France with our E-Team one of our host missionary families, the Price's, fixed Escargot for our team. Here's a video of their experience.