It's Saturday morning and the boys woke up early. Their internal clocks do not adjust for weekends apparently. They both came into our room, hopped on the bed, and began wrestling. Ethan is the ringleader and Elan is learning the ropes. Ethan now understands that we really do not want to leave the 'privileged' world of sleep so he attempts to wake us subtly making it appear as if he really was not trying to. He also understands that he can use his younger brother in an attempt to rouse us without implicating himself. However, what he does not understand is that I had a younger brother that I used in the same manner. So in language he can understand I say what Doc said to Lightning McQueen, "I know all your tricks, rookie." I eventually got up and engaged my children with the great American tradition of Saturday morning cartoons as us guys all ate a hearty bowl of Fruity Pebbles. (That is daddy style cooking!) The boys are now occupied playing Wii tennis. And then it dawned on me that I have not blogged in some days.

Since my last post our youth minister search team has determined we have found God's man for the job. I am excited about the enthusiasm for God's Word he will bring to our student ministry. Other than that I will reserve specific comments until after we release his name next week to the church. However, speaking of leaders, I do have some thoughts on leadership from the Old Testament Book of Joshua. At one point, a few weeks back, I was rapidly and casually working my way through the Book in my personal devotions. Then I believe God led me to turn around and go back to the beginning. It's like He said to me 'you missed something important.' So I have gone back and slowed way down. I am glad I listened because now it seems like every verse in chapter one is chocked full of good stuff. The book chronicles the life of Joshua and the people of Israel entering into the Land of Promise. Just three but small related thoughts for today. It is interesting to note in verses 1-2 how leadership is acquired. First, spiritual leadership is given solely by God Himself. Joshua was not self-appointed. Joshua did not spend (or rather waste) his time trying to acquire a 'position' for himself. God picks leaders. It is true in all spheres of influence (business, politics, and especially churches.) Second, the normal means God uses is by training/mentoring. God transitioned Joshua to leadership after serving years as Moses attendant (vs. 1). Joshua had years of experience working with another God-called leader. He watched as Moses learned to listen to God. That's one reason I believe in ministerial education (God can and does work through people without it but He normally uses it here in America.) More importantly that's why I believe in spiritual mentoring. I was blessed to have a pastor who watched over and poured into me when I was an associate pastor. (I still thank God for Robert!) Training is a good thing and none of us knows it all. Third, I find it interesting that God did not speak directly to Joshua until after Moses was dead. I mean speak directly in terms of leading the congregation of Israel. I think that says to us that God does not confuse leadership. He speaks through one main leader to a congregation. He was never telling one man something and another man something different. That's why we need one pastor of a church. God doesn't want a situation to occur where this could be a possibility. It's not that the leader is somehow infallible (he is not) but it's just that God works that way. A good leader listens (there is wisdom in the multitude of counselors) but makes a decision ultimately by listening to God's Word. Take a few minutes and see if you can find other good leadership thoughts from those first few verses.

My wife has been busy watching kids and painting the kitchen. We now have one red wall in our kitchen and a large portion of another wall painted Buffalo. (I know all the crazy names... I once had an office painted picante sauce.) It is kind of a mud color and it looks good especially in contrast to the red. She is doing a great job. My wife loves home improvements and she loves to paint. I have learned over the years that when she gets in 'paint mood' that it is best for me to get the kids and get out of the way. I have to thank God for her passion to get things done and take care of our home.

Church has been going well. We continue to have new families join us. We have a number of folks waiting to get baptized soon. I am so stoked about these new additions to our church family. Tomorrow is our Christmas cantata. The choir has worked hard and I am excited to hear them as they praise the Lord Jesus Christ through song. Afterwards we will enjoy our annual Christmas fellowship meal. I love to hang out and eat with everyone and just enjoy good fellowship. Then I will conduct two prospective deacon and spouse interviews in the afternoon. It is a busy time of the year but also a fun time. Well got to go to a birthday party.