Back in the Saddle

Thanksgiving was wonderful! My family and I had a wonderful time of catching up, eating, and laughing together. My Dad and I test drove a Porsche, but we didn't but it. Although I think we were both prepared to if it had been in better shape. I carved my first turkey this year--thanks to my Dad for being a great coach!

On Friday, we drove to Waco to watch the Abilene High Football playoff game. Yikes. The game didn't go like anyone expected it to. It was good to watch my cousin Jason play well, and it was fun to see some dear friends that I haven't seen in a long time. I miss playing the drums. The atmosphere brought back lots of memories.

On Sunday, Abilene experienced a terrible dust storm. Good grief. It was ugly. So much for throwing the football! Walking out of church on Sunday, I could barely open my eyes from all the wind and debris. Ah, West Texas.

Now I'm back in the saddle. We've got our version of a Christmas Show on December 11th, so it's intensifying quickly! Happy Holidays everyone!

Thanksgiving

I'm looking forward to being with family this week. Here are some great words about gratitude that I'd like to share from Steve Hare, Joel Quile, and Mark Weathers:

"When our celebration gives no mind to saving face, when it has forgotten the lines of social grace, when it overflows above the rim of moderate joy without a second thought, it is then, perhaps, only then, that the lips of our festivals sufficiently form and speak the words 'thank you.' True celebration is carried out in all places, calling the heart to dance at all times, lifting the face to the sky in all spaces. When grateful eyes open to the weight of God's extraordinary grace, it's force shifts and rearranges the plot of our lives. We can no longer stand in its center, we are no longer the hero of our story, gratitude has wiped away our old deception."

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I was poor, but now I'm rich.
I was weak, but not I'm strong.
I was blind, but now I see.
I was held captive, but now I'm free.
I was lost, but now I'm found.
I was dead, but now I live.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Thank you, Lord!

Day by Day

Is it Thanksgiving yet? 'Cause I'm hungry. Oh, and I'm anxious to see my family again.

The Accountability class went very well last week, I appreciate those of you who prayed for me. This morning, I spoke at Chapel for the Harding Graduate School. The Lord blessed our time together--I'm just thankful that He's strongest in our weakness. Hence the title for today--there are so many important things happening back to back these days. I'm learning anew what it means to rely on Him for strength and guidance. And I'm reminded again that we simply must live and minister out of an overflow of His presence.

Props to Steve Holt Jr. for noticing in the picture below that I look just like my Dad. You're exactly right! When I first put that mustache on in my apartment and started talking to myself in the mirror, I was shocked at how much we're alike! (Please dwell on the humor intended by that last statement and don't dwell on the fact that I talk to myself in the mirror.)

This week I'm turning my attention to our Christmas Dinner Theatre here at Highland Street coming up December 11th. It should be an enjoyable evening of Christmas music performed by our members.

Trunk or Treat (right to left): Daniel McGraw (nice teeth); Demetrius Walker (he told us he was dressed up as a rapper. Of course, he had to TELL us this, because he dresses this way all the time); Carmen Jackson (we think); Claudia Stockstill (no costume, but at least she smiled for the camera); me.

"to purify for himself a people..."

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (Titus 2:11-14 TNIV)

Tonight, I'm co-teaching a men's class with my accountability partner about accountability relationships. I'm getting really excited about how God will use our experiences to bless, encourage, and challenge the other men who will be present this evening. This friend I have partnered with in Memphis has been such an answer to prayer. What a blessing to have a close friend who desires for my formation into the image of Christ as much as I do.

If anyone of you guys reading this would be interested in learning more about my experiences with accountability, feel free to email me. ryanporche@hotmail.com

Good Weekend

Well, we had a good weekend together at Pickwick State Park. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. Our time with Lynn was indeed rich. I am grateful to serve Christ with some amazing people. One thing we did together this weekend was to allow everyone the opporutnity to share the reader's digest version of his/her spiritual journey--our "story." It was helpful to me to learn much more about where all of these people have come from and how God has worked in each of their lives.

If you've never taken 30 minutes (at least) to sit down and think about your "story," you absolutely must. I'm often appalled when I realize how few of us take time to reflect upon God's work in our lives. If you're involved in a Small Group at church or some type of intimate Christian community, I would highly recommend taking a lot of time and allowing everyone to share his/her story.

I know for me, there is nothing I desire more than for God to be the author of my story. There is nothing I desire more than for Him to take my life and weave it into His story. I'll write more about things Lynn shared this week. Be a blessing!

Staff Retreat

I'm excited about this weekend. The entire staff at Highland Street is taking a retreat together. It will be such a blessing to spend extended "informal" time together. I know we will have fun, but I'm most anxious to see how God works in our midst. Lynn Anderson will be with us, and I hope to spend some one-on-one time with him. I would appreciate it if you would take a moment to pray for our time right now. Thanks.

Next week, I'm co-teaching a men's class with my great friend Adam Risinger about accountability relationships. Looking forward to this, too. I hope to have some pictures from Halloween to post soon. Maybe I need to ask for a digital camera for Christmas.

Today, I'm just glad it's Friday.

The Roller Coaster

First, I had a fabulous weekend. Harding's Homecoming Musical, "Beauty and the Beast" was OUTSTANDING. There was some amazing talent on the stage (and behind the scenes). I met so many people this weekend! I'm glad I got to go. Having made so many friends who attended Harding, it's nice to have a visual reference now when they tell their stories. Maybe someday I'll get to haul them all to Abilene.

In other news, it's amazing to me how I can go from a Sunday morning: remembering why I love what I do; feeling the Holy Spirit working in our midst; and knowing that all I want to do for the rest of my life is lead praise--and then be completely deflated, depressed, and ready to walk out by Tuesday afternoon. I'm continually amazed at the spiritual warfare I encounter weekly--even when I'm serving right in the middle of a church family.

Times like these remind me that I am not home yet. This is a fallen world. But never fear! We always have reason to praise. And the hope I have in Christ is enough to carry me.