[ Interaction Index Page | Blog Front Page | The Study Center | Resources | Site Front Page (Home) ]
11/22/02
Friends,
Well,
it's been an interesting bit of 'time off'. I've been through some changes over the past few months in
my personal life, but through it all, the Lord has been faithful - even at
times when I have not. As I type
this, I'm working (again) on borrowed time- time borrowed from my 2nd
period class to be exact. It's the
day before we go on thanksgiving break and things have been manic over the
course of the school year. There's
been a heavy burden on my heart to try to get this site back up and running
again, so as much as possible - during my lunch break, during ANY break - I hop
over to the computer lab and try to transfer all the links in my links database
over to the new site. I'm over a year behind on this project, but I'm working
on it slowly.
In
my professional world, plans for my band classes have gone awry both due to the
sniper in my area and the way that my principal has the school curriculum set
up (key words: SET UP). I've been
spending extra hours at work just to try to 'pick up the slack', but I'm trying
to cut back. My supervisor made it
plain to me that I need to take a stand on some things related to band and no
longer continue trying to make 'chicken soup out of chicken feathers'. In that vein, I've been working on a
summary proposal to present to her, outlining what needs to happen with the
music program here at my school in order for it to flourish and for the kids to
grow musically. I originally had
my 'meeting' with her scheduled for today, but I'm going to ask her indulgence
for Monday or Tuesday (both of which are professional development days). Those
of you getting this wonderful missive early (only God knows if my site will be
back up by then), keep me and this situation in prayer.
My personal life has
encountered tremendous growth spiritually and I'm longing for my new church's
Men's Retreat (coming up Dec. 6-8th). Right now, stuff has been so hectic (I pretty much run home
every evening and go to sleep). My
health is borderline (high cholesterol), I've picked up 50 lbs since I
graduated high school back in 91 (though I still look like I weigh about
160-170ish), which probably accounts for the snoring/sleep apnea problem I've
developed. That probably also
accounts for the need for extra sleep every day just to feel adequately
rested. Top that off with the fact
that right now, my schedule doesn't seem conducive to any type of regular
exercise (yeah, I knowÉ.I have to MAKE timeÉ) and you see where I feel a bit
frustrated about it. Pray for me
on this situation as well.
Yes, you did read
correctly - after officially starting and continuing my spiritual trek at Open
Bible Baptist Church since July 3, 1988, I've finally heeded the call that's
been floating about my heart for around a year now. The Lord placed me at New Song Bible Fellowship in
Bowie, Maryland with a pastor who knows my old pastor. I've departed from Open
Bible on good terms - just haven't had a chance to talk with many folks there
since then. My reasons were
multiple:
#1- I moved nearer to my job and travelling to Open Bible
would've become a 45 minute-45 mile one way trek that I'd have to make every
Sunday (and after having MY type of work week, that's a TREK.)
#2- I was stagnating at Open Bible. Nothing wrong with that church or the people there -
but the Lord was calling me to
something higher and I wouldn't have been able to get there still being at Open
Bible. When the Lord calls you to move, it's best to move. I think the Lord had been calling me to move a long time ago
- but I stayed 'stuck' in my comfort zone quite a bit (which is what my old
church was). My new place of
worship has plenty of ministries for me to get involved in, lots of male
fellowship and opportunities for growth, accountability and more.
#3- I moved residences as
well (mentioned above). The Lord
has spoken to me and pretty much told me that He wants me to make a new start
on EVERYTHING.
I guess #2 is really the
big point for why I'm at a new church. After a new membership class, some deep theological
and personal drilling with the Pastor of the church (Dr. B.T. Fuller) and some
more things here and there, I'm now standing up in front of a very wonderful
choir (yes, I'm the choir director at my new church now!). The Lord's put me in front of a really,
REALLY great choir. I really feel
blessed. In addition, the
fellowship at this church (at least with the folks I interact with) is GREAT. As time rolls on, Lord willing, I may
put together a web team and take over the church's website (Lord willing and
directing).
As usual, I've got a short
prayer list.
¥ Continued growth and
maturity as a man of God.
¥ Professional growth as a
musician. I'm realizing that there are some 'gaps' in my training that Bowie
State University didn't cover and I need to take care of those - SOON. Nothing like seeing a musician who
doesn't know his history. Just makes him look SOOOO professional. J
¥ Time management skills
need to get MUCH better.
¥ Time to get this site back up, get my
personal life in order, get my HEALTH in order and still keep up with my
professional responsibilities.
¥ Guidance on continuing
in present ministries as well as picking up future ones.
That's all fer now. I'm off to get this website ready and
take care of some other business for choir rehearsal tomorrow.
-Kerry