Your Basic Oregon Wayside and Day at the Coast

A picture really isn't worth a 1,000 words - I think that's an under-estimate. Check these out...

The first three pics are at the Hwy 34 Alsea Trout Hatchery

 

Next six pics are at a recreational area off Hwy 34 - I think it was Missouri Bend Recreational area.

Next four are at Driftwood Beach State Recreational Area. You can see it was pretty popular with the locals on Monday.

 

These last pics of of Seal Rock between Waldport and Newport. No, we didn't see any seals. And we forgot to watch for whale spouts!

 

Day in the Life

As an update, the technology demons have passed. Yea!

Renovation plans are proceeding as anticipated. In talking with Josh yesterday, he seemed to feel that we'd tear out in early September and build out the the first week in October. Any builder want to join the party?

We continue to meet as a leadership team weekly and explore what it means for our church to be disciples of Jesus. Some pretty 'heavy' conversations with 'lots of meat' on them, as I say, have happened and that's encouraging, but a little daunting. This is really happening!! We also have our first wedding this weekend as a 'church.' Be praying for these young people as they begin a new phase of life - may our community be examples to them of Christ and His church and therefore husband and wife.

We've been doing a lot of talking about what it truely means to 'disciple.' It's a daunting task! Our challenge to each other is to meet at least one person a week who does not know Jesus. This does not mean we necessarily have to haveany sort of a spiritual conversation, but it really stretches comfort zones! I find that I engage in a lot of chit-chat, but nothing that I can qualify as a full-on conversation. In order to disciple another, we must build relationship, and that's not easy if you never get past the weather or mundane observation of the obvious. How might we dare to read our Bibles together if we never go deeper than that which we can all see - if we all recognize that the apple is red, but don't explore the fruit within, we don't 'sharpen' one another through exchange of belief.

Not sure i'm making any sense, but the bottom line is that I, in particular, am pushing my comfort zone. And it's not comfortable, ironically! Hee, hee!

Technology Demons!

During my years at River Rock Pastor Jon and I often talked about "Technology Demons".  We decided that Satan had a technology division and that on big events he would send a few extra minions to mess with our computers, printers, and projectors.   Well, that division has invaded Corvallis, Oregon.

I have owned mac computers for nearly 20 years so what I am about to report makes me deeply sad...  After 4 hours on the phone with apple I regretfully must back everything up and start all over.  Since loading OS 10.7 known as lion, I have not been able to get on-line.  So I've tried everything and... NOTHING!  It still doesn't work so I'm backing up my computer.  Then while backing up my computer my external hard drive decided to stop working.  Do you see a trend.  Basically I have nearly a day into meaningless troubleshooting while my todo list continues to get longer and longer.  The "Techi Demons" are on the attack.

In all seriousness, technology problem are only the most recent "attacks" that Re:new or the VanTil's have experienced.  I've been sick for a week, other issues have taken center stage from our priorities, and I have a general feeling of exhaustion.

That being, today as I struggled through my computer woes the Joseph story came to my mind.  Specifically the statement "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."  It gave me peace to think that what I am experiencing as harm against me is not outside of God's concern and knowledge.  Even if the Satan has sent his whole Tech department, what is intended for harm God can accomplish good through.

So, pray for the protection of Re:new Church, the VanTil family and the whole launch team. However, ask God to work these troubles for the good of his mission and purpose in Corvallis so that many might be saved.