Yesterday, an independent arbitrator reduced Kenny Rogers 20-game suspension to 13 games, effectively ending today his suspension for going postal on a Fox affiliate cameraman.
Bud Selig, commish of MLB, led the charge in crying out against the decision. While I love the Rangers and appreciate the efforts of the Gambler on the mound, I fully concur with Selig (for one of the few times in his tenure as commish). What Rogers did was horrible and a reduced suspension sends a bad message.
Incidentally, think part of Rogers's appeal had something to do with his suspension being twice as long as Rafael Palmeiro's suspension for steroid use?
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For the past seven years, I have been blessed to call the Village Church of Christ home for my ministry. What an absolute blessing these seven years have been. Because none of our adult members are native to the Village, it has made for a unique challenge. Couple that reality with the fact that the Village church has two very distinct generation groups -- those who are retired and those who are under age 40 -- and you have a unique church family.
I will miss the way that the love of Christ has bonded people from various ages and life experiences. Our Connection Group ministry has truly connected people to one another in unity. For seven years, we have lived in peace and unity and the far-reaching grace of God has been on display before our very eyes.
I will miss working with Jimmy and Jeanne. Never have I experienced such harmony and mutual appreciation within a staff.
I will miss meeting on Monday nights with the Elders. Those prayer times are special, not to mention the visits with members afterward. I will miss being with you guys.
I will miss our Welcome circles following baptisms. I can remember the circle seven years ago straining to make it half-way around the Auditorium. Now, even on Wednesdays, the circle encompasses the full expanse of the Auditorium. What a visible testimony to growth!
I will certainly miss day-to-day friendships, which are too numerous to mention, because I consider every one of the 300 members dear to me and my family. Thank heaven for e-mail and nationwide cell phone service -- all those technological advances that will allow us to maintain instant contact across the miles.
I will miss First Principles Day Camp with the kids. I will miss tailgate parties before Jessieville football games. I will miss potlucks (could there be a better collection of cooks in this world?). I will miss praying with Jimmy and Rick each Sunday morning.
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Who is writing the script for your life? For a long time, I wanted to write the script for my life -- where I would live and what I would do. But in the last eighteen months, I have come more and more to a place where I recognize that God must write the script for my life and family. Leaving the Village after only seven years was never a part of the script I was writing for my life, but He obviously has other dreams in mind.
The question for all of us is: Will I dare to follow His lead in living out His dream in this world? I have come to realize that singing "Where He Leads Me, I will Follow" must be actualized in living.
And so, God leads us to Marble Falls, Texas and a new ministry opportunity and challenge. There are many things I could script about our new life and ministry in Central Texas but I think I will "wait on the LORD" and allow Him to write the script!
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Today will be my last blog until next week. The movers come to load us on Friday so life will be hectic in the days ahead. There is much to be done and a lot of time to spend with dear people we love. I'll be back next Tuesday or Wednesday, coming at you for the first time from the beautiful Texas hill country.
Blessings to you all today in the days ahead...
