sharpening

Yesterday, I got to be a part of a meeting in which Jeff Leake, who is a church planting guru, spoke. He and his church have planted several healthy churches. and God has blessed them. I loved his humility and heart for following the Spirit of God. There were also several other church planters there who hope to plant churches someday from out of their churches. It's amazing how being around different people of vision can sharpen you. We many times rise or fall according to the level of those around us. I walked away feeling that iron had sharpened iron.

Staff Christmas party

Ahhhh, the staff Christmas party! We had a little PF Changs and finished it off with a little Starbucks action. A truly amazing combo. Throw in some great friends and good conversation and you have an enjoyable time. It is cool to be on this journey of church planting with friends. I have learned that the people closest to you really do shape you. There can be accountability, encouragement, challenging and at times even down right wrestling. But this is good. The Bible says "as iron sharpens iron". When iron collides with iron, the rough edges are rubbed off on both pieces. Isn't that how it should be? We are continually being sharpened and shaped into all that God wants us to be. That's why it is so important to surround yourself with others who are heading in the direction you are striving toward. Who sharpens you? Here is a picture of some of them in my life!