Lent 2012

That is this year's Lenten theme in our house.

In Manna & Mercy, a retelling of the biblical story, Daniel Erlander talks about lessons learned during the "Wilderness School" (aka the Exodus). One of the lessons is that when we hoard the manna that God provides, it rots and stinks.

Our house and lives are filled with things that we don't use or need. Even though pop culture defines hoarding by what it sees on TLC's "Hoarders," I think it's only fair that we too accept that label.

We have too much.

So...

This year we are agreeing to give up 40 items, 1 for each day of Lent. This can include anything on our property but can't just be petty things. For instance, 1 magazine does not count. A grouping of magazines, however, does count for 1 item. The things that are in good condition will be donated and items in bad condition will be thrown away. In addition, we will not be spending extra money on things like clothes, DVDs, shoes, jewelry, etc. We will only be spending money for necessities like our mortgage, bills, and groceries.

Follow us on the journey as we work to simplify our life.

The Revs.

I have been in the process for several months now of pursuing ordination through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. For us, that means going through a local church congregation. After many months of conversation and after meeting with my ordination council last week, I have been approved for ordination on March 11 at Wilshire Baptist Church!

This is an exciting step in my ministry career as it offers affirmation of my call from the community of faith that helped me to begin this journey.

Here are some answers to the FAQ about my ordination:

1. Does this mean you are leaving First Church?

No. Other than being a Rev. and being able to wear stoles, this won't change a whole lot about the ministry position I am in currently.

2. Why CBF and not the Methodists?

Because CBF is my denominational home and is where I plan to serve in the future.

3. Why now?

I put off ordination after graduating from seminary because I wasn't really sure I wanted to work in the local church. In order to be true to what I believe ordination means, I decided to wait until I was more certain of my call. My work at First Church has affirmed my desire to serve in and through the local church.

4. So you and Matt will both be Revs?

You better believe it!