Words fail me sometimes
In a desert, in a jungle
Searching for my place
That I know I am supposed to be
Like a blank paper before me
Your will beckons the spirit in me
To write, to create…
But what?
Decisions stand before me like
Buttons on the keys…
All jumbled, all independent
Yet destined to be used, to be connected
In the desert I ran
To a mirage of dead ends I ran
I, for my own end, I ran
Only to find You, and You only
Here in the jungle I stand
With life all around
Beautiful bountiful works displayed
But here I stand, overwhelmed by the fingerprint of You
In the end, it is You
The only constant, the only truth
But Your ways are not mine
And so I pause…
And take a deep breath
And wait for You
For words fail me sometimes
In a desert, in a jungle
Searching for my place
That I know I am supposed to be
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
wrath and propitiation...
Earlier this evening, I had a privilege to hang out with some college students and have a Q&A session on some theological topics. Questions such as: "Does God care about the details in our lives" to "Is the Lord's Supper literally Christ's body and blood" and "Is the God of the Old Testament the same God as the New Testament" provided great discussion, and more importantly, time diving through scriptures to base our stances on the Word of God, and not just mere opinion. I truly love spending time with these students, and I am so proud of the heart they have for the Gospel. Toward the end of the last question, I shared my thoughts on the wrath of God, Old Testament covenant vs. New Testament propitiation, and so forth, and as good as I tried to explain what I thought the scriptures were teaching us about what Calvary did to change our relationship towards God. Tonight I came home and tried to wrap my mind around exactly what God was trying to communicate, and I came across this paragraph that summed it up so beautifully...
"The doctrine of the propitiation is precisely this: that God loved the objects of His wrath so much that He gave His own Son to the end that He by His blood should make provision for the removal of His wrath. It was Christ's so to deal with the wrath that the loved would no longer be the objects of wrath, and love would achieve its aim of making the children of wrath the children of God's good pleasure." -John Murray
Such a wonderful thought, such a glorious hope, such an undeserved love...
"The doctrine of the propitiation is precisely this: that God loved the objects of His wrath so much that He gave His own Son to the end that He by His blood should make provision for the removal of His wrath. It was Christ's so to deal with the wrath that the loved would no longer be the objects of wrath, and love would achieve its aim of making the children of wrath the children of God's good pleasure." -John Murray
Such a wonderful thought, such a glorious hope, such an undeserved love...
Sunday, February 19, 2012
our journey...
I am so excited about life lately. Don't get me wrong, there have been numerous things that haven't exactly gone as planned, and there have been many things that my family and I have had to go through, but my heart is as full as it has ever been. My journey has led me to a place where circumstances are what they are. They don't define me, but instead I am starting to see the bigger picture, and how God works all things out for our good. Do I still have questions and apprehensions about the future, sure. Do I always know exactly how everything is going to turn out, no. But through all the text, through all the paragraphs of events in my life, the book that is my journey is starting to take shape. It has always been written, no doubt, by my Maker, before time began, and through His providence He is revealing it to Me now in ways that honestly, reveals not only how great of a God He is, but how intimate of a friend He continues to be. As I write this, there are a lot of things both in my life, and in those lives that touch me personally on a daily basis that, to be as simplistic as I can be, do not make a bit of sense. Hearts are hurting. People are confused. Children are sick. Abuse is rampant. Unemployment is still an ugly reality. Separation is isolating. The list goes on and on and on. I do not know the reasons for everything, and I would be foolish to come across naive and blind to the fact that there are many more lessons to learn in this journey of mine. But one thing never has changed... this is hope that I have in Jesus Christ. This hope was a catalyst in my life before I was born. Before my parents were born. Before all there is, was... This is why life is hopeful for me now. This is why art is so beautiful to me now. This is why music is so inspiring for me now. This is why relationships are so important to me now. This is why my life has purpose now. This hope.
As the Lord reveals what He would have me do, I would ask for your prayers for me and my family. He is opening doors, creating opportunities, developing friendships, strengthening my career, reconciling relationships, and giving me an artistic flame in my soul that I have not had in years. As I look back over the past few years, as I said previously, there are some paths that the Lord allowed me to travel that are just now, through His truth and goodness, able to be viewed through a lens of clarity. Just seeing His faithfulness to me and my family has, in turn, made me that much more confident in His ability to take what I see as rough events in my life, and turn them into opportunities to mold me into the man I am predestined to become. In return, my prayer for you is that He would breathe life into your journey. Maybe you have hit a dry spell, a desert of circumstances that you cannot see any way out of. My prayer is that you stop staring at that open page ahead. You want to know the story, and believe me, it will have an incredible ending. Start over. Look back and re-read the chapters that have been written and see what an incredible story has unfolded so far. Don't worry about the chapters ahead, they have already been written...
As the Lord reveals what He would have me do, I would ask for your prayers for me and my family. He is opening doors, creating opportunities, developing friendships, strengthening my career, reconciling relationships, and giving me an artistic flame in my soul that I have not had in years. As I look back over the past few years, as I said previously, there are some paths that the Lord allowed me to travel that are just now, through His truth and goodness, able to be viewed through a lens of clarity. Just seeing His faithfulness to me and my family has, in turn, made me that much more confident in His ability to take what I see as rough events in my life, and turn them into opportunities to mold me into the man I am predestined to become. In return, my prayer for you is that He would breathe life into your journey. Maybe you have hit a dry spell, a desert of circumstances that you cannot see any way out of. My prayer is that you stop staring at that open page ahead. You want to know the story, and believe me, it will have an incredible ending. Start over. Look back and re-read the chapters that have been written and see what an incredible story has unfolded so far. Don't worry about the chapters ahead, they have already been written...
Monday, February 13, 2012
music...
As a musician and worship leader, I am constantly listening to all sorts of music, from the latest worship titles to every form of secular genres you can imagine, constantly looking for inspiration, for incarnation in the artistic brushstrokes of whatever is coming through in the musical medium. Some may call it unconventional, although I don't see myself as progressive in today's standards, but I am always looking both inside and outside the box of traditional church/worship music for that moment that stops me in my tracks, for those moments that make me stop what I am doing, and reflect on the beauty and creativity of the song. From the complexity of classical overtures, to the intricate tapestry of harmony and rhythm in the jazz genre...from the rich theology in the hymns of our heritage, to the life and excitement of the dance/electronic sub-genre...from the passion of the blues, to the way rock music speaks to the human experience, all music has the capability to inspire, to speak to you in a way that no other thing can. It naturally can be distorted, to be used as a medium of hate and human depravity, but that has more to do with the heart of both the creator and recipient of the communicated artwork. Not that I am by any means an expert by anyone's standards, but I wanted to take a few minutes tonight to list some songs that have make me pause, reflect, worship, and do some soul-searching, not necessarily all inclusive of every action, and yet not exclusive of any one form either. Some may communicate these actions through the lyrics, some may be more effective in the melody produced, and naturally, each will speak to ones soul in a different manner. At the bottom I have typed out the lyrics to a worship song by Jason Upton that, for some reason, I cannot stop thinking about. Some of the most thought provoking and humbling lyrics I have ever heard...anyways, enough rambling, so here they are...enjoy!
David Crowder Band- How He Loves
John Mayer- Gravity
Giacomo Puccini- Nessun Dorma
Thad Cockrell- Rosalyn
Jars of Clay- Frail
Samuel Barber- Adagio for Strings
Gaithers- There is a River
Andrew Belle- Make it Without You
Shane and Shane- The Answer
Rachmaninoff- Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Jamie Cullum- In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
Matt Redman- 10,000 Reasons
Nickel Creek- Green and Gray
Beethoven-Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor (Moonlight Sonata)
Hillsong United- With Everything
Eric Church- Those I've Loved
David Phelps- No More Night
Dave Barnes- Your Love Will Never Change
Jason Upton- Power In Poverty (lyrics below)
There is a power in poverty that breaks principalities
it brings the authorities down to their knees
There is a brewing frustration and an ageless temptation
to fight for control by manipulation
The God of the Kingdoms and God of Creation, God of the Nations
sent this revelation through the homeless and penniless Jesus the Son
"The poor will inherit the Kingdom to come"
Where will we turn when our world falls apart and all of the treasures we stored in our barns, can't buy the Kingdom of God?
And who will we praise when we've praised all our lives, men who build kingdoms and men who build fame, but Heaven does not know their names?
And what are we going to fear, when all that remains is a God on the throne with a child in his arms and love in His eyes?
And the sound of His heart cry...
David Crowder Band- How He Loves
John Mayer- Gravity
Giacomo Puccini- Nessun Dorma
Thad Cockrell- Rosalyn
Jars of Clay- Frail
Samuel Barber- Adagio for Strings
Gaithers- There is a River
Andrew Belle- Make it Without You
Shane and Shane- The Answer
Rachmaninoff- Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Jamie Cullum- In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
Matt Redman- 10,000 Reasons
Nickel Creek- Green and Gray
Beethoven-Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor (Moonlight Sonata)
Hillsong United- With Everything
Eric Church- Those I've Loved
David Phelps- No More Night
Dave Barnes- Your Love Will Never Change
Jason Upton- Power In Poverty (lyrics below)
There is a power in poverty that breaks principalities
it brings the authorities down to their knees
There is a brewing frustration and an ageless temptation
to fight for control by manipulation
The God of the Kingdoms and God of Creation, God of the Nations
sent this revelation through the homeless and penniless Jesus the Son
"The poor will inherit the Kingdom to come"
Where will we turn when our world falls apart and all of the treasures we stored in our barns, can't buy the Kingdom of God?
And who will we praise when we've praised all our lives, men who build kingdoms and men who build fame, but Heaven does not know their names?
And what are we going to fear, when all that remains is a God on the throne with a child in his arms and love in His eyes?
And the sound of His heart cry...
Saturday, February 4, 2012
second chances
It is midnight as I sit down and think about what I am about to write. So many thoughts are flooding my head right now about what to share, how to write it, and what subjects to touch on, that for a few minutes, the only thing I can do is just stare at this blank screen...and listen to the refrigerator hum... As someone who aspires creatively both in music and in writing to express his heart through an artistic medium, I intentionally have to look at ordinary everyday things, and pull a deeper insight, a greater meaning from them. Whether it is a book I read, conversations I overhear, music I listen to, poetry or blogs that I read, theology that I study, or people I observe, I am constantly finding that the more you take time to process more than the overtly obvious in things, that God expresses and teaches us amazing things in the details of life. Not to say that I am proposing that you do not need to simplify things ever, or make more of things than there is, I am just saying that sometimes we are to busy trying to figure out the whole story instead of reading the script.
Lately the script that has been written on my heart is the story of second chances. Of redemption. Of reconciliation. Of grace. Call it what you want, but the idea is the same nevertheless. To me, it is such a universally favored concept, yet most of us underestimate the power of the act, and the subsequent story that it produces. We all want second chances, but do we bestow grace on others? We want mulligans for our actions, but we are quick to condemn others to pay for their deeds. When did the act of condemnation start outweighing the power of reconciliation? I pray that we all read between the lines, and focus on those things that lead us, through a spirit of grace, to offer and receive second chances. I see families, torn apart by violence, drugs, money, etc... that the individuals are so guilt ridden, that all they need is hope, not scorn. I hear stories that have happy endings because a person, despite endangering themselves emotionally- and physically for that matter, have mended the heart of someone who had lost all hope. I see people, who instead of seeking unity and reconciliation to those whom they have disagreed in the past, actually digging through everything they can, albeit that they would have had no other desire before the rift to concern themselves in anything the other might have said, to find if they can conjure up any small disagreement. How is this good? I believe that we should know what we believe in, that we should be bold concerning truth and morality, but with graceful spirits and loving demeanour. Truth be told, none of us deserve second chances, and I thank God every day that he has been merciful in not giving me what I deserved. And we are to bestow this love on others. Good or bad. Pretty or ugly. Single, divorced, separated, widowed. Black, white, yellow, red. Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Baptist, Non-denominational, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Atheist. Rich, poor. Whether they have burned you once or twenty times. Love others.
You see, I want to be a person who is rooting for that divorced mom. My natural inclination is to demonize her for the decisions that got her into the position she is currently in, but who am I? I want to be the person who respects the views and human rights of homosexuals. Hopefully they can see the love of Christ shining brighter in me than the condemnation and hatred. I am for them, as Christ's sacrifice is. I want to see human sex-slaves rescued, and victims healed. I pray that the woman who just walked out of that clinic will experience healing and restoration through Christ. I am for them, as Christ's sacrifice is. I am for the older generation who are dealing with the ghosts of the past, and think that redemption cannot conquer time and upbringing. I pray for second chances. I want to root for the the frat guy, the local grocer, the rape victim, the neighbor next door, the friend from high school, the boss, the enemy. I pray for second chances, I pray for unity. I pray for reconciliation.
As I typed this, and re-read it, my inadequacies as a human being and as a sinner fog my mind. I am not saying I am by no means perfect, and there is no one person that has not been guilty of being dis-graceful to another human being. I thank God every day for His Son, who by His love for us, humbled himself as a man, wrapped Himself in flesh, and came to die my death to reconcile me to Him. To offer grace to me, and to extend an opportunity of a second chance. I say these things in His name, for my adequacy is in Him, and my message is His. Grace flows freely. Redemption is here.
Selah
Lately the script that has been written on my heart is the story of second chances. Of redemption. Of reconciliation. Of grace. Call it what you want, but the idea is the same nevertheless. To me, it is such a universally favored concept, yet most of us underestimate the power of the act, and the subsequent story that it produces. We all want second chances, but do we bestow grace on others? We want mulligans for our actions, but we are quick to condemn others to pay for their deeds. When did the act of condemnation start outweighing the power of reconciliation? I pray that we all read between the lines, and focus on those things that lead us, through a spirit of grace, to offer and receive second chances. I see families, torn apart by violence, drugs, money, etc... that the individuals are so guilt ridden, that all they need is hope, not scorn. I hear stories that have happy endings because a person, despite endangering themselves emotionally- and physically for that matter, have mended the heart of someone who had lost all hope. I see people, who instead of seeking unity and reconciliation to those whom they have disagreed in the past, actually digging through everything they can, albeit that they would have had no other desire before the rift to concern themselves in anything the other might have said, to find if they can conjure up any small disagreement. How is this good? I believe that we should know what we believe in, that we should be bold concerning truth and morality, but with graceful spirits and loving demeanour. Truth be told, none of us deserve second chances, and I thank God every day that he has been merciful in not giving me what I deserved. And we are to bestow this love on others. Good or bad. Pretty or ugly. Single, divorced, separated, widowed. Black, white, yellow, red. Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Baptist, Non-denominational, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Atheist. Rich, poor. Whether they have burned you once or twenty times. Love others.
You see, I want to be a person who is rooting for that divorced mom. My natural inclination is to demonize her for the decisions that got her into the position she is currently in, but who am I? I want to be the person who respects the views and human rights of homosexuals. Hopefully they can see the love of Christ shining brighter in me than the condemnation and hatred. I am for them, as Christ's sacrifice is. I want to see human sex-slaves rescued, and victims healed. I pray that the woman who just walked out of that clinic will experience healing and restoration through Christ. I am for them, as Christ's sacrifice is. I am for the older generation who are dealing with the ghosts of the past, and think that redemption cannot conquer time and upbringing. I pray for second chances. I want to root for the the frat guy, the local grocer, the rape victim, the neighbor next door, the friend from high school, the boss, the enemy. I pray for second chances, I pray for unity. I pray for reconciliation.
As I typed this, and re-read it, my inadequacies as a human being and as a sinner fog my mind. I am not saying I am by no means perfect, and there is no one person that has not been guilty of being dis-graceful to another human being. I thank God every day for His Son, who by His love for us, humbled himself as a man, wrapped Himself in flesh, and came to die my death to reconcile me to Him. To offer grace to me, and to extend an opportunity of a second chance. I say these things in His name, for my adequacy is in Him, and my message is His. Grace flows freely. Redemption is here.
Selah
Friday, December 23, 2011
Peace and restoration...
Not gifts. Not traditions. Not lights, trees, Santa, or wreaths. Not even family or heartwarming acts of kindness. While all good things, and expected of all of us, they are not the reason that the holiday season is celebrated. Me may have put too much emphasis on these things, but we should reflect on what happened in a small Jewish village over 2000 years ago. A child was born to a Jewish carpenter and his new wife, although the circumstances around it were not ideal. You see, Joseph was a man of upstanding character and had a lot to lose. His promised wife had, surely to the people around them, unexpectedly and suspiciously became pregnant. Despite sure pressure from others, he trusted his wife and the Lord with the news he was given. They were chosen to be the earthly parents of the God-child. They were chosen to raise Jesus. Can you imagine? The responsibility of rearing the human form of God Almighty. Now we all know the story. The shepherds, the star, wise men, and angry king, a stable, and so on. It is the centerpiece of what we call Christmas. But even if we stop and remember this story this weekend, and don't capture the entire essence of what happened, what a tragedy that would be. Yes, we remember the fact that he became flesh and bone. We reflect on the fact that he was born in terrible conditions, and humbled Himself to be delivered in a barn. We even look ahead to Calvary, and the mission of His life, to die on the cross for our sins. But it is so much more than that. I am not saying that anything I have said is not good news, but I am saying that we sometimes get caught up with the details, and miss the overall mission of what actually happened in Bethlehem. God the Father, sent his Son, Jesus Christ, as an anthropomorphic representation of Himself to, yes, save us, but on a grander scale, to bring peace and restored hope for creation. This is a major theological handicap if we miss this. God didn't just want to save us from eternal damnation. While this is a definite plus, He more importantly wanted to restore us and our relationship to Him. He sent Christ into the world to save humanity, to bring peace, to restore His creation by conquering our sin for us. Before Jesus Christ, God was sovereign, but not personal. Intercessory, sacrifices, temples, and rigid laws separated the hearts of man from the Holy of Holies. God desired the fellowship with man, but could not compromise His holy and righteous character to do so without the law and priests. This is why we celebrate the Christ. We celebrate to hope we have in Him. We celebrate to peace we find in His propitiation. We celebrate the restoration of our relationship with the Holy Creator provided by His birth, His life, His death, and His resurrection. This is why Christmas services are so special. This is why we celebrate. This is why we give up our valuable time this season. This is why my family is attending the Christmas Eve service at Hickory Grove tomorrow night. He wants to bring us peace, and He wants to restore us to Him. May He bring peace into your heart this Christmas, and may you accept the greatest gift ever given...restoration in Him. -Trey
Friday, December 9, 2011
Holiday update
Recently I have blogged about many things including, memories, spiritual journeys, and even poetry, and although I enjoy writing them, and sharing what is in my heart, I sometimes feel that what is happening within our family, and updates on events and our journey are sometimes overlooked. That being said, I wanted to write this and just capture a snapshot of our past few months as a family, and let everyone know how we are doing.
Over the past few months we have been busy getting the house in order. With the move back from TN in our rear view, things are starting to settle in and we are adjusting to our new schedules, new roles within our jobs, and new experiences with Tucker. It does feel as if we will be unpacking forever, and although most things are up and in place, we are constantly finding things to unpack and put up. One of the things that contributed to this was the holidays. Just when we thought we were on top of things, it was time to redecorate, and find our Christmas decor. It has been fun though. Julie pretty much handled 99 percent of the decorating, and I ran a few strings of lights outdoors last night. all in all, we love the place, and are so proud of what God has blessed us with here. There are a few more things to do, such as stripping wallpaper in the half bath, and some paint touch-ups, but we cannot complain about where we are in this place.
Julie and I both are thrilled about our jobs, and the opportunity that we had to transition so seamlessly into them here after a move is nothing short of heaven-sent. Julie is working at Presbyterian-Matthews on the 4th floor. I think is is called med-surge? I keep hearing that, and don't really know what she does, except being an RN. Sometimes the long hours wears on her, and being away from Tucker is not the best, but she is doing what she loves to do. I am still working in sales Ferguson Enterprises- HVAC division. I was given a transfer back to the main branch that I started at, and love the opportunities that lie ahead with my career there. Over the past three years, I worked at a blended branch: HVAC, plumbing, and waterworks. While it was an incredible learning experience, and my product knowledge increased greatly, it is so nice to be back in one market again. I look forward to what is on the horizon at Ferguson.
Tucker is growing up way too fast. We moved back right before his first birthday, and that seems so long ago. He is running around this house like a crazy man, and seems to learn new words every day. He looks more and more like his Momma every time I see him. He loves hanging out with all of his family, and those everyday moments just solidify why we belong here. Even though we have had a couple of medical scares with him, we thank God everyday for his health and his spirit. We enrolled him at Hickory Grove day care, and love the chance he gets to interact with his friends each day. Between weekdays, and seeing them on Sundays as well, we are proud to see his development in his mobility, his motor skills, and how he plays with others. We cannot wait to see what the new year brings, and the many blessings ahead for our him and our family.
We are so blessed to have a church family that we love, and a church that is strengthening us as individuals, and as a family. We are back at Hickory Grove (main campus), and love what God is showing us through His body. HG will always hold a special place in mine and Julie's life, as it is the place where we met, and were married. It is so good to worship with family and friends again, and build those relationships back that we had lost for so many years. Through the discipline of tithing faithfully, and the excitement of working with the college ministry students, the Lord has been so good to us, and showing us dependence and joy in Him. It is exciting to not only see our journey at Hickory Grove, but also all the other family members develop. Specifically, I am so proud of my sister and brother in law, Megan and Steven, as well as my brother Tanner so involved with Elevation, and the kids ministry there. I, to be honest, have never been to their church, but their pastor's book, "Sun Stand Still," is honestly one of the biggest catalysts in the process to get us back to NC. It is so encouraging to see their passion for Christ, and although we don't attend the same church, I am behind them fully. It is my prayer that this next year, I will see all my extended family faithfully in a church family somewhere. And not just attending, but fully committed to Christ, and His plans for them. It is above all things, what I pray for the most, and what is dearest to my heart.
Another big thing lately has been the addition of our dogs' newest litter of puppies. This was Biscuit's and Grits' second litter, and we had 4 (one runt we had to put down). We had one male chocolate, one black male, and one yellow female. Just this week we sold the last one (female) to a great family, and things can get back to normal. We loved the time we had with them, but we know that they are going to have great life with the families they went to.
There has been many other events that have shaped the past few months for us, but maybe I will catch you guys up in later blogs about them. For the most part, this has been a broad snapshot of our journey to where we are today, and a quick update of how things are going in the Long family. We hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season, and a merry Christmas!
-Trey
Over the past few months we have been busy getting the house in order. With the move back from TN in our rear view, things are starting to settle in and we are adjusting to our new schedules, new roles within our jobs, and new experiences with Tucker. It does feel as if we will be unpacking forever, and although most things are up and in place, we are constantly finding things to unpack and put up. One of the things that contributed to this was the holidays. Just when we thought we were on top of things, it was time to redecorate, and find our Christmas decor. It has been fun though. Julie pretty much handled 99 percent of the decorating, and I ran a few strings of lights outdoors last night. all in all, we love the place, and are so proud of what God has blessed us with here. There are a few more things to do, such as stripping wallpaper in the half bath, and some paint touch-ups, but we cannot complain about where we are in this place.
Julie and I both are thrilled about our jobs, and the opportunity that we had to transition so seamlessly into them here after a move is nothing short of heaven-sent. Julie is working at Presbyterian-Matthews on the 4th floor. I think is is called med-surge? I keep hearing that, and don't really know what she does, except being an RN. Sometimes the long hours wears on her, and being away from Tucker is not the best, but she is doing what she loves to do. I am still working in sales Ferguson Enterprises- HVAC division. I was given a transfer back to the main branch that I started at, and love the opportunities that lie ahead with my career there. Over the past three years, I worked at a blended branch: HVAC, plumbing, and waterworks. While it was an incredible learning experience, and my product knowledge increased greatly, it is so nice to be back in one market again. I look forward to what is on the horizon at Ferguson.
Tucker is growing up way too fast. We moved back right before his first birthday, and that seems so long ago. He is running around this house like a crazy man, and seems to learn new words every day. He looks more and more like his Momma every time I see him. He loves hanging out with all of his family, and those everyday moments just solidify why we belong here. Even though we have had a couple of medical scares with him, we thank God everyday for his health and his spirit. We enrolled him at Hickory Grove day care, and love the chance he gets to interact with his friends each day. Between weekdays, and seeing them on Sundays as well, we are proud to see his development in his mobility, his motor skills, and how he plays with others. We cannot wait to see what the new year brings, and the many blessings ahead for our him and our family.
We are so blessed to have a church family that we love, and a church that is strengthening us as individuals, and as a family. We are back at Hickory Grove (main campus), and love what God is showing us through His body. HG will always hold a special place in mine and Julie's life, as it is the place where we met, and were married. It is so good to worship with family and friends again, and build those relationships back that we had lost for so many years. Through the discipline of tithing faithfully, and the excitement of working with the college ministry students, the Lord has been so good to us, and showing us dependence and joy in Him. It is exciting to not only see our journey at Hickory Grove, but also all the other family members develop. Specifically, I am so proud of my sister and brother in law, Megan and Steven, as well as my brother Tanner so involved with Elevation, and the kids ministry there. I, to be honest, have never been to their church, but their pastor's book, "Sun Stand Still," is honestly one of the biggest catalysts in the process to get us back to NC. It is so encouraging to see their passion for Christ, and although we don't attend the same church, I am behind them fully. It is my prayer that this next year, I will see all my extended family faithfully in a church family somewhere. And not just attending, but fully committed to Christ, and His plans for them. It is above all things, what I pray for the most, and what is dearest to my heart.
Another big thing lately has been the addition of our dogs' newest litter of puppies. This was Biscuit's and Grits' second litter, and we had 4 (one runt we had to put down). We had one male chocolate, one black male, and one yellow female. Just this week we sold the last one (female) to a great family, and things can get back to normal. We loved the time we had with them, but we know that they are going to have great life with the families they went to.
There has been many other events that have shaped the past few months for us, but maybe I will catch you guys up in later blogs about them. For the most part, this has been a broad snapshot of our journey to where we are today, and a quick update of how things are going in the Long family. We hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season, and a merry Christmas!
-Trey
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