What? Is that the Sun I See?

Yes. That's right. As quickly as the rains and storms were pouring down on me, they passed over and the sun has returned to its place in the sky. I have re-emerged from the difficult times I referred to in the last couple posts. Hallelujah, anyhow!

I can only imagine (sounds like the title of a good song) the confusion my readers must feel, as the kind of pain I was experiencing didn't sound like something that would be over anytime soon. It was a very personal matter, and thus, I cannot elaborate in such a public place. But out of respect for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from you guys, I will say it had something to do with a certain relationship in my life. Fair enough?

C.S. Lewis wrote, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains." In the midst of the storm, it's very difficult to see God's hand. We simply have to trust that He's present and working. We have to trust that He's Sovereign and Good. During the last two weeks, I was certainly brought to that spot. There were moments when those two lines were all I had to sustain me. And now as I emerge on the other side, God's work in me over the last two weeks is absolutely monumental. Undeniable. More than I thought possible.

In time, I will share more. But I do want to share now: I am a different person than I was two weeks ago. God has refined me in ways I needed--but wasn't particularly looking forward to. I hope you will all rejoice with me at the good things God is accomplishing in me.

Your prayers on my behalf play a huge part. And I am grateful.

More Lyrics for Difficult Times

The last post included lyrics by MercyMe. Today's lyrics are of Steven Curtis Chapman.


And the pain falls like a curtain
on the things I once called certain
and I have to say the words I fear the most:
"I just don't know"

And the questions without answers
come and paralyze the dancer
so I stand here on the stage afraid to move
afraid to fall, oh but fall I must
on the truth that my life has been formed from the dust

(chorus)
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part
of the picture He's painting
God is God and I am man
so I'll never understand it all
for only God is God

And the sky begins to thunder
and I'm filled with awe and wonder
'til the only burning question that remains
is "Who am I?"

Can I form a single mountain?
Take the stars in hand and count them?
Can I even take a breath
without God giving it to me?
He is First and Last before all that has been
beyond all that will pass

(chorus)

Oh how great are the riches
of His wisdom and knowledge
how unsearchable
for to Him and through Him
and from Him are all things

So let us worship before the throne
of the One who is worthy of worship alone

(chorus)

Great is the Lord
Holy holy
Great is the Lord
Holy holy

Remembering a Promise...

Before leaving Abilene, there was a special gathering of family, mentors, and friends to celebrate what God has done in my life, and to anticipate how He would continue to work. At this event, I made a promise to those special people. This promise was born out of the understanding that life would include difficult times. As is typically the case with me, the words I chose for my promise were the lyrics of a song, and I sang this song over them as a blessing, a challenge, and a promise.

So, finding myself in the midst of a storm, I remember these words.


Another rainy day
I can't recall having sunshine on my face
And all I feel is pain
And all I want to do is walk out of this place

But when I am stuck
When I can't move
When I don't know what I should do
When I wonder if I'll ever make it through

I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
You're the One that's keeping my heart beating
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
'Cause that's the only way that I find healing
I gotta keep singing

Can I climb up in Your lap
I don't want to leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing

Can I climb up in Your lap
I don't want to leave
Jesus sing over me
Oh, You're everything I need

And I gotta keep singing

Ryan Porche's new ride. 2005 Toyota Camry SE.  

Ooooooo....

Name the New Car

I'm excited about my new ride. 2005 Camry SE. Low miles. Great price. Hopefully, this vehicle will not have as many maintenance problems as the Durango. I'm banking on the name "Toyota" to save me. I'm further excited that my gasoline costs will probably cut in half.

"The Buggy" was a great name for the last vehicle--but there's only one Buggy. Give me some name suggestions! Have I mentioned my gas costs will cut in half?

The Buggy and I saying goodbye.  

Farewell to The Buggy

Sad news. I had to trade the Durango. I've driven this vehicle for 3.5 years now, and so many special people have ridden in it with me. And it's the people who have joined me within the that dark blue frame that have made it so special. It was with me in Denver, San Antonio, Abilene, and Memphis. I'm sad to see it go. Be sure and leave a comment if you've been transported by The Buggy!

I had to trade it because it was having too many maintenance problems. Stay tuned in the next couple days to see my new ride. :o) I'm going to need help coming up with a name for it.

There's only one Buggy, and I will miss it.

Here is a good shot of a portion of the Praise Team at Highland Street. We met for rehearsal last night for the first time in awhile! It was great to be together again. These people are my family. I am richly blest! 

Demetrius is a friend I made last year. He and I have been studying the Bible together for sometime. He chose to be baptized on New Year's Day. What a wonderful way to start off the New Year! Congratulations, Demetrius!  

That's a good one.  

My parents, Claudia, and I at Christmas. 

Me, Claudia Stockstill, Layne Rouse, and my sister Kami at Christmas.  

Yes, I'm Alive

Forgive the delay. I hope you enjoyed the pictures. Santa brought me a digital camera for Christmas, so hopefully I’ll have more and more pictures to share.

We had a wonderful Christmas show here at Highland Street—a good time was had by all. I was able to spend one week in Abilene and see lots of family and friends. Claudia was able to join me for a couple days, and Layne Rouse even stopped by, too. I also spent a couple days in Searcy with the Stockstill’s.

The New Year is off to a good start. Worship on the last several Sunday morning has been especially powerful. We’re in a Sunday morning series investigating God’s work during times of wilderness: “The X-odus Files.” This topic touches us on so many levels—the Lord has been speaking very clearly.

This weekend, I’m going car shopping. The Buggy can be more appropriately titled “The Struggle Buggy.” I’ll update you on how this goes.

Thanks for reading. I’ll post again in a couple days.