Our Mission Statement

Monday, April 16

You've got mail!

Monday, April 17. 11:24 pm. I am sitting in front of my computer at home (I am so excited to use my computer at home…. It has been such a long time….) trying to finish the day. It is going to be a short week this week. Friday our school is hosting a Special Olympics for the kids in Wilson County. It is one of several service projects our student body does at Friendship Christian. And, from what I can tell, it is one of the student body’s favorites. So, 3 more days of classes and then a fun one.

I am also trying to send my passport off to be renewed. I have waited long enough that I will have to pay extra to get it back in time. I just love wasting money, don’t you?” I can’t apply for my visa to go to Brazil till my passport gets back to me. I hate putting things off, but sometimes it just happens, right? Of course it does, and that is OK, but when it is time to go it is time to go.

And that leads me into this public service announcement. “Calling all slackers!!! It is April 16, 2007, and I have not received applications or deposits from many of you out there in cyber space!!! I compliment my group leaders from Nashville, Tn., Columbia, S.C., Memphis, Tn., and Kittanning, Pa. They are all in and accounted for. Soooooo, unless you are in one of these groups, this message is for you! I need paperwork, photos, and deposits ASAP.

It is very important that you get this in. I have a massive payment coming up in the next couple of weeks to pay for the container we are shipping to Honduras and I do not have enough money to do it. While we are at it, I don’t even have an accurate number going from each team. Planning projects, budgets, and transportation is all based on team numbers. So, please, help me out and get your stuff in as quickly as possible.

Ok, now that wasn’t too bad, was it? Of course, I could call out names, so let’s just keep this between you and me. My address is 221 Oak Hill Drive, Lebanon, Tn., 37087. Hope to hear from you soon! (make your check payable to Western Hills Church of Christ / Torch Missions)

Blessings
TR

Thursday, April 12

Paging Mr. Maxwell House

Greetings to the faithful few that are still keeping up with the blog. I disappeared off of the radar screens for a few weeks with a flurry of activities and events that consumed my time and energy. In the past 4 or 5 weeks I have led a 1 week mission trip, began my spring soccer season, closed on our house in Florida, bought a house in Lebanon, Tennessee, moved all of our stuff out of storage, and moved from the house we were staying. Oh, and that is on top of my regular teaching load, writing curriculum, and grading notebooks and papers. Besides planning the summer mission trips and trying to sleep every now and then, that’s about it!

Now it is painting bedrooms, remodeling bathrooms, doing YARD WORK (my favorite…) and trying to get the heat and AC working. Thank goodness there is only 24 hours in a day because I don’t think I could handle any more. Tax forms, visa travel applications, MRI & PT scans, writing grant requests, scheduling flights, and doing fund raisers… it goes on and on. Can you sense the stress building??? Is it obvious yet?

We live in a fast paced society. Many of us, like me, have chosen to drive in the fast lane. And ALL of us need to learn one simple lesson…. Slow down and smell the coffee. (Now, I don’t drink coffee but the saying still gets the point across). In all of our hustle and bustle, we race past the things that are the most important of all. God. Relationships. Friendships. Peace. Tranquility. Rest. Meditation. I could go on but I am sure you get the point.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

Are you excited about the summer trips? They are just around the corner! Just think, in just a few weeks we will have time to focus on the truly important, serving God and serving others. Taking a break from our daily grind to do work for the Master. For me, that is what Matthew 11 is talking about. When I get my focus right, things just seem to flow better. Life gets simpler. And even the aches and pains of the day leave you with the impression that it was all good.

Have a blessed day. And if you get a chance, smell some coffee for me.

TR