my mom is getting married Saturday...

My Mom is getting married next Saturday...

I took the photo above and below a few weeks ago of her and her fiance Ed.  

While the relationship is still in the clouds and very new to both... I am very excited about what God is planning for these two.

Yesterday, I had the chance to have a good conversation with Edward (Steph and I like to call him Edward *Twilight*). 

I really enjoyed our discussion as we moved from the nation of Israel & Judaism, on to Catholicism, and then to the current political and economic situation America is in and how it is an awesome opportunity for the church to shine and stand firm (more on that some day soon).  I can see Ed and I having many more deep talks for years to come.

Ed is going to be an amazing husband for my mom because he will act as a spiritual leader for her as every husband should. He loves Jesus, the word of God, and the Church. I believe Ed truly walks in the power of the Holy Spirit and in relationship with God. A fun, active, passionate, and generous guy.

So.... I guess he's good enough for my mom...

I'm so priveledged to be giving her away or "handing her off" as I like to call it.

She is a very beautiful woman and I can't wait to see her on Saturday in her blue dress.  She is the best mom in the world and has been an amazing example for me my entire life.  She has gone through enough pain and suffering in her life with the loss of 2 daughters, my dad, and many many other trials that I think she understands the bible when it talks about trials more than I hope I ever will.  She only deserves the best.  I pray that this relationship lasts the rest of their lives and that they get to see the world together, grow together in their love and relationship with God, and serve Him together in many different ways throughout the years.

Mom and Edward have asked me to read Ps. 103: 1-5 and Ps.16:11 during the wedding ceremony. I read these scriptures this morning and they are very telling of both my mom and Ed's attitude toward this occasion. They are both so thankful to God for this blessing and are praising him with everything that is within them... and so am I.

  

Challenging Sermons Online

I wanted to recommend my favorite preacher and teacher, Mark Driscoll.

Enjoy his sermons online at his church website   :   www.marshillchurch.org

He is a little controversial because he loves Jesus and people enough to be blunt and real.  I like that.

I never have a problem paying attention and I listen to a sermon every chance I get because they are so engaging and challenging.

Characteristics of a Pioneer

Last night at Perspectives, the National Director, David Flynn, taught about William Carey with a theatrical performance and followed up with stories and insights into other pioneers in missions history.

My favorite part of the night was when Mr. Flynn listed characteristics of pioneers. Here they are.

Pioneers...

• are truly passionate for God
• are available
• study the whole picture
• see needs/ resources through God's eyes
• are often considered unlikely to be significant
• pursue a vision beyond their abilities 
• depend on prayer
• couple their prayer with action
• publish the challenge of their vision
• motivate others towards obedience-mobilization
• challenge common assumptions
• motivation is purely God's glory

reach website - now live!

Pretty bare at this point.  But it's a start.

Check it out ->  http://www.wix.com/jlane03/reach

Thanks

reach- *Short Post*

I have the hardest time writing a short post on blunt.

That is my only goal today.

"reach" is a new ministry in Northwest Arkansas that my wife Stephanie and I have started.

God has placed a vision in our hearts for a simple ministry that loves people in practical ways and gives Christians opportunities to serve others.

reach is an attempt to… 

… obey God’s call,

… demonstrate Christ’s love,

… and open hearts to the gospel. 

Our first project is on March 14 and we will be hanging out with people at a park in Fayetteville.

Hopefully we can play some soccer, eat some hot dogs, do some crafts, and just simply love people. 

We hope God does something with this and think He will!