It’s been a full year

Yikes, that’s true.  It’s been a full year since my last post, but I assure you I’ve been anything but silent – but those of you who know me would already know THAT too.

In September 2009 I went on staff at Scottsdale Bible Church as the Director of Marriage Ministry.  Only God could have such a plan for such as I.  So at a few months shy of my 65th birthday, I found myself responsible for a ministry in a church of 6000, with some 2000 married couples.   Responsible yes, competent nope!   But God led the way then and every day since to bring the most wonderful team of folks to encourage, work ahead of me, beside me and behind me (I need a lot of clean up).

The year has flown, and we’ve seen God touch the lives of many couples, healing some, challenging all comers, and giving us many new ways to bring our mission to fruition.

Along the way He has revealed Himself in the Scriptures, in exciting ways.   In Revelation He showed that marriage was created by Him to be the Display Case for the relationship between Jesus and the Church – and pointed out that my marriage and most of those I know have much to learn about being good Display Cases.   His daily guiding has helped Mary Jane and I start nearly every morning in unrushed prayer for each of our days and for those we will be spending time with on.

He showed me statistics – 50+ divorce rate for first marriages, 60% for second, 70% for third, 90% for fourth, and 96% for co-habiting couples – then shocked me with the study that shows those couples who hold hands face to face and pray together daily (we’re talking true communication with our Lord and Creator) – well their divorce rate is 1 in 1153 – less than 1%.

I am still in shock at the blessing I have to be a part of His Kingdom and to be even for today a tiny cog in sharing the good news of an intimate walk with the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, my Savior and God.

Blessings to all – hopefully I’ll do better in the next 12 months in sharing here.

don