The "nomadic" life

“The Israelites traveled next to Oboth and camped there. Then they went on to Iye-abarim, in the wilderness on the eastern border of Moab. From there they traveled to the valley of Zered Brook and set up camp. Then they moved out and camped on the far side of the Arnon River, in the wilderness adjacent to the territory of the Amorites. The Arnon is the boundary line between the Moabites and the Amorites.” Numbers 21:10-13 NLT. (http://bible.com/116/num.21.10-13.nlt)

This verse made me think of my "nomadic life" this summer. Stephanie and I love travel. We have been blessed to travel the country in our toy hauler this summer. We have traveled east and west. We love serving the Lord and we have been able to combine both throughout our lives. The last few weeks our travels have dealt specifically with CMA (Christian Motorcyclist Association) ministry. Three weekends ago we had a great ride to Toledo. Then we attended a big secular rally last weekend and this weekend we attended a family friendly event in Bluffton. It truly is a blessing to be in ministry sharing Jesus with people. We have had the privilege to pray with countless strangers. We have prayed for healing, safety, families, and businesses. We have spread the word that God is real, he's alive and he is active in the lives of his people. There is nothing more rewarding or powerful than sharing Jesus with people that just don't get to hear the message. It's not "in your face" ministry. It is ministry of service and loving people. It is ministry of just being available to listen. It's ministry offering something for nothing. There are no strings attached in what we do. That is rare in this world we live in. When you offer your time and your service for no gain, people will listen to what you have to say. 

I praise God for our summer travels. I praise him and am humbly honored to be chosen as a minister of the gospel. I pray that the Lord continues to use Stephanie and I for his purposes. I pray we are open to where he wants us to go. I pray for the wisdom in serving the way he wants us to serve. Praise God for this wonderful life of adventure. 

Jet Lag proves God is amazing!

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:11-12 NIV)

I am finally getting over my jet lag from my trip to California last week. It is amazing how far it is from the Midwest to the West coast. My aging body was thrown into a frenzy with just the simple three hour difference. It seems like it takes longer to recover now that I'm over half a century old. While I was out there I would wake up at 3am, 4am, 5am, and so on. I couldn't stay up past 7 at night. Now that I'm home, I can't get to sleep. But traveling by jet is fun and I love the beauty of traveling 30,000 feet above our amazing planet. 

So after that exhausting week of travel, I am reintroduced to this wonderful verse. God really loves me and jet lag helps me realize just how much.  I traveled a relatively small distance that had a major impact on my body. God goes to infinitely greater distances to forgive us of our sins. He removes them and forgets them at the same time. He loves me so much and I am humbled by that love. It endures even when I am far from God and his wonderful plan. Praise God!

Representing Christ!

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20 NIV)

Stephanie and I will be leaving in just a few weeks on our annual cross country motorcycle trip. This year we are traveling uncharted territory. We are traveling Northeast into Canada, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland/Labrador. I know it's just Canada, but it really is a foreign country. Don't laugh! Many of the areas we are traveling will speak very little English. I can't wait. We have to travel by ship to Newfoundland and have to get a room on the ship to sleep over night. It's another of our many adventures! 

When we travel I act differently than I do when I'm home. This will be even more important when I travel this summer. Americans don't always have the greatest reputations. I want to make sure I am setting a good example. Everyone will be able to tell we're tourists from the USA. I will be more considerate, more friendly, and have a servant attitude everywhere I go. It's just like my Christianity. I am always on display as a Christian. This is definitely true when I travel by motorcycle. I love wearing my faith on the outside. My CMA patch, clothing, and labels put me in a spotlight as a Christian. I have to make sure my walk matches my declaration of faith.

Does my life match my faith walk when I'm not wearing an external label? Can people recognize my love of Christ? I am a Christian 24/7 and I need to make sure I present that faith in a way pleasing to God. I need to do that every day, not just during my vacations across this continent!

Canada is a Foreign Country!

Ephesians 2 (The Message)

^19-22 This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

Stephanie and I took a long trip this summer and part of it was through Canada.  We traveled across Manitoba and through Ontario, Thunder Bay, north Lake Superior and then home.  When we crossed into Canada, I experienced a feeling I hadn't expected. I really, for the first time, felt like a foreigner.  We were in Canada for over a week.  The thought of being an outsider was very strange.  Don't get me wrong.  The people were just like us.  Some were friendly, some were not. Some made us feel at home and others made us feel like we were trespassers.  I am sure they get the same feeling when they come to "The States", as they call us. It's not easy traveling in Canada.  First it's the hassle of getting a passport, crossing the border feeling like a terrorist or criminal, then it's the different currency, then its the different measuring system, and finally the different or lack of cell phone service.  For all 8 days, I just felt uncomfortable, to say the least.


Have you ever seen a non-christian surrounded by a bunch of christians. Talk about feeling like an outsider.  I have been a christian my hole life, or most of it.  But I can certainly see how going to church for the first time, especially for a non-christian would be extremely intimidating.  The idea of not knowing what to do, where to go, not knowing all the right things to say and do.  What would you think about seeing or taking part in communion for the first time.  I love church, but really it is not for the non-christian. That is why Jesus told us to GO and make disciples of all nations.  They certainly aren't going to come to us.  BUT, once they do become believers, the barriers need to come down instantly.  Many times they don't.  God has a plan for all who believe in  him. Once we make that commitment, we all become special people. If we don't know the right words, that's ok.  If we don't understand all the symbols and "rituals" it's ok. If we don't wear the right clothes, have the right job, have enough money, or the best education, it's ok.  We are all the same in his eyes.  We're no longer in a foreign country, we're home.  Not only are we at home, we become a critical part of the  home.  We each have  an equally important part.  The only one who has a special, unique purpose, is Christ himself. Irrespective of how we got their, God will use us.  Irrespective of where we are now, God will use us!  We don't have to worry about a passport anymore.  We become full citizens with all the rights and privileges of a lifelong citizen. Praise God!


Thank You Lord for inviting me to be a part of your kingdom.  Thank you for treating me like I am the only one that matters.  I hope and pray I can bring others to the family.  I hope and pray that I can add more bricks to your house. I know I can't do it under my own power or my own will.  I can only do it through you, the master builder.  Amen!