Threads (extended version)

Our pastor back in the states, Jonathan Martin, often refers to the"Holy Ghost iPod shuffle".  It's this idea that the higher powers of God himself are at times choosing which songs you should hear, creating a thread between your possible circumstances, issues, trials, joys, etc.  Sounds a bit strange, but I'm a believer.  I'd even add that these powers are often sneaking out of our little music machines and tying together bits of conversations, friendships, experiences and thoughts.  I must admit that it's pretty cool when it happens.  


Side note - I'm not that guy that thinks that God is choosing ever minute detail the occurs, nor do I have any issue with the words lucky, random or serendipity.  And no, for me this doesn't reduce His sovereignty, He just uses it when he wants to.  


Ok back to the point.


So in the past few months I've had two threads running through my life in about every way possible, sexuality and short term missions.  Interested?


Let's start with short term missions (STM) since I know it caught your eye :)


- The Bruces - We had our first family stay with us who has come down with their church on a STM trip.  It was definitely interesting/cool to see it from the opposite side of the spectrum, as the receiving community instead of the sending.


- Jules - So we have a friend who's headed out to do 11 months of short term missions in a just a bit.  She hopped down here for her spring break and we had an amazing time hanging out, camping, kayaking, and talking about her coming trip.


- Mary Beth and Ericka - Not only helping plan their weeks here, but spending a lot of time along side of them in those events


- Institute with Juanito - During this animism class we got ourselves into a very interesting conversation about the goals and methods of STM.


- Jamie - I appreciate her thoughts which typically are on point and spunky... I ran across this blog of her's and found it thought provoking.  Warning, she's blunt, and at times has the mouth of a sailor, but overall I'm digging her thoughts.  Just thought I'd fill you in.  


- May 31- Took on the responsibility of guiding my first mission team to the lovely town of Ralco and now have another perspective.


This blog (1) is named threads, (2) is already long enough, and (3) I want to get to the sexual thread, so I'll conclude this thread with these.


I like and yet am really hesitant with short term missions.  Maybe after a few more rounds on the merry-go-round with this topic and I'll title the blog Short Term Missions.  


Sexuality


- Mars Hill - Started listening to the marriage series, which I will push once again.  Driscol does a thorough job of diving into all aspects of marriage and doesn't shy away when it comes to the sexual stuff.  


- A pair of conversations with close friends about the church, purity, marriage and sexuality.


- McDowell - I was invited to a Josh McDowell conference where he spoke very directly and openly about porn, sex, masturbation, marriage, satisfaction, etc.  He's got some pretty solid resources for parents, kids, youth pastors and everyone else under the sun.


- The Lock-In - Literally two days after going to the conference, I was asked to speak about Sexuality at our youth lock-in.


I have so many things to say about sexuality, but like I said before, the focus is on the threads.


Landing the plane.


I honestly believe that this is the beginning of these two threads and don't know where or how God is going to lead me through them, but it's exciting.