Remember … Thirst …

I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all Your works
and consider all Your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to You;
my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. (Psalm 143:5-6)

I remember … I meditate on … I consider what Your hands have done…

• family devotions around the table after dinner
• summer of camp of 1991 where You got ahold of my life and opened me to Your Spirit
• the sense of call to pastoral ministry through a conversation with a youth leader in high school
• my friendships at Wheaton College: the prayer and worship, accountability and love
• meeting Kelly and having a Christ-centered relationship
• serving in worship leading during college and in churches afterward
• mentoring by godly men and women through college and immediately after at Church of the Great Shepherd
• learning through suffering within our family
• the gift of children: Isaiah, Joshua, and David
• participating in Your work around the world: Honduras Project, World Relief, and North Africa Consultation
• learning and mentoring at Elmbrook: experience, friendships, networking, exposure, challenges
• growth through Brooklife: a new church plant, wider experience, serving on the elder team

Thank You, Father!

I spread out my hands to You:

• my hands are spread out in prayer
• my hands are directed to You
  * not to other gods
  * not to my career
  * not to my wife
  * not to my friends
  * not to my children
  * not to my achievements
  * not to my hobbies
  * not to money and possessions

• TO YOU!! [make this true!]

My soul thirsts FOR YOU like a parched land.