awards

Today, Keri and I went to Kaden's awards ceremony at his school. I was blown away how smart my son is! He racked up 6 awards. Intellectually, he is in unchartered territory for someone with the last name "Stephens." ha... It's amazing how you begin to see your kids find their giftings and realizing what they are good at. This was a great lesson to teach him, that when you work hard, it does pay off.

Panama

We had an incredible trip to Panama! Our church raised $10,000 to build a new church in Colon Panama. Our team did amazing and kept focused the whole time. We truly left the country with no regrets. It's amazing how you can bond with people by serving together. We did a lot of construction by laying block and putting the tin roofing sheets down, as well as some demolition of some old walls. At night we did services and saw 11 people come to Christ in this new church plant. It was a great trip.

Panama 2

I'm so proud of our team. They worked very hard today, putting up the last truss on the church our first team began. We put on some more of the roof and began building the walls with blocks. Our team mixed all the concrete by hand. It was a great day of work. Trips like this are like a marathon, you have to pace yourself to make sure you finish strong!

Panama 1

We arrived last night, the 16 of us ate together and had a devotional as a team. This morning we went to the new church our first team began. I was given the honor of preaching the first message under the new roof and it was Pentecost Sunday. We had 3 people come to Christ this morning and our team did amazing praying for the people. Also, we heard the Pastor share an amazing story of how he was discouraged and about to give up. He felt God tell him to stand strong, so he gave God two months. That's when God moved huge. Within that time, we were here and built this building. The real miracle is that for us, this was plan C. Only because 2 other opportunities fell through we're we going to Panama. Then the missionary to Panama that we were working with, was setting us up in two other places that fell through as well, and so this was again a plan C. But in Gods equation....it was an answer to both our prayers. It is an amazing feeling knowing that you are in the Will of God.

memories

Today, I'm going to my boys schools to take them out early just to spend time together. I have a special couple hours planned that I know they will love. They have no clue I'm coming and I'm looking to create a memory they will have forever. I was blessed to have a dad who did this for me....and I still cherish the memories.

take it all in

I have a philosophy in life, that I want to get to the end of my life having used every bit of energy, gifting, finances, and love to enjoy this life to the fullest. I want to live as close to "red lining" as possible to take it all in and enjoy everything that God has given me. Yesterday, I was up early, preached 3 services, grabbed a quick lunch, ran a 5k race near the church, crossed the line and jogged to the church, showered, straight into a missions meeting and then off to a Pentecost Rally, prayed at the altar for people and then headed home. I was exhausted, but I felt I took in everything that I possibly could. I guess my point is, let's make the most of everyday and every opportunity. Wherever you are...be there...all there and in doing so, enjoy the richness of life.

friction

Friction makes rough things smooth. Friction removes the rough edges on something. The same goes for our lives. Friction may be painful, but it has a way of making us more like Jesus.