Dear John Letter

Well, you all know what that phrase, “Dear John Letter” means. In my short span of 4 weeks of filling out numerous on-line applications, I have received a few of these rejection letters. You know how it goes. “Sorry, but you are not qualified for the position available.” Or, “we have decided to fill the position, internally at this time.” Of course I have a slew of others who have only responded with, we have your resume or application and don’t call us, we will call you. (Italics mine; paraphrase mine)

That’s about par for the course on my job search; these are mostly small local retail or business related jobs of which I have very little if any experience. My job set skill is primarily church related–either in direct ministry or in para-church ministry. Honestly, I have checked into a few opportunities in the church world, but nothing has come of that route yet–but I need to give that time. Rome wasn’t built in a day ( I believe it took a few years, with very little union related work stoppages!)

But with so many eyes and ears that they are in this large internet world, if you know of an church related opening, let me know. Otherwise, continue to pray.

I have tried to keep up on some needed reading. I wish now, when I boxed up my office, that I had done a better job of cataloging what book was in what box–but I honestly didn’t think about that type of organization. I have frequented my local library enough that maybe someone will cut me a payroll check, since I’m hanging there often. I would rather be at Borders or the Christian Bookstore–but they insist on collecting payment for the books I try to check out of those businesses.

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend ahead. Carol and I are hoping to worship at Woodland Camp this weekend for their Family Camp. We have some dear friends to connect with who will be at the camp this weekend. Keep praying–keep watching for employment opportunities and keep in touch.

Week Three

I really have to be just a little more creative on the old title bracket. Week Three couldn’t be any worse, unless it was aptly Weak Three. Anyway, not much has changed since last week. I have filled out about a million Internet job applications. OK, not quite a million, but I stopped counting at 999,993 or so. The application process is quite extensive for some and rather short and simple for others. I am banking on the intricate ones which make me take tests. One such test ask me to alphabetize the groups. What followed was some words to be expected. But then followed some number groupings. Alphabetizing letters–yes, but numbers–not sure about that one. I suppose if you were counting change and the customer insisted in referring to the money as five dollars minus the purchase price of three dollars and twenty two cents. Oh well, I am still confused.

And for this being a down economy, trust me there are hundreds of jobs out there. Everyday, including Sunday, I receive a listing of at least 15 jobs available for me. But to qualify for said jobs, you have to be slightly experienced, like “needed, one astronaut to fly to the moon, must have already been there at least once. And needs to have a valid outer space drivers license and must furnish own rocket.”  Oh yeah, I so wanted to fill out that application, but I was running low on the oxygen tanks necessary to get to the job, I declined. Instead, I will check out the CEO of Coco -cola, I could do that, but my ideas about changing everything over to solid Diet Coke products might not go over too well. So, I’ll keep looking.

And I am glad I did. With my love of bicycles, I have thought about the career of a bicycle repairman. Here is a little video that outlines my opportunity.

I am still praying and still looking. On Tuesday, I will be at the Georgia Preacher’s Meeting at Woodland Christian Assembly. I hope to make some valuable contacts and network with the intent of perhaps getting a few “fill in” spots when the preacher has to be away. Or maybe even a church that’s looking for an interim preacher on the short term. God will deliver, so I will keep trusting. But, during the meantime–I will keep applying for those exciting opportunities to be found in my “inbox” each morning.

Week Two

I am entering week two of my recent unemployment status. I’m not complaining, not yet, just stating the facts, like the old drag net guys, just the facts ma’am just the facts. I am at this point anxiously awaiting word from one very positive interview I had about two weeks ago today. I was told that this past Friday would conclude the period of time for the interviews and word would come this week as to the need for a second interview or a classic “Dear John” letter, thanks, but no thanks. That would be too bad, because I really believe I can excel at this new opportunity. But, God will lead and I will follow.

Some have asked what is next if this does not pan out. Well, I have a plan of action worked out and will begin to pursue it as soon as some closure occurs with my present waiting and praying. Maybe no such plan will be needed, but I am ready for it. It will require a lot of shoe leather as I hit the town with my resume and begin to look for work in some shape or form. I also plan to make myself available for supply preaching within a reasonable driving distance of my home.

Not too many churches are looking for full time preachers. It seems everyone is hunkering down with our current economic situation. But I have been in business many years and our economy always goes in cycles. The trick is to hold on during the down time and make the hay while the sun shines in the good time. But all the while, I need to remember these very important words:

Philippians 4:11 (NLT)
¹¹ Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

So, back to the honey do list for another few days, while I await word on what God has in mind for my future. Now…where did I place that list?  ummm

A New Day

Ecclesiastes 11:7 (NLT)
⁷ Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.

What a great day–week is ahead for me. This is my first official week in which I have no work related responsibilities asked of me. It doesn’t mean I will not be working, just not for a salary. I have one rather large To-Do List. Some items are provided by my wife and others are my doing, but at any rate, the work must get done. Of course they are not all hard labor items. I have a lunch date later in the week, a haircut, a trip to bring a small fridge to my wife’s classroom etc. Between the yard; the dogs; and various other things, I will be busy.

So, unlike this little video below, I will not be sitting around singing about doing nothing. OK, well at least while I am sitting around, I won’t be singing…how’s that.

The Last Day

Today is my last official day as Pastor of the Velocity Church. For me this process began years ago, when a group of men approached me to help change the church where they served. What can be done to make us a strong viable growing group of God’s children in this area. We prayed and I researched and studied and prayed some more. Suggestions were given and the men chose to follow the path of selling assets and putting all monies into a new church plant. A location was determined and I set about to make it happen. For over two years I have been at the helm of this transition and now have come to the end of my relationship with Velocity. They soon will have a new staff; a new direction and a renewed enthusiasm for the vision. The name might be different; but the aim will be the same–reaching people in the name of Jesus.

I have so many people of whom I owe a great debt of gratitude. I have served with fine elders and deacons over the few years in this community. The members of the church were always gracious and kind to both myself and Carol. I believe that even now, if I happen to run across someone in the community while shopping, that we can speak as friends, as fellow Christians and as concerned people for God’s greatest good to be accomplished.

I have no plans to sell my home and move. I will hopefully find employment in this area, so that I can stay in my home. I have opportunities being presented to me and I am praying for God’s will and my wisdom to recognize His will in making my choice for employment.

So, keep praying for Carol and I and my career moves. Keep Velocity in your prayers. They are going to attempt to stay together and meet once a month to fellowship and exchange updates on the progress of the staff search. Soon a new pastor will be on board and regular weekly gatherings will be resumed.

I was reminded on one occasion that it was Moses to whom God gave the chance to see into the promise land, but was not alowed himself to enter the land. I am not sure I am even close to be compared to Moses, but I thank the Lord for the opportunity to lead and take Velocity so very near and to some extent into the promise land of doing new church work. I cannot wait to hear of the wonderful blessings God will pour on Velocity in the future.

Sunday Night Mind Dump

Gave some thought to my Sunday Night Mind Dump. Here is what I came up with, after much consideration, contemplation and concentration.

1. Great services this morning at CCC in Sharpsburg.

2. Ed Martin brought the word powerfully and clearly.

3. Hope that next week, he will talk to others, beside me–I was convicted today for sure.

4. Still have unfinished office work upcoming for the transition of Velocity Church to the South Paulding Church Plant.

5. That would be VC to the SPCP.

6. Praying for this time of seeking God’s direction for Velocity and their future–God will deliver.

7. Some former Velocity friends are gathering at Taylor Farm Park on Wednesday at 7:00 pm for prayer walks. Awesome

8. My upcoming week includes an interview tomorrow morning (Monday). Pray, pray, pray.

9. Carol’s officially on the job at school tomorrow–BUT it is a mandatory furlough day, so she’s hitting the pool one last time.

10. I’ve been invited to play golf. But, I have to borrow or buy a golf bag. I left mine in Ohio. I have clubs–but tough to carry them without a bag or caddie who is multi-armed.

11. Let me explain–last visit north, my lovely wife and daughters hit the outlet malls; loading up the car, my clubs could be easily placed in various places, but the golf bag, remains behind in my father-in-law’s garage. What sacrifice it takes being a dad.

12. Hope your week goes well and that the rain slows down just a bit. What ever happened to the dog days of summer?

13. Speaking of dogs–I can’t wait till the dog pound and the Cleveland Browns start up; And I am also waiting on the OSU Buckeyes to hit the gridiron. Go Browns–go Bucks.

14. I be gone–see ya.

Counting Chickens or Eggs?

My mother always told me, “Butch, don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.” Now, realize we lived just a couple of houses from a farmer, who raised chickens and other farm animals. And also realize we lived within a bad wind day of a chicken farm hatchery. So, between the noise and the smell–I was not about to be counting any eggs or chickens. But my mom was persistent. She abounded with “sayin’s” and anytime I was excited about an upcoming opportunity, she would  bring me down to earth with the “don’t count you chicken” thing. I suppose she wanted to temper my enthusiasm and my attitude of “counting on it” to happen. She was preparing me for failure. And I must have learned well, for nearly ever since, even when prosperity is knocking on my door I wonder, why didn’t it use the door bell? Or if my ship finally comes in, I ask, “Is it a battle cruiser or just a tugboat? Needless to say, I find myself looking for the “worse case scenarios” in most situations. If the sun is about to shine, I count clouds in the sky, certain they will produce the rain.

So, now you know, my dark side. But despite this tendency to temper all the good news, I am honestly excited about an interview for employment this upcoming week. I am excited. It is a great opportunity on paper. I will know more after next week for sure. But for now, I am counting eggs, looking for chickens and trying not to be so pessimistic. I cannot tell you more, but if all works out, I will be sharing every detail I possibly can; giving God the glory, for His timing is always the best timing. We just have to trust; And enjoy the journey.

Sunday Night Mind Dump

What a great day in the Lord at Velocity.

1. We had a full band for worship in the park. God kept the breakers from shutting us down early.

2. No cops showed up–too bad, I thought that would have been interesting for sure.

3. Chase and the band did an awesome job considering our outdoor setting.

4. We have a rather good attendance–I was proud for so many who love the Lord enough to support us right up to the end.

5. I hugged a lot of people today. Everyone was hugging on necks, as we knew this was the last worship gathering for a few months.

6. I so appreciate those who have allowed me to lead them as pastor for the last 5 years. We have all gone through valleys and climbed mountain tops together. They are my family in Georgia.

7. I thank the Lord for those who are re-connecting with Velocity and with the Lord, even at this late date. God will bless them for decisions to return to the fold.

8. I thank those who have joined our body in Christ over the last few weeks or months. I am sorry we have to shut down, when a few have shown an excitement for the faith and the vision. God will carry them through our quiet time.

9. I am thankful for the management team, who has worked tirelesslly with me to create and build a stong foundation for the next steps. I am thankful to the new management team for their incite, wisdom and desire to continue the work of Velocity.

10. I really enjoyed eating out at Stevie B’s for lunch with some new and good friends. I ate too much. But, the visiting was great–thank God for good friends.

11. Can you believe it–I loaded  up the cooler, the carry box with supplies, the snacks left over, and a bunch of other stuff to take back to the office. When I got home, I realized I had left my Bible at the park. I drove back, but it was gone. If it was retrieved by a Velocity person–thanks. If it was retrieved by someone at the park, enjoy this book–it is the greatest book, and love story ever written.

12. I am sitting outside, writing this because of my wireless router set up. Thanks to David V. for his help and advice that talked me through the setup.

13. Next Sunday–not sure  where Carol and I will worship–that decision will be made later.

14. Let me correct an announcement about my future. I have a letter, promising me an interview in early August. But the interview has not been officially lined up as of yet. Still, pray that it will be lined up soon and that God opens the doors for this opportunity. (More on the opportunity later).

15. I also will be scheduling a lunch with a good pastor friend to talk about my next steps. I value his opinion and advice–well worth the cost of lunch for me.

Well, not much else to dump off my mind tonight. It was a bitter sweet day. And end of an era (ok, maybe that’s rather large term) and the beginning of a new day–for Velocity and for the Stebeltons.

Generally Speaking

I was on my bicycle today for the first time in over two weeks. It was a great morning to ride. The humidity is beginning to climb again, but was not too bad at our 8:00 am start. There were many cyclists riding today and it was good to stretch the muscles, especially the ones that have not been used for a while. Even though I try to walk every morning or so, riding a recumbent might be comfortable on the back side, but legs pumping pedals is the same if you are upright or reclined. I rode approximately 16 miles to the Rosco General Store, where a short break, a granola bar (25 cents plus tax) and some conversation took about 15 minutes of time. This is one of two General Stores passed on this route in the Chattahoochee Hill Country. They seem to have generally, about anything you would think you might need. Stores like this are disappearing from the landscape in our county, as we see large box stores shut down the mom and pop general store. And now, we might be on the verge of the WWW web striking a blow at the box stores with ease of ordering and never leaving your home.

I have watched as society has moved from the front porch to the back deck. We put up fences and landscaping to keep our yards private, with no prying eyes from nosey neighbors. We are cut off from contact of other human beings, looking for ways to shop at home, work from home and basically hide at home. We come out on our terms, opening a garage door to back out a car and zoom off to our destination, returning the same way, hiding away behind the automatic garage door. I even laugh at some folk, who on a perfectly good day, will take extra time to drive their car close to the mail box to retrieve the mail, rather than walk back out later or stop the car in the drive way.

And then, we hear the preacher tell us to reach out to our neighbors, invite them to church, get to know them. My goodness, when do we see them? We almost need a red light place at the end of the drive, to perhaps stop them long enough to say hello.

But, lest you think I’m different–hold your horses. I have moved my office to my home. I am thinking, I can get up, walk on the treadmill, work, eat, work, order a pizza, watch some TV and end my day–never having stepped out my front door. I would enjoy that life, for about one day at most. I enjoy going to the office, interacting with others, working on projects, meeting deadlines, reaching goals.

In fact, even in my bike riding or exercise routines, I must be reaching a goal–getting ready for a special group ride; preparing to ride a long distance or somewhere I have never been, or loosing a few pounds, whatever–but a goal to reach.

1 Corinthians 9:24-26 (NLT)
²⁴ Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
²⁵ All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
²⁶ So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

I have rambled on long enough. I headed to the front porch–just to see what’s going on in my neighborhood!

A New Day–A New Way

This video is making the rounds on the internet. And I want to take time to park it here for you. It is absolutely the best video of the year, IMO. Never before have I seen such enthusiasm displayed in a wedding entrance. At any rate, enjoy…