Much to be Thankful for!

What a wonderful trip to Memphis! I cannot imagine how the weekend could have been any better. I am so appreciative for those of you who thought of me and prayed for me this weekend. First, we discovered the drive to be nine hours. After experiencing the twelve hour to drive to Denver several times--nine is easy. On Friday, we got a preview of my office. The thing is massive! I'm so thankful because it will be a perfect place to meet with an ENTIRE praise team! I will have enough room for my desk, keyboard, a conference table and a casual sitting area. Nice.

On Friday night my parents and I ate with Harold Shank (senior minister) and his family at his house. We had a delightful time. We were all further encouraged about the future. I know I will love working with Harold.

On Saturday we had three appointments with my favorite apartment complexes. As it turns out, the one we liked most also had the best deal! Hallelujah! It has two bedrooms and two full baths, and I was even able to afford a garage! :o) "The Buggy" was pleased.

And so, I have much to be thankful for. Everything we hoped for fell into place. What a blessing! There was much confirmation that this is where I need to be--the Lord has certainly gone ahead of me to prepare the way. And so, Ryan Porche is now officially in the "exit mode." My last Sunday at Highland in Abilene will be August 15th.

Exciting Plans!

Well folks, there's some exciting stuff going on. I'm headed to Memphis, TN this weekend to finalize where I'm going to live, which office I'm going to use, and where I'm going to get my haircut (not necessarily in that order, but close). :o)

I'm excited about a fun weekend with my parents--they haven't had any "mental pictures" to go with my stories until now. I'm anxious to know what my new address will be, and to begin doing all the furniture selecting and such. Lots of things to think about--but very fun, too.

Please pray for safe travel and I'll have some news to report when I get back.

Another exciting fact is that my Summer I course will be over next Thursday. Then I will only lack one more class! It's a good thing because I can't stand it much longer!

Reflections on the Kadesh Challenge

Okay, so I mentioned that Kadesh was a good stretch for me. When leading younger kids, a worship leader must be much more engaging. My personal (and preferred) style of leading worship is more from the perspective of the following: "I'm going to worship with all of my heart and you are more than welcome to join me." I have always appreciated those who are not in the way.

For younger kids this will not work. They need a little more encouragement. I found myself resorting back to some "Sing Song Director" techniques for inspiration. But by the end of the week, I didn't have to inspire them as much--they were ready to go there with me. Very cool...

God has also been teaching me to be more of myself when leading worship. Not that I haven't been myself in the past, but let's be honest--I've held back some. I'm a very goofy person, and I think I will be a more effective leader if my personality shines through a little more in my leadership. I will be leading worship for the third Kadesh session in July, so I'm excited for another opportunity to stretch and utilize what He's been teaching. And I hope these lessons will help shape me for all of my leading in the future. Praise be to Him for continuing to refine me as a worship leader!

Inspirational Thought

Winners never quit.

Quitters never win.

But those who never quit and never win are idiots.

Kadesh High School Camp

This week is crazy! I'm leading worship for the Kadesh Life Camp here at ACU. It is a week-long camp, and the theme this year is "grace." So far, the week has gone really well. It's pretty tiring, though. I'll be leading worship three times a day until Friday! But I've seen how God shapes people through these experiences, and if He can use me for any small part of that, then just tell me where to be! Truly--the rewards are priceless. I'm anxious to see how God continues to work. And it's always an honor to serve Christ along side my friend Reg Cox.

As I sat at dinner tonight with some of the kids, I was asking them where they are from, etc. Three of them said they were from Tennessee! I told them I would soon be a fellow Tennessee-an (perhaps I should learn if that's correct and how to spell it before I move). One of them told me Memphis was not that much different than Texas. Yeah right!

I need to start shopping for a big Texas flag to keep in my house.

Soaring in the Spirit

My most favorite animal of all is the bald eagle. Eagles have special meaning to me for several reasons. First, eagles remind me of my roots. My grandmother loved eagles. She had sculptures and pictures around her house. My high school mascot was the eagle--which also has family significance because my grandfather was once principle there. Eagles have always made me think of God's majesty. And eagles also symbolize excellence to me. I've always tried to keep excellence at the core of who I am. So, to me, the eagle reminds me of family and growing up--it reminds me where I have come from and how I have been shaped. Some have noticed when I am most "dressed up," I have an eagle tie tack. In these moments of putting forth my best, I where it as a symbol to myself: remember where you came from; remember who you are.

A few weeks ago I was alone out in nature, seeking the Lord's guidance through prayer. I was reflecting and meditating upon Jesus' presentation of the Holy Spirit in John 3:8. (This was brought to my mind because it was very windy that day.) And I asked myself a question given to me through a sermon by Dr. Steve Weathers: "What does it take to keep in step with the Holy Spirit of God?"

As I reflected upon these things, I noticed a number of buzzards soaring in the strong winds all around me (I guess they thought I was dead--or about to be!). I marveled at how effortlessly they remained airborne. Have you ever watched them? They might flap their wings once or twice a minute. And yet, they constantly make little adjustments to take full advantage of the gusts that lift them. Then it hit me: in the same way that the wind sustains their flight, the Spirit of God will sustain everything I need to fulfill God's purposes for me. There's no need for me to "flap my wings" and exhaust myself trying to discover His work in the world. As a child of the living God I SWIM everyday in His glory! His kingdom is in me and all around me. The best thing I can do is spend time with Him, stretch my wings as far as possible, and make tiny adjustments in REACTION to His stirrings.

Granted--a buzzard has nothing on a bald eagle, but the soaring trait remains the same. Eagles mean even more to me now. Soaring in the Spirit is not easy--it means you give up. But doesn't this ring true with the call of the Savior?