All in!

Today I taught my last message (at least for a while) at LaGrange FCOG.  I taught a message called All In!  It's funny, I shared three personal stories that have taken place as part of our transition to Pendleton.  One of the stories, I told three times, and I was overcome with emotion each time.  It's the story of the day we finally made the decision that we couldn't "not" begin this new church in the Pendleton area.  I was prompted that day by the story in Mark 10:28 when Peter says to Jesus, "Lord, we've left everything to follow you."  Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, whatever you have left behind will be given back to you in greater measure, and eternal life in the age to come.  IN that moment, that day we made this decision, I knew exactly what Peter felt when he made this statement to Jesus.  

Long story short, it was an incredible experience for me, this opportunity to share with our church the why's of what we're embarking on.  And I also think we were able to ask other people to inquire of God what His "all in" for them is.  I gave everyone who came this morning a poker chip, probably a first for our church.  But my hope is that everytime they see World Series of Poker on ESPN as they flip through the channels, or everytime they hear about someone playing cards, or every day they carry that chip in their pocket, it will be an ongoing reminder that God is always asking to know and follow through on whatever our all in is right now!  

We also had our second to last youth night tonight.  I don't know if this makes sense or not, but I truly am beginning to hate Sunday nights, because I love them so much.  Sunday nights have been a joy for me for the past few years, one of the best experiences of my life.  There have been weeks when the students were not here, but usually those have only been a weekend at a time.  So I'm sure the first weekend we don't have high school students at our house will be a little odd, but not that bad.  The 2nd weekend I will be a train wreck.  I just love being with these guys and ladies so much, and the thought of not being a regular part of their lives is something I just can't think about tonight without really losing it.  I can't express how blessed these guys have made me feel over these last months and years.  I guess I won't fully understand it until it's gone!