232...

...those three numbers have been part of my families identity for the past three years...and tonight is our last night being associated with it.  It has been a wonderful place to live and raise my girls, but now it's time to move on.  Tomorrow we move to Knoxville to a temporary location until we sell our house and buy another one.  So yes, we'll be moving twice, but it's no big deal in the grand scheme of things.  God has moved us to Wallace and we are extremely excited about moving closer to build relationships with these awesome students.

It's been a rough couple of weeks having to drive back in forth.  It's only 30 minutes, but it's just not fun, especially when my days at the office seem to be getting longer and longer.  But tomorrow my commute will be about a two minute walk across the parking lot.  I no longer have to worry about where I'm spending my money of food that's not good for me.  I can go home and find food that's not good for me in the cabinet.

In no way does this sever ties with friends and family in Maryville, it's just going to make my job a lot easier.  I look forward to Wallace Students coming by the house.  They better...it's not very far!!!  I'll whoop anyone in Wii's PunchOut.  Don't just it...bring it!  I look forward to God's plans.  I look forward to what he's going to do with us and out new church family.  Now...let us all kneel before the Lord our Maker!

JM

well, it's official...

...today is my last day at East Maryville Baptist Church. It's very bitter/sweet emotion that runs through my mind, but an emotion that I'm grateful is there. This past Wednesday was one of the hardest moments in my life, but God was absolutely lifted up and now is the day I announce my resignation to EMBC (not that it's a secret anymore). 3:fifteen students leave tonight to go to Beach Camp where God will be worshipped and glorified for what He is doing and I start this week at Wallace Memorial Baptist where I begin to form new relationships with students whom I hope to lead in their maturity in Christ. See where the bitter/sweet comes in to play?

But God continually encourages me to look ahead to see where I'm going and not to look back, because it's in those moments that I lose sight of Him.

3:fifteen Student Ministries: Look forward in order to see what God has in store for you! I promise it will be good.

Wallace Memorial: Get ready 'cause I'ma comin'. I'm excited about what God is going to do with you over the coming years.

I love you all!

JM

silenced...

...by the love of God.  What a great promise given to the people of God through the prophet Zephaniah.  Think for just a moment what it would be like to be so overwhelmed by God's love that you couldn't speak.  Sometimes I look at my family and I'm so overcome by this love emotion there are no words that could express my feeling for them, but this really doesn't even compare to the love God has for us bringing us to a realm of mute.

It's not that God wants us to be silent, but sometimes it's unavoidable.  When God's love is known and his presence felt, the only response possible is silence and out of the silence explodes a life of praise.  Praise of the God who is mighty to save...the One who lifts us from a murky pit that we may sing a new song of salvation.

Silence comes about because of the great love of God...praise springs out of this silence...

JM

the hiatus...

...will be over soon. I've been sitting back for a while, but I'll be back soon...

JM

they left everything...

and followed Jesus. Matthew says, "...he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him." Mark puts it this way, "And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed Him." Luke simply says they left everything and followed him.

When you read the words of Luke with the words of Matthew and Mark, the enormity of the situation really bleeds through. They didn't just leave...they left their career (which was probably a business passed from generation to generation), as well as their dad...in a boat. Mark goes as far as to say they left immediately. They didn't jump out of the boat and swim (I'd like to think they got a little wet though); they rowed to the shore (kinda like Dina) and left everything behind (hallelu-jah).

Let's be honest...sometimes working in the ministry is hard. Sometimes I would like to just get up and go to my house in Waverly to hang out with my parents and reminisce about the way life used to be...you know...before God called me away from what was comfortable. I'm sure Jen would love to do the same, but that's not what I'm here for. Sure...I'd love to move closer to family, because it would be easier for my girls to see their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and I wouldn't have to use all of my vacation days to do so, but I have to remind myself of who I'm following. I'm here to follow Christ...wherever that may be. We've gotta get out of the vessel that keeps afloat the things which make us comfortable, and follow Him.

Sometimes we have to leave "everything."

JM

make an impact...

This is our new look as a student ministry.  This logo should serve as a constant reminder of the direction of 3:fifteen student ministries.  Know the What/Own the Hope/Invest to Invite.  The three prongs of the crown represent the three parts of our direction.  It also represents the 3 in 1 Peter 3:15.  

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to any one who asks for the reason of the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.  

It's my prayer that our students want to leave a mark on their culture, families, and schools.  It's my prayer that this image will help them to remember what God is calling them to do.  

JM

the snow falls...

...and the landscape changes with each crystallized rain drop that reaches the ground.  Each snowflake is unique yet equally beautiful.  A constant reminder of the body of Christ and the beauty of each individual which makes it up.  We are truly many, yet we can change the landscape as well.  

One of the most interesting changes the snow brings is the reflection of light to a once dull and dark canvas.  The faded green and tan ground has been covered by a bright white acrylic laced with the sparkle of an eye of a man in love...it's beauty is magnificent.  The snow's reflection of the moon brings new life to the dark and the still.  I hope the body of Christ reflects in like manner.  May we bring light to a world that is dark and still...life to a people with a void in the shape of a cross.  

If you face a school closing...take a walk outside and look at the message around you and hopefully you'll be reminded of the light you should be and could be.  The potential that you have to change the landscape and reflect His beauty is major and hopefully you seize your opportunity...

As the snow falls, fall with it and reflect the beauty of our God.

JM