The Wilderness

I have much to be thankful for. Far, far more than I deserve. Most of you know, as a part of my graduation/move/job process, I purposefully incorporated a time of Sabbath. I've been a full-time student while constantly leading worship for four years now with little break. My spiritual "tanks" have suffered. My creativity has suffered. My kingdom vision has suffered.

I am very thankful that the timeline has worked to be almost perfect. I will begin my ministry two weeks from today. But I have nothing until then. As I glance at my Pocket PC, the calendar tab reads "no upcoming appointments." Would anyone like to guess the last time it said that? Exactly. When I turned it on for the first time--before I had entered anything into it.

For the next two weeks, I will be entering a time of Sabbatical. I will be slipping below the surface. Cell phone, blog and email will no longer be important. Rather, this time is for the refining of my heart. To that end, I beg for your prayers. Two weeks of wilderness with the Lord? Can you imagine the potential?! I'm not ready. But He doesn't ask for me to be. He desires my undivided attention.

"My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me." (Psalm 131:1-2)

All I Needed was Liquid Plumber and Tube Socks

Just kidding. But really...what is up with the Wal-Marts in Memphis? I set off the merchendise security alarm every time I pass through those doors! What kind of world are we coming to where everyone and their auntie has to be frisked every time they go to Wal-Mart?! Forget this, I'm going to K-Mart. They're so happy just to have people inside, they don't care if you stole something. :)

I've heard that one before...

(Chris, this is too good not to blog about)

Many of you remember the famous words of Nataleigh Nelson (four years old) last summer: "The first time I saw you, I knew I wanted to play with you." And I made some crack about VERY young girls finding me irresistible.

Well, we set a record in Memphis. I've been here four days. Tonight the seven year old daughter of one of the preaching ministers looked me square in the eyes and said, "You're wierd. But I still like you."

I responded, "That's what most people say, and I'm glad we can be friends."

Contact Information

Ryan Porche
2558 Vintage Drive #202
Cordova, TN 38016
(901) 490-8580
ryanporche@hotmail.com
www.ryanporche.blogspot.com

From Memphis

Well, here I am. My stuff is moved in. Pictures of Porsches are hung on the walls (that's how you know it's home). And my family just left--creating a pain I have never experienced before.

My apartment is sweet. My family did an awesome job of helping me furnish and decorate. If I can ever afford a digital camera, then perhaps I'll post pictures. Or you could come visit me.

Multiple choice question: When there is a flying insect (armed with a stinger) in your home and you have no fly swatter or spray, what do you use to kill it?
a.) box lid
b.) shoe
c.) lighter
d.) belt

While all of these devices would work (although much caution is advised when using a lighter), I chose to use my belt. It took a couple shots (I wasn't warmed up), but at least it was a quick death. Of course, then I had to clean the whole area. Ha! Ask Jaimi Wise--belts work really well with roaches too. And the best part is, it's always with you!

Leaving Abilene

Well, this weekend has really snuck up on me. All along I thought I was making such good progress on packing and having things together. Yeah right! The last two days have been ridiculous. Or maybe the lesson is that with moving--there's no such thing as a peaceful and smooth transition. Okay, I'm exaggerating--everything has been very smooth--just busy.

I'm off to Plano, TX to sing in Cody and Chez's wedding, then I'll be back to lead worship at Highland in Abilene on Sunday. After lunch, we're headed east!

Right now, I'm most excited about my Sabbath time. That's right. I'm moving this weekend, but I don't start work until September 7th. Nice. I can't remember the last time I had nothing happening. Please be in prayer for me over the next three weeks. I want it to be an amazing time of renewal and personal growth with the Lord. I know He will meet me if I seek Him. Please pray against Satan's attacks during this time--he's probably not too thrilled with the idea. By God's grace, I'll be pumped by the time September comes around!

To my friends of Abilene, Denver, and San Antonio--thanks for investing in me and shaping me into the person I am today.

To my new friends in Memphis--I'm so anxious to serve Christ with you.

The Lord is faithful. We have every reason to praise Him!

The End of an Era

I am no longer a resident of the University Park Apartments. Layne and I have lived there for two years. We were reflecting a bit yesterday after we finished loading and collapsed on the couch. Over the two years, he and I were able to have many guests and visitors. I don't want to know how many singing rehearsals I held in that apartment! We have laughed so much. The Lord has certainly blessed our time together in that place.

I doubt many people have the experience of such a terrific roommate. Layne is an incredible man of God and he is doing and will do a terrific job this year as the president of the student body. I joked with him after I graduated that he no longer had any jurisdiction over me! Ha!

I wasn't really looking forward to the end of the Layne Rouse/Ryan Porche era. But I'm only talking about being roommates--the friendship never ends.

It is finished!

Lord, have mercy! It is finished. I did very well on my last essay and final, and now I have no further responsibilities for my degree. My thanks to those of you who have cared enough to stick with me to the end.

What should I do with all of my free time, now? Any suggestions?

Finishing College today!

Well, in a few minutes I will be taking my last college final--and I will be done! I can hardly believe it. It's been such a long haul. Last night, (after I finished studying) I took a walk around the campus. As I passed each building, I thought about memories I had made there. This is a special place, and it has been a special time.

Later tonight, I'm making a presentation to the elders at Highland. So, after today I'm going to be feeling much better about life. The only thing left in Abilene will be leading at Highland for the last time on August 15th.

To help keep myself motivated, I read through some brochures yesterday that I had picked up in Memphis. They are "tourist" brochures of fun things to do. I'm looking forward to the big city! Riverboat rides, The National Civil Rights Museum, huge shopping centers, lots of live jazz music....and go carts! 12 days!