Christ Animated

How many times have I moved in my life? I'm not sure about birth to about age 3, but I know that it involved at least a couple of moves. I've lived in the following places, though, I know. Booneville, MS Burnsville, MS Corinth, MS Chunky, MS Hattiesburg, MS (2 locations) Petal, MS (2 locations) New Orleans, LA Summit, MS Many, LA (2 locations) Chunky, MS (2 locations) Decatur, MS Hickory, MS Boyce, LA Brookhaven, MS So. I've lived in at least 14 towns/cities. In four of those, I lived at least one month in one location before moving to another in the same town/city. Our most recent move took place in Stage 1 this past weekend. Stage 2 is coming up tomorrow and the next day. In Stage 1, my wife Donna, daughters Britain and Jessica, and son Tobie, with help from a friend named James, moved several items into storage in Alexandria, LA, before Donna and I packed up our car (which we got fixed just hours before leaving!) and headed to Mississippi. Jess stayed ...

As a youth minister in a church where we were searching for candidates for the role of deacon, I was surprised one Saturday to receive an anonymous letter in the mail describing in five typewritten pages why a particular candidate should no longer be considered.  The hateful comments, wrapped in religiosity, boiled down to the fact that John* had been divorced and remarried.  Current deacons and staff met with the pastor the following day, each bearing a copy of the letter. With very little hesitation, we decided to ignore the letter, since the individual had not signed it, nor did they seem to have the best interest of John in mind. With no names mentioned, we all also had no doubt which church member had sent the letter.  Lisa* was well known for her harsh attitudes and unforgiving outlook toward virtually every person outside of her own children. He husband Robert* would either laugh and say Lisa didn't mean what she said "that way", or just shrug his shoulders, sh...

I have done what Piper suggests. I have wept and laid out regrets. I have mourned the deaths of loves and dreams, And the time I've wasted in meaningless things. My sobs have racked me and my head I've hung, Hoping for the final note of that song to be sung. So now I must rise, and wash my face. Take a deep breath, and welcome grace. Live where I am with what I have, Content with His gifts, though they're not what I ask. This life I have is all that exists With which to serve Him, It is what it is. So I'll trust You. Not just in words but in steps. Drag me from this funk. Your life in my breast. Open my eyes when I don't want to see. And thank You, Father, For not giving up on me.

This coming weekend, this Mississippi boy plans to move back to Mississippi. We'll be moving to Brookhaven, something we feel God is leading us to do. Amid sickness, transportation issues, and more, we're still trying to get ready, and trusting in the Lord for help with details. My wife Donna summed it up well, so I'll repeat her words below: "For those who don't know, I've been offered a great job as Managing Editor of The Daily Leader and we'll be moving to Brookhaven, Miss. this weekend. Brett's still waiting to hear about a job at the Ridgeland Lowe's so prayers are appreciated. He's had two phone interviews already, so now we're just waiting on good news. "Sadly, the old Jeep finally died for good and the Taurus is in the shop still waiting on a transmission that fits and works - we're about to order #3. (Ordering online is cheaper but tricky.) So right now we're without transportation. Prayers appreciated for that too...