Memphis Grizzlies

Congratulations to my dear friend (and former roommate) DJ Bulls on his engagement! Wow! We're all excited for you, bud!

I wish I could be at the Tulsa Workshops this weekend. They really have a great lineup this year. I'm still looking into the possibility of going to the Pepperdine Lectures, though.

It's been a fun week for me--there have been several opportunities to spend time with great friends. Tonight, I got some free tickets for a Memphis Grizzlies' game at the FedEx Forum. I've only seen them play there once, and it was a lot of fun. Friday, the Singles' ministy has a movie night, and Saturday I'll be playing ball and going to a dinner with the Singles' ministry as well.

We've had some great Sunday mornings here at Highland Street the last two weeks. We've started a new series on Christian Hospitality--something I'm quite passionate about. In three more weeks we're having another Communion Sunday when everyone will file to the front to be served. I just love those days.

3.14 - Happy Pi Day!

3.14. March 14. The annual Pi Day. I love it. This is Ryan Porche's second annual celebration of Pi Day. How do you celebrate Pi Day, you ask? You buy (or bake) a pie and have at it. It is also advisable to do this with friends whenever possible.

Last year, I shared that my most favorite kind of pie was chocolate silk pie with whipped cream. And this still holds true. The problem this year, is that I gave up chocolate as a part of my observation of the Lenten Season. Hmmm. So, I'll be trying a different type of pie this time--but there are plenty more to choose from, right?! Right!

C'mon folks...it's the little things in life. For me, eating food with friends is one of the highest joys I can imagine (and I practice it almost daily). What is a little blessing that bring you great joy?

Here's a shot of me with the little ones on Friday.  

From the lips of children and infants...

This morning, I led praise for a local preschool as they celebrated "Grandparent's Day." The place was packed with children, their teachers, and their Grandparents. We brought out all the best including such titles as: Fuzzy Caterpillar, God's Not Dead (what a title!), and Jesus' Love is a Bubbling Over! Normally, it's rather challenging for me to be goofy at 9 a.m., but I managed to pull it off. :o)

Isn't if fascinating how both children and grandparents can share so much delight in each other? To see the children run when they see their grandparent, leap into their arms and say, "Sit with me! Sit with me!" And to see the pure joy and pride on the grandparent's face as the child grabs their hand and drags them to something they simply must see.

I think we can learn a lot about our Heavenly Father from these moments. when I reflect upon the massiveness of God, I'm reluctant to pray about the mysteries of life that I often find myself tangled in. If I'm just a vapor in the wind, why would He care to know what I'm struggling with?

Could it be the answer is found in the way a parent or grandparent delights in a child? Is a parent's life really impacted by a finger painting tacked on a bulletin board? Does the parent actually learn something from entering a child's imagination by joining them on the floor with toys? Probably not. But these things are important to parents because they're important to the child.

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing" (Zep. 3:17).

"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall" (Psalm 55:22).

He is our Heavenly Father. Delight in Him.

From Memphis

Forgive me for not posting in awhile, I haven't been particularly moved to write. The Lectureship in Abilene was outstanding. I found it to be a very rich experience, and I'm still grateful I was able to be a part. David Fleer's keynote address on John 4--worship in Spirit and truth--was definitely my most favorite part. Wow. He said some great things.

Otherwise, it was refreshing to be around family, friends and mentors. I also especially enjoyed spending time with Casey and Kasey McCollum, Eric Magnusson, DJ Bulls and Layne Rouse.

My sister is having knee surgery tomorrow. Please join my family in praying that everything goes well, and that she'll have a very fast recovery.