Approvals....?

Well we heard back that after reviewing our psychological profiles and our interviews that we were approved to serve teaching in Asia.... it has been a few really stressful, busy weeks lately in which Melanie and I have been quite overwhelmed at times and at several points close to burning out. In retrospect as I am typing this, a great deal of this may have been an attack of the enemy which has left us in a strange place of uncertainty in that we are not quite sure anymore where God would have us. We both realize that anyone can be used by God where ever they may be which leads us to the uncertainty of do we stay or do we go. Things are starting to get back to normal with us which is nice, but also leads to holding on for dear life to comfort which is dangerous. If we continue on this journey we will have a great deal of a task to complete so we definitely covet your prayers whether we stay or go.



I don't really have too much to say today besides rambling and Melanie will be home soon so I suppose I will update again soon.



Much love,

Ira

GREAT DAY!!!

Well yesterday Melanie and I checked out.... Meaning that we shut off our phones and just ventured out to spend the day w/ only eachother and no distractions. It has been a long while since we have done this. We did not do anything particularly special except focus on eachother but it was great. We went and dropped off the Jeep to get an oil change and then went and saw "Blind Side" at the movies, then we went and shopped for a while in the University town center. After all that walking in the cold we decided to go out to eat and used a gift card we got for X-Mas to go to the Texas Roadhouse for the first time ever- we had a really good waitress who gave great service which was nice- and we gorged ourselves. Then last night we went to the mall and attempted to walk off some of dinner while we shopped. We ended up getting a couple of movies that were on sale at FYE (Baby Mama, and Death Becomes Her). We finished up the day by going home to cuddle on the couch and watch "Baby Mama" which was fun.

This post more than anything is just to share- in retrospect I think this was a great exercise to cut off all distractions and concentrate on each other as a couple- probably one that we will try to plan for more regularly- I would think it would be a great idea for every couple to encourage and strengthen eachother and their relationship.

Hope all is going well in your world,
Much Love,
Ira

Just for an update in the process.

On goes the process of selection for service in Asia. Well last week brought a multitude of personality tests for Melanie and I that left us thinking the person grading them would believe us to be schizophrenic. Each inventory found ways to ask the same question 20 different ways plus 5-10 similar questions... All of the inventories took us almost 8 hrs total. So now we are waiting on hearing about how crazy they think we are.

We have been in contact with our College after we were told in our initial interviews that our degrees' religious nature may cause an issue with serving in closed countries in Asia. They have been helpful in addressing that concern with us contrary to my initial expectations.

We have also been attempting to make time with cooperative weather/ work/ other responsibilities of our schedules to take pictures for newsletters the agency would possibly send out. The scheduling has been probably the hardest issue.

Other than that we are mainly just praying and attempting to continue in obedience with each step. I really appreciate those of you who are remembering to lift us up to the Father.

Thanks again,
Much love,
Ira

Experiencing God....working on resolution.

Well for those of you who have been keeping up with us for the last few weeks you might be wondering if we have received an answer as to what the next step is at this point.

After several weeks of praying, studying scripture, seeking God, and seeking Godly counsel we think we know the next step He is leading us to. Monday morning on my way to work I was having some prayer/conversation time with God and He began to give me the strangest peace about going to Asia. Up until this point my biggest hangup has been the vast amount of fundraising that would be required, but God has given me a peace about it. So Monday night after small group, Melanie and I talked about where God could be leading and both felt like the next step for us was to fill out the application to go. So Monday night we both filled out the application.

So now the next step for us is the initial interview. My(Ira) interview is set for this afternoon at 2 pm so if you think about it I would appreciate any prayers you might lift up. Melanie's interview is set for next Tuesday afternoon so please continue to pray for us.

In other news I have a dentist appt today at noon(makes me think of a western--showdown at noon) and I am also hoping to finish the last of my Christmas shopping today.

Anyway I appreciate any comments you may have at this point and your prayers...
Much Love,
Ira

Experiencing God...

As some of you may know, Melanie and I have been taking part in an "Experiencing God" Bible study. One of the tenants of the study is that God is always at work and we should be watching to see where that is and join him as he reveals where he is working. The study states that this will lead to a "crisis of belief". This study is messing with my mind a bit- it is by Henry Blackaby and in it so far he states that God normally asks you to do God-sized tasks, I know OK I get that, but how do you know for sure it is from God- Blackaby suggests that God will confirm what he is telling you through circumstances, the church, scripture, and the holy spirit. This is where we are stuck at the moment. Blackaby then states that how you respond to God's invitation says what you believe God can do and who He is. Let me describe to you some of the recent events of our lives.

In June Melanie and I moved across country to Morgantown, WV which we love, Melanie immediately got a job as an Administrative Assistant, I was hired about a month ago as a Care Coordinator for Valley Healthcare- which required that we purchase a second car on credit. We both are enjoying where we are at but with this bible study came a struggle- as we have begun to watch where God may be speaking things have happened.

At first I was looking at little things-AKA trying to be more aware to ways God was giving to share my faith throughout my day. But this week something strange happened that I may have just shrugged off except that we are going through this study- Melanie got a call when she was at work from the organization that we went to Asia with several years ago- They stated they were in need of long term teachers in Asia. Most people see what God might be calling them to(ie missions) and are scared to death at the prospect- but Melanie and I are particularly bent and both of our personalities find the prospect of new cultures, traveling, and doing something for God amazing. So here is one of our big dilemmas- While we both would love to go we want to know if it is something God wants or just us. If we were to go then it would be a "God-sized" task requiring us to raise support in massive amounts which I cannot even comprehend- but I know that if God does want us to go then he will take care of everything and increase our faith in the process.

So here is what I want from all of you who may read this incredibly long post- I want your comments, feedback, suggestions, prayers- I know this is a great deal to ask, but thank you for your support.

Much love,
Ira

Waiting...

Friday was my last day of work at Trinity Behavioral Healthcare. My office family(co-workers) really sent me off well. They really made an effort to make me feel cared for and appreciated- they decorated the entire office for an aloha party- balloons, streamers, lays(the necklace thing you get on tropical islands), we had food all day and one of my coworkers even wrote a sarcastic poem including several inside jokes we all shared-really made me feel special/cared for.

It is now Tuesday- we move on May 29th and I am realizing that while I like being at home with Melanie- I am the type of person who really needs to be working/doing something or I get bored/ start to feel useless. I still have plenty to do, but I am glad I offered to the family if they had any projects to do I would be there.

In other news a friend of Mine Terry S. is puting together a Fish Fry on May 16th at his church(Cash Baptist church) to benefit a sister church and another pastor friend of ours Paul C. Paul's church has gone over budget on their new building which they had initially planned on being in by Christmas 2008. The initial plan was to have mission teams who would come in do most of the labor and thus cut down costs- but due to the economy not many mission teams have gone out and they only have the foundation and main support beams up so far and have opted to hire a professional contractor to finish the work- but this will put them over budget- so if any of you are not busy on May 16- the fish fry will be going on at 6pm for $5 per plate including fish and all the home made trimmings.

Something else that I am incredibly excited about is that this Saturday May 9, 2009 My amazing wife Melanie will be graduating from Williams Baptist college:-) woohoo.

With all the extra time I have on my hands now I picked up a book I had to read as a freshman in college for a book review, but now I am actually pushing myself to take it in and learn from it. The book is Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. I am only a few chapters in and I am realizing the depths of wisdom this book has to offer. I just finished a chapter on meditation, surprisingly it really is pushing me to expand the way I perceive prayer and how I seek after Jesus. I wanted to share a quote from the book which really stood out to me so let me know what you think:
"True Godliness does not turn men out of the world, but enables them to live better in it and excites their endeavors to mend it"
This book is helping to push me and show me practical ways to seek God and to gain a greater passion and desire for Him and his word.
I hope this has been encouraging,
Much love,
Ira

Dealing with adulthood.

It is an interesting occurance to come to a point in which after carefully budgeting you realize that no matter how carefully you plan or prepare; things may just not work out as easily as you plan(before I go any further, no Melanie and I are not pregnant). We are planning on taking the truck into the shop to get checked out and see how much it will cost to get it in decent (roadworthy) shape. Knowing what is wrong(front differential leak, oil leak, needing new tires, possibly brakes, possibly shocks, and any other possible problems which may come up to be fixed) I am afraid that it may take much of what we have in savings/ tax refund which we were planning on using to move with after Melanie graduates.

This situation reinforces the idea that scripture has about planning for the future in that no one knows what will happen in the next minute much less the next week or months or years. I found it interesting this morning when our pastor touched on the verse in proverbs that states not to lean on our own understanding- great timing.

As for now I will do my best to focus on trusting that God is in control over what I can see and what I cannot see. I guess I am learning the difference in knowing in my head and understanding from experience. Hard lesson, but I know that what is often is hard is what is most beneficial.

as always Much Love,
Ira

Oh and also the GRE went very well I made 610 on the verbal section and 510 on the math section, 1120 total- I guess I will report on the essay portion when I get the results.

GRE

I am going to take the GRE today- please pray for me. I will update on here afterward at some point!!! hope you all are having an amazing Saturday!!

back in the swing of things--

Well for those of you who follow my Twitter you know I have been trying to get back to running... well after taking 4 days off I went running this afternoon and increased my distance to a grand total of 1.5 miles......at a ten minute mile I am not fast right now or going long distances yet but I am starting to get back into the act of running. Even feeling that first little bit of runners high.

I am finding more and more that when I have people to run with who are faster and can run farther than I can, I am more motivated. I have been running on the tread mill because I am a pansy and it is flipping cold outside...ranging from 20's to 30's- too cold to just jump right into-maybe next year I will be accustomed to the cold and will be able to run long distances and not feel like my lungs are about to burst.

In other news I am scheduled to take the GRE on Feb. 21 and I feel completely unprepared...I have study aides but it is hard to take the first step of opening or getting those out.... I did however find out that my sunday school teacher's wife is a math teacher= sweet....I am really struggling to regain the ability to do advanced math- like I know what has to be done to solve the problems but not how....hopefully w/in the next month I will have a new confidence...
anyway I hope everyone is well.
Much love, Ira

Happy New Year!!!

New year time for a new post.... so I have spent a little time in reflection on events of the last year and as I look back at choices and actions I have done in the last year all I can do is strive, hope and pray to do better. I am floored by God's patience w/ me as I feel like all I seem to do is fail Him. I have been attempting to read the bible through since my junior year of college as my quiet time and I am now in Acts at the begininning of the new year and it makes me so humbled as I read of Paul and how bold he was about his faith....talk about living in light of eternity, so often I find that I am a poor pitiful man worrying about what people who are dying and going to hell will think of me if I talk to them about my Savior- who cares what people think- God give me the wisdom to be so in awe of you that you are on the tip of my tongue no matter the context I am in at the moment. I am so thankful that God made Salvation a process in which day by day as I seek him I am made holy....

I really miss having running partners who not only push me to get stronger w/ physically running distances but also those who encourage; push me to grow and point out truth to my life spiritually. A very wise man pointed out to me once that truth will either make you mad or make you holy---I really need to get back into a running routine before moving this May so I can just join back into that time-I need the extra push and encouragement.

Well we have had a busy fall this last year and it has made both Melanie and I stressed at times so we are using some extra cash(this is an illusion there is no such thing as extra cash) and going to Branson for a one night getaway today. So I guess if you need us you can call the nuclear phones.
As always much love,
Ira

Time running out...

It is now December 14th and I am really starting to feel the holiday crunch with Christmas shopping and looking at the busy schedule Melanie and I have for the next several weeks/lifetime. We had our first weekend in a while that we could actually spend with each other and not worry about the busy events we had covered our calendar this weekend. We really needed it and it was really nice. We just stayed home most of the day on Saturday, watched movies, talked, and just spent time together which both of our schedules had put a strain on. It occurs to me that if I am not careful I may spend an entire day w/ my wife and not have spent a single second pursuing to grow together, maybe even spending the majority of the day seeking my own gain. This is so incredibly screwed up as I think of what I am commanded to do in Ephesians 5:25-33

25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his body. 31"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."[c] 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

I have to be incredibly intentional or I just become the average husband instead of my wife's dream come true and instead of giving up my rights and showing love as I should to her- I turn to my natural selfish self and become rude and snap at my wife over the smallest little infractions on what I incorrectly perceive as my rights.

I am encouraged as I know that this is not a problem which cannot be solved because I look at those who have gone before me who have set an amazing example and minimum standard.

This idea that my marriage is something I have to be incredibly intentional about when my wife is physically there in front of me reminds me how much more intentional we have to be about our pursuit of God.

As always I hope this is encouraging to you all,
Much love, Ira.

Well Melanie wanted me to update this so here it is!!

We recently were given permission in writing to get a cat and our new cat's name is Kate because Melanie would not let me name her cat.

So I have been trying off and on to get back to a running routine unsuccessfully, I am realizing how much more I thrive when I have a running partner who pushes me and is in better shape than me. I went running the other night and it was 38 Degrees- I was wearing a couple of layers, a beanie and a face gator(cover for nose, mouth, and throat), and I ran about a mile and I was having a stabbing pain in my chest due to cold air and not being acclimated to running in those temperatures. I posted a question about it on runnersworld.com and I was pretty much told to suck it up by a bunch of northern runners who boasted about running in that temp wearing shorts and t-shirts. really encouraging- let me tell you.
However encouraging the response that I got online about my run, I am reminded how dependent we are on others for encouragement to grow spiritually as the Body of Christ. Hold on...don't stop reading just because it gets a bit spiritual. Seriously though when I am surrounded by friends who are seeking to grow deeper and stronger in their relationship as well as those who have traveled further than I have I am pushed onward even when said growth is painful or not exactly in my comfort zone.

With that said I am really enjoying the way our Sunday schoool is growing closer together recently which is giving Melanie and I a semblance of community which we crave. It is amazing how much encouragement spiritually which can be gained just by hanging out w/ people who are in a similar place as us.

The only thing I could desire more from sunday school would be if we could perhaps be more effective at reaching other young couples both in the church and Jonesboro. Both unchurched and those who just don't yet have a place to belong to experience the community which we are slowly building between each other which is quite refreshing.

well I guess I have rambled on enough- hope you are encouraged,
Much love, Ira.

how about updates?

So I have come to the point of realizing that I need to update after several prompts and several months...
Well since the last time I wrote we no longer have a cat. Life seems to be a blur of constant motion and as I think back over the past few months so much has happened, Melanie and I have been married for over a year and three months which just seems to get better. Melanie cannot wait to get out of married housing at WBC and is completely ready to graduate.

The couples retreat Melanie is planning is set to happen November 7-8 but not many people have signed up. It seems like it is going to be a great time of fun, fellowship, and growing together as couples and if anyone who reads this can come we would love for you to attend.

Work is going well, incredibly busy, but well including plenty of overtime which means more for the bills.

I am reading a book called "Soul Cravings" by Erwin Mcmanus which has been both encouraging and challenging. It has made the point that we as humans were designed to have dreams and to strive to obtain those dreams not just exist as animals. This idea really takes away any idea of just existing comfortly in complacency.

on another note my dad's B-day is next weekend and I am really looking foward to celebrating with Melanie, Dad, and Needie.
I guess I have really rambled enough and I hope that I have updated enough for everyone.

fast moving pace...

Well I thought it was about time to update this thing...Melanie and I have not been running in over a week ....we need to...just haven't felt like it. We started to go a couple of days ago and this little stray cat walked up and wouldn't leave us alone so we played with it for a bit and now I am afraid it has found a comfy residence on my front step. After feeding it for the last few days we have decided to claim it if it sticks around til next weekend....I named it "Teaser"...

Other than the cat the only news is that Ian is coming home next weekend and I am stoked because I haven't seen him since December. I am looking foward to hanging out with him and eating some ribs. Any way we are still praying and listening to make our decision about after Melanie graduates...remember us in your prayers.
Not much to say right now....leave me a comment if you wish...much love....Ira

So How?

Melanie and I have been struggling with the state of our church now when it feels like a complete hoax, a social club, something which holds little substance. We had a very in depth conversation on how we should respond, how we could even attempt to change ourselves/ our church to become Kingdom focused instead of a self focused mess. I don't want us to be negative focused people who only see the bad of the church based on a bad experience in which people who claim to be the church are more interested in self-absorbed lives than giving up everything in pursuit of Christ. Maybe the problem is me, I am not sure, but I feel we should live for more than just nice lives with nice stuff. Do we just hop to the next church thinking that things will certainly be better. A church is supposed to embody a fellowship of like-minded believers who are seeking out Christ and making him known. I know we are not the only ones sick of this "American Church" that plays the guilty party which most of this generation states that they do not have a problem with Jesus, but they do have a problem with the church. How do we change both in ourselves and how do we push our brothers and sisters in Christ to seek first his kingdom and forsake the pointless things and hopes of this world and begin to actually start behaving like we actually believe what we say that " Jesus is the only way and that he loves people and we seek his return because that is all we really long for"

So How and when and where does this change begin, in me and in the body of believers?

Ira

That's it, now its time.

Well Tuesday Melanie and I started working out again every other day and I have enjoyed the soreness which comes from being out of shape. Today however my body has begun to remember the motions, so to speak and even my run felt good. It was not a long run, but I am trying to take it slow so I don't get burnt out. I ran .5 miles very slowly, but hey I am going to get it.
In other news we have been thinking, praying, and discussing our options for after Melanie graduates and are considering what seems to be unending options. Thoughts of me maybe going back to school to get my Masters degree, to staying put, or to moving across the country(or even the world). Not sure of any of the options at this point, but I can be patient and wait on God's timing.
I had to work today, but that is over now and tomorrow is Sunday so that is good. I hope all is well with everyone.

Ira

Day to day

So I graduate with a bachelor's degree in about two weeks. I feel like I should be excited and certain of my next move. At the same time I take comfort in the fact that I am able to put off a few of the harder decisions til next may when Melanie graduates. I have been trying to think about where to go from here, I enjoy my job now, but I still want more than a life defined by me. I see the options in front of me and while there are still a great deal of options and futures to think of and explore, I am afraid that if I am not careful I will allow my not making decisions to chose how my life is played out. I desire to step out in faith living radically in light of eternity, but where do I step? which choice do I dive into, because each choice requires at least figuratively diving in head first; buying a home-tying us down, moving to Morgantown-finding a job or not, Going anywhere(ie mission-field)-is that what we are called to?
I am not sure how this will inevitably play out, but I know that God has a plan and I want to be used. "Even so, Jesus Come!" As scary as the options are I desire to be content in my circumstances and passionately seek the Savior.

Ira

Passionate or Passive

God has been really showing me how easily I become passive about my relationship with Jesus. It is so easy to fall into the american church groove of I go to church on Sundays and I call myself a Christian without examining what this title even means or how it should or does impact my life. I was taught in college to be analytical/skeptical in everything I heard and to question miracles and interpretations of scripture. This has in many ways dulled my spirit and brought me to this point. I AM SICK OF BEING A PASSIVE CHRISTIAN!!! When I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior I gave him everything and I desire to live that way. I am tired of just discussing and speaking, I want to walk the walk so to speak. Melanie and I have several life altering decisions ahead of us in the next year or few, I don't want to make them. These decisions could very well mean the difference in becoming/staying in a place of complacency/passivity. I want so much more, I want to be pushed and molded by Christ, I want meaning in my life, I want to wholly and faithfully follow the one whom I have entrusted everything. It would be so easy to just settle in and exist, buying a house staying in my job going to church, but not necessarily being the church. I want soo much more. Any prayer you can offer would be appreciated,
Ira

Risk?

I was thinking the other day as I was drivng home that every thing in life is a risk, even breathing. So in a sense a life without risk is barely existing, life in essence demands risk and without risk life is a boring existence. I started thinking from that point about my views and the risks I choose to take with each breath. Earlier that day I was reading from John 15 where Jesus speaks stating that he is the vine and we are the branches giving the imperative that we "abide" in him, and we will bear much fruit. I have never thought much about this verse except for thinking that it seemed somewhat passive, but then it hit me, when Jesus says abide with him he is calling us to a life of risk for Him and his kingdom. When he says abide with him, he is telling us to remain with him not for safety but for purpose so that we may bear much fruit. This makes me think of the line from "The Chronicles of Narnia" when the children ask if Aslan is safe and gain the response that "no he is not safe, but he is good." When Jesus tells us to abide and stay with him that means trusting and following him both when it means things we see as good and when it means going alongside the Savior to a crown of thorns and three nails. Jesus' conquer over death not only promises us eternity, but also freedom from fear so that we may live lives of purpose for the kingdom of God. Risk can be an amazing hindrance or it can be an amazing challenge. When we claim Jesus as Lord and Savior we state that we are willing and ready to risk everything, even our very lives, for Him and His Kingdom. So I come to this challenge, can I, can we risk everything for Him? Will we? We must decide. I will risk, I will seek to live a life of purpose for Jesus...
Ira