So...I am officially entering the blogoshphere. I have always resisted it since most of them that I read describe the types of cereal people enjoyed for breakfast and other odd details of their days events. The main reason I am doing it though is to connect with you all and let you in on our life, faith and dreams. Now that Imago is bigger, it is harder to know and be known as the main leader. I hope this will help that a bit.

Ok... the first entry.

Three months ago I was given a really great gift. To go away, unplug, disconnect, rest, dream, play, create, be bored, and connect with God and my family. It was pretty sweet. The first month I thought I would go crazy so I was still in production mode. After that we got into the holidays and I began to get the rhythm of it. Above all it was time for me to enter into a bit of self discovery.

We realized pretty quickly into it that we live here in Portland because we love being at Imago and serving in this the city. We truly felt loved and cared for. We missed being with you all especially during Advent.

God really met me along the way reminded me of who I am in him and gave me deeper conviction for what we are doing at Imago. I believe so much in the Kingdom of God and the love of Jesus; and it has been a beautiful thing to partner with God in loving the world. Sometimes people try to down play that or even be cynical or critical of it. We have made a ton of mistakes and course corrections and have a lot of maturing to do, but at the end of the day God is building a beautiful church in and through us all. Don't quit believing that.

One of my great fears is that I would waste my life. God keeps reminding me that investing my life with you all at Imago and for the world is the greatest thing I could be doing and it is worth everything.

I am going to be starting a series Feb. 25th called Re-entry. We will be spending four weeks exploring the story of the Prodigal Sons. It is an amazing story that Jesus told and connects with our story in significant ways. I hope you will make it to all four weeks. It really has a life changing message.

Finally special thanks to Eric, Jeff and Luke for carrying the bulk of the leadership while I was away. It is so great to have a staff and elders who love you.

We love and missed you all and thanks again for the great gift.

R

p.s. I had a delightful bowl of oatmeal this morning.