Almost a year after we left the Grand Horizon and moved to the Concord Mall, fully expecting to be close to moving into the old cinema space by now… we aren’t. But we are moving this week, to the space we have been using for an auditorium. We are doing what some of us talked about a long time ago – putting IHOP-M in the same place where we already have a nice stage and sound system and lots more space. We built a wall with large glass windows for visibility – so that people can actually see the house of prayer in operation. We will have TVs that stream the live feed. We also have the space next to that room for auxiliary use – children’s ministry, prophetic, healing, office space, etc. I think it’s going to work well. One of the things I enjoy most is that I don’t have to do as much maintenance here! As beautiful as it is, the GHC was a lot to keep up! And since it was mainly just me and a couple part time assistants, it could be daunting when it came time to strip and wax floors. I miss that place sometimes but I know that we are where we need to be in this season.
Right now, running lean is the key phrase. Learning to do as much as we can on what we have is something that takes discipline and creativity. As I lay under the mower tonight, figuring out how to replace the broken drive belt, it felt good to fix it without taking it to the shop. They had told me what a hassle it was at the shop, but when I lay there for a while and looked at it, I realized it was not as hard as they said at all, and with the help of Damascene, we fixed it in about 7 minutes. The other good thing is being able to be working at the Camp more this summer – previously I spent most of the summer inside, but so far I have been doing the bulk of the grounds work as Chris & Bev have moved up to Michigan. They had been keeping up the grounds and gardens as they oversaw the Camp for the past five or so years. Robert and Brittany’s wedding is coming up in a couple weeks. So I have to get this place whipped into shape for that. It’s been raining and then sunny and humid, so the grass is growing like crazy and so are the weeds!
Spending lots of time at the lake when possible. We had a great time on Memorial Day going up to Denny’s dad’s lake house in Michigan. Collin and I both took our boats up there and had a great time pulling skis and wakeboards. Got lots of sun and it was just a great day to be out there enjoying the water. This past weekend cost me about $150 in gas, but that’s a part of owning a boat, I suppose. It’s not a cheap hobby to be sure. The other SeaDoo is under reconstruction. Can’t wait to try it out. The engine is all put back together and they hope to get it put back in soon. It’s supposed to be a lot quicker than my current one, so we will see about that! I saw one of the new SeaDoo Sparks this weekend – thing looks sweet! Maybe I will just sell all the water toys and get one!
Well, this is just a rambling bunch of thoughts! God is good, and He keeps blessing us and providing for our needs and even those desires of our hearts (like resources to spend time on the lake). I am blessed to have the privilege of living in such a rich country with such freedoms! I am blessed to have good friends and family and a wonderful place to serve and minister every day! The Lord is good!