Success

When I was in High School I played on the basketball team. One time I had double digit points in a game. The rest of the time I was just the weak link on the floor while our better players were taking a rest. I was not one of the good players, but I went to a school small enough to not have cuts, so I took advantage of it to get out of class on game days.

One thing that I remember from my senior year was something my coach said over and over: "Leave it all on the floor." His point was there should be nothing held back, nothing kept in reserve. We should walk off the court at the end of the game having done everything we possibly could to win the game. I always did my best to give the game everything I had.

That's the pathway to success. Success on a personal level is when we can honestly look back at our effort and know it was our level best. I should point our that success doesn't always equal victory. Victory is another attribute that often holds hands with success.

In recent reflection I've come to see success as the equation

E^B x T = S

Effort to your Best power, times Time equals Success.

Strive for your best my friends.

--Ben

Dumb Enough

Dumb enough to believe that anything is possible.
Dumb enough to try things that others wouldn't.
Dumb enough to jump in with both feet into the deep end, and dumb enough to believe that I'll be alright.
Dumb enough to dream things that may never happen, and knowing that they're nearly impossible, dumb enough to tell people about my dreams anyway.
Dumb enough to not have answers to the questions, solutions for the problems, and head out on a journey to a place I've never seen on a map.
Dumb enough to laugh off miscues, mistakes, and miscellaneous other things, so long as I'm dumb enough to try again.
Dumb enough to see something come from nothing.

I'm dumb enough.

Smart enough to try things that others wouldn't.
Smart enough to jump in with both feet into the deep end, and smart enough to believe that I'll be alright.
Smart enough to dream things that may never happen, and knowing that they're nearly impossible, smart enough to tell people about my dreams anyway.
Smart enough to not have answers to the questions, solutions for the problems, and head out on a journey to a place I've never seen on a map.
Smart enough to laugh off miscues, mistakes, and miscellaneous other things, so long as I'm smart enough to try again.
Smart enough to see something come from nothing.

I'm dumb enough to think I might be smart enough.

--Ben

Aging

Almost two years ago I had a trusted friend recommend that I see a doctor. There wasn't anything wrong, but he suggested that since I was turning thirty it would be a good time to establish a relationship with a doctor. By that point I had established a relationship with a contractor for my house, lender for financing, Realtor, pastor for my soul, but for my body I needed a doctor.

Yesterday presented the moment of action. I found a doctor in my insurance program, and set up an appointment. He turns out to be very nice, and I'm glad to have found him. Now I start letting him run blood tests and get to know my human machine. When I got there I had to fill out a form with all kinds of information and consents. One asked for a list of doctors, I told them that I had visited one doctor since high school, and I didn't remember his name or address.

It is just one of those things that comes with aging. There are experiences that come at intervals in our lives that open the gateway to the next age. It's just part of growing up.

--Ben

Health Update

Well, I got into the Dr.'s today and got checked out. No Pneumonia, just some bronchial problems, but they should be cleared up in a couple days. The Doc gave me some meds to take.

Overall I'm glad it's not worse, but I'm tired of being sick. Thought I'd let you all know.

--Ben

Momentum

We had the best summer at SRC that we have ever had. The God In The Great Outdoors services were a huge blessing that really were a God thing.

This fall we switched gears into a new series that for one reason or another hasn't gotten off the ground. Consequently we have been feeling a drop in momentum. It reminded me of something that I learned years ago: Everything appears better than it is when you have momentum, and when you don't have momentum everything appears worse than it is.

Maybe God is just giving us a breather before the momentum picks up again.

--Ben

Weekend Update

As I head into the new week, I want to pause and reflect on the weekend that was. This is a recap of the things that happened this weekend:

• Saturday the band got together to practice. Special thanks to PAG for the use of the hall.
  
• Saturday evening I called Ariel to speak for me on Sunday morning, because my voice was so shot.
• Early Sunday morning I put out a prayer request on Facebook. I appreciate the prayers.
• Then it was setup and prayer followed by a breakneck drive back to my office and back to get the books for the Growth Group leaders.
  
• I really thought that the rehearsal paid off for the band, they were great, and such a sense of the Spirit there.
• Ariel preached a good message on the parable of the sower. I took notes on: The Road Crew, The Rock Band, The Weedeaters, The Mathletes (They multiply in big numbers).
• We kicked off groups yesterday. It's not too late to sign-up.
  
• Then last night we had a Members Mtg at the church office.

So it was a busy weekend, but a good one. Makes my look forward to next week.

--Ben

Anything More Important?

Today I was challenged by a pastor that said, "Is there anything more important than hearing the whispers of the Holy Spirit?" That is certainly true for any pastor, but even to the greater degree every follower of Christ. God is interested in speaking to us, and He gave us His Spirit for that purpose. In fact, Jesus told His followers that it was more beneficial for Him to go away that way the Holy Spirit could come.

Are you putting yourself in a position to hear the Holy Spirit whisper to you in prayer?

--Ben

What Are You Known For?

While reading the Bible yesterday I came across a statement that I found particularly challenging: "Your task is to be true, not popular." Luke 6:25 Msg.

It seems like there was a day when things were simpler. Ben Matlock told a story that convinced the judge, jury, and all of the TV viewers that the witness on the stand was the real murderer, and then he had a hot dog and never quite got the girl.

Those days have been replaced with reality shows that feature two-faced exchanges between contestants with private confessionals and commentators. Youtube provides another venue where we can track politicians and hear exactly what they said to which group they happened to be speaking to that day. It's a world of parsing words, soundbites, and clever manipulation of words to avoid saying anything of substance.

No wonder many struggle with the idea of truth, not whether it exists, but which truth should be believed. We've been programmed to believe truth depends on whether we've separated it from the lie.

Jesus told his followers that ours is a task of truth. Be true.

--Ben

Fundamental Rule Of Leadership

Announcements and sign-ups don't fill groups or teams. Leaders fill groups and teams. Don't cop out or whine about a lack of participation, it's up to you, leader.

--Ben

Because You Have A Boo Boo

Prayer is your chance to tell the God of the universe whatever is on your mind or heart. It is a gut check to help calibrate yourself on what you know should be on your mind and heart. It is a chance to listen to God and receive a new mind and heart.

Sunday morning amid a tumultuous morning in which many key contributors to getting SRC setup were away, including myself, Pastor Ariel found her way into Rm 101 at 9:00 a.m. for Second Sunday prayer. During the prayer time, she was interrupted by my niece who came in the room and saw Ariel with head bowed. She asked, "What are you doing?" and Ariel replied, "I'm praying."
My niece responded, "Oh do you have a boo boo?"

It is delightful when children boil the world down to simplistic ideas, but telling when I think that many adults have the same thought regarding prayer. They pray when they need something. "God do this for me." "God do that for me." Like rubbing the lamp and commanding a genie.

Prayer is much more than that, and so is the relationship that God wants to grow with you through prayer.

Pray when you have boo boos; just don't only pray when you have boo boos.

--Ben

Time Management Tip

Been working through the task list a bit today, and was just thinking about a time management tip that I thought I'd share. I hope it's helpful to you.

In football there is a fundamental cliche: "You've got to move the chains." That is because football is not just measured by points, but also by smaller increments measured by a ten yard chain. Every time a team moves the ball past the end of the chain, the chain moves and they get another 4 plays to get past the chain again.

Your daily success is not a usually a sprint, all out, running like a chicken with no head. It is usually the collection of incremental tasks that are accomplished moving a little bit at a time. And since it's football season (and the Ravens are at the top of their division) I'll borrow one more football thought. A team has a number of plays they can pick from, a variety of people to carry the ball forward, and professional athletes strong enough to compete. But they also have eleven obstacles on the other side of the ball trying to stop them. Someone has to look at how the defense is lined up and pick the right play, to the right ball-carrier, to the right hole in the coverage so they can move the chains.

Your ability to succeed for today is based not only on being able to accomplish tasks, but also on your ability to identify which tasks need to get done in which order.

If you feel like your days are spent chasing your tail, or if you feel like you move from crisis to crisis, you need to learn to coordinate your tasks to help you move the chains forward and make progress. Here are a few tips that help me:

• Make a list. I make a list and even break up tasks by how long I think it will take to accomplish them. (15 min, 1 hour, 2+ hours) I include all my tasks personal, professional, and volunteer commitments all on one list.
• Review the list for things other people should be doing. Delegate appropriately.
  
• Identify and prioritize the tasks.
• Do easy tasks first to gain momentum.
• Set whisker goals for tasks that I don't feel like doing. (If I just do one or two things on a task it usually leads to getting it done.)
  
• I review the list throughout the day, and cross off tasks completed.

Certainly not comprehensive advice, but good advice for making progress in your day.

--Ben

Motivation

I've been six credits shy of completing my Masters degree for a year now. The really bad part is that I've completed the course work, now its just a matter of registering and writing.

I just haven't responded well. I would rather go to classes, and have a syllabus.

I suppose I'm posting this to try and garner some motivation, and support.

--Ben

The Cricket

Last Sunday when I arrived at the campus to set up for our weekend service I was greeted by a cricket chirping away in the lecture hall where we meet. And I thought it was inconvenient, but that thing chirped all morning and is captured in our recording of last Sunday's message.

Yesterday I was ill and missed the service. My dad preached in my place, I'm listening to it now, and guess who's back? The cricket.

I contacted the school and asked them to have the room sprayed. My email received this reply:

I put in a work order for this as soon as I received your note. I hope it is resolved for this coming Sunday. One thing’s for sure…he must love your service because has made it to church two Sunday’s in a row :0

Nice!

--Ben

What A Weekend

Saturday morning we played our first Tot 4 soccer game. I will admit to you that at our first practice, I was not very optimistic about our chances this season. But Saturday, when the whistle blew, my team came out to play. They were fantastic. I was really proud of them. Almost every kid got a goal.

Saturday evening I started developing sniffles, and thought it must be allergies. When I laid down my nose was constantly running, and I started to cough, so I got up and slept on the couch. I didn't sleep too well, because of the constant drainage. By the morning my throat was so sore I knew that I couldn't preach or sing (I was lined up to do both), so I had to make other plans on the fly. So thankful for my dad filling the pulpit for me. I heard he did a great job. I'll get to listen later when the sermon is uploaded on the website.

I did manage to hold myself together long enough to meet up with SRC for the baptism at the Harps house. I wouldn't have missed baptizing Tommy for anything. It was awesome. There are few things that bring the type of joy that baptizing does, and I was privileged to be part of it.

Then I headed back home and back to the couch for the rest of the day and evening. I slept much better last night, but today am still feeling under the weather. It's just a matter of time now though till my body gets back to 100%.

--Ben

Bye Bye Summer

This has been a big summer for the Rainey household. Sydney learned to ride a bike, Ellie is potty training, Syd is learning to tie her shoes, started school, and a bunch of other things. It is amazing how things change in just a few months.

This summer stood out for SRC as a big time as well. Doing the God In The Great Outdoors services each month really helped keep us focused on reaching out and moving forward as a church rather than giving in to the summer slump.

As we see the summer slipping away, I am filled with anticipation of what lies ahead for this fall. It's gonna be a good one.

--Ben

Starting This Sunday

The Dangers Of Personal Faith

Historically speaking the idea of a "personal" relationship with God is relatively young in the Christian faith. It is an idea that grew out of the a modern interpretation of the scripture that looked for a formula for salvation. Supreme in that endeavor Romans 10:9 "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." It's syllogistic nature was seized upon and hermeneutically (approach to interpreting scripture) applied through the lens of a western worldview. In the 1900s the movement of evangelistic crusades, like Billy Graham held, led to the invitation to the altar to receive Christ as one's "personal" Lord and Savior.

And as a westerner in worldview and experience I have used that same approach when sharing my faith, and calling others to faith. When it comes to helping someone cross the line from separation from God to salvation in God, Romans 10:9 gives a great template.

Today,, though, my thoughts returned to this idea of a "personal" faith as I read 2 Kings 16. Ahaz becomes the king in Judah and is not at all like his ancestor David. In fact, Ahaz is shown to have a "personal" faith, that leads to God despising him as king. Though Ahaz lives in Jerusalem, a holy city and one time dwelling place of God's Spirit, he chooses to add the practices of pagans to his "personal" faith. When his city is about to be conquered by Aram, he appeals to Assyria for help instead of his God. And while his nation is saved he goes further down the path of "personal" faith and loots the temple treasuries as a means of paying off the Assyrians. Then he plunders the temple for his personal use. Enamored by a pagan altar in Damascus, he sends architectural plans back to the priest in Jerusalem to replace the altar God had designed. And seals his personal faith when he goes through and removes all distinctive features from the temple that might offend the King of Assyria.

Talk about a sell out. But more and more I find people on spiritual journeys that think they can have a "personal" faith, like a smorgasbord of choices when it comes to shaping their religious faith. The story of Ahaz reminds me that our relationship with God is not about what we want out of it, it's about what He wants out of it. We aren't redeemed by God because of our value, but because of the value of His Son. The Christian faith is not about the Christians, it's about the Christ. We don't shape Him, He shapes us.

Don't try to build your "personal" faith like Ahaz, embrace God in His distinctives, His holiness, His way.

--Ben

Runs Like That

When I was in high school I played on the basketball team. I remember my Sr. year for the training that we did. That was the year we started running to the gym from our school. Now that probably sounds odd to all of you that had a gymnasium on your school property, but for the Knights, we required a middle school gym about a mile away. So we would run over there, then we would run sprints in the gym. Of course everyone that has played is familiar with Suicides. They are sprints that run from endline to foul line and back, endline to half-court and back, endline to far foul line and back, endline to endline and back; with no stopping. They are intense. I remember that my friend Tres would always run them, and as soon as he got back the final time he would run straight out of the gym and to the restroom to vomit.

I just got back from a run this morning and it was the worst outing I've had in a long time. Not sure why. Fatigue? Oncoming illness (my inlaws have been sick all week)? Dehydration? I don't know, but for whatever reason I was only running at 60% today. Then to top it off, during my second interval, I had to stop twice to vomit. Otherwise I didn't feel sick, but I don't know. I thought I might share this, and some of you will probably think this is TMI, but runs like that make me want to go out again this evening and give it another shot, it can't get worse. Can it?

--Ben

The Nines Conference

Today (09/09/09) is The Nines conference put on by Leadership Network. It started at 9:00 a.m. and is running all day. The content is filled with nine minute teachings by pastors and leaders from around the world. It is all online. You just log on and watch. It is all streamed and there are thousands around the USA that are tuning in. Additionally it is free. I've got too much work to do to allow me to watch it exclusive, but I've turned it on, and am listening as I work. They are offering the videos for free starting tomorrow.

I'm really thankful for the format, and enjoying it.

--Ben

Sometimes I Miss Living In PA

Did anyone catch this story?

Pa. Man Fires Cannon, Hits Neighbor's House

My bad, buddy

Updated 1:41 PM EDT, Tue, Sep 8, 2009

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AP

A Pennsylvania history buff who recreates firearms from old wars accidentally fired a 2-pound cannonball through the wall of his neighbor's home in Uniontown, Pa.

William Maser, 54, fired a cannonball Wednesday evening outside his home in Georges Township that ricocheted and hit a house 400 yards away. The cannonball, about two inches in diameter, smashed through a window and a wall before landing in a closet. Authorities said nobody was hurt.

State police charged Maser with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Faith Under Fire

The series that we're embarking on in the next month is called Faith Under Fire. It is a response to popular doubts.

Now, I'm not a trained debater, I'm not very brilliant, and there are tons of apologists that make way better arguments for and against the Christian faith than I do, but I think we need to talk about the response that we should carry with us into places where people ask legitimate questions of the Christian faith. My hope is that over the next three weeks you'll begin to ask and answer those questions for yourself.

--Ben

Long Weekend

This weekend I spent Saturday and Monday working on the project of cleaning off my Grandmother's property. We are about half-way done now, and it has been a laborous process. In a way it has been a family reunion of sorts. We're all pitching in and working together. It provides a lot of opportunities to laugh. One of my favorite things about our family is how much we laugh together. There are jokes from years gone by that quickly cycle through again and again as new situations arise. I think it's funny when my sisters bicker back and forth. The addition of my wife and brother-in-law, Andy, as the straight ones has added an even greater dynamic of humor.

The other day while cleaning out the carport Andy found a black snake among the rafters. He pointed it out and we all gathered to watch. None of us is fond of snakes, but for the next 15 minutes we poked and prodded to try and wrangle the snake into a box to be released in the woods. At one point, having run out of room to run or writhe, the snake took a peter pan right out of the rafters and down to the ground below. Ariel said that the snake was the highlight of the day, but she must not have seen the reaction Sarah gave when the snake dropped down and headed towards her. That was the highlight of the weekend.

How was your weekend? What did you do?

--Ben

Dinner With New Friends

Last night my family was invited to Arnold to have dinner with a new family in the church. The Schulers are some of the nicest people I've ever met, and were very gracious in opening their home.

They have a lovely porch on the back of their house that is enclosed, and we ate back there enjoying the evening breeze. I found out that Scott has an M. Div. (Master of Divinity) degree and is formerly a pastor. His wife, Denise, works with assistive technology for the handicapped. Very sweet people, who followed God's leading to find Severn River Church.

Glad to have them.

--Ben

Gorgeous Day

Today was absolutely beautiful, and looks like a great opening to the holiday weekend. I got to take the girls out to Ft. Smallwood park for a couple hours of fun with my family. My sister, Sarah, provided the food, and it was delicious.

Not too many more Fridays like this left in 2009, but I enjoy them every chance I get.

--Ben

On The Subject Of Team Based Ministry

I thought I'd post one more thought related to team-based ministry. For the sake of disclosure I should share that I'm currently in the process of trying to assemble an Assimilation Team to help people find a meaningful connection to the church. People connect to a church socially, spiritually, and through their contribution to its ministry. An area that we need to improve is helping people make those connections. So I'm right where I was the first time. I've sent personal letters, made phone calls, and been turned down so far, but I'm still praying and we have a members meeting coming up. I'm sure God will build his church, and the teams we need to serve it.

--Ben

The Four Year Olds

I started coaching my new Tot 4 soccer team last night. I have six adorable kids on my team. Each of them seems so unique. They are extremely green though. Several of them have never played before, and the ones that have don't seem to have been taught the fundamentals. Tot 4 soccer is about learning the basic skills and having fun. So that's what I'm going to try and help this team do.

I'll keep you updated on this season.

--Ben

Building A Service Planning Team

Earlier I posted related to team-based ministry. I wanted to give you the background of how the SRC Service Planning Team came together. At the end of 2008 I was at a really low point in ministry. I was carrying all of the ministry at SRC by myself and wasn't doing a great job. I knew things had to change, I started by holding a retreat for small group leaders. Training leaders was critical to start sharing the responsibility of leading the church. In addition I started asking for volunteers to join me for a Service Planning Team. I wrote personal letters to a bunch of people in the church, followed up by phone calls, and every one of them declined. In the spring we held a Friend Day and had not one new friend come. That was one of the worst days of my professional life. The reason it was such a failure is that I was trying to do it all myself and had done a terrible job of promoting it and helping our members invite their friends. I knew I needed help.

For months I prayed for help and at a Member Meeting I shared again with the group how drained on creativity I felt. I felt that I couldn't think a creative thought to save my life. It was out of that meeting that Sarah volunteered to start helping and then later Ariel. Before the team started working SRC had become a church that I wouldn't have attended if I had a choice. But the last three months has seen a major turnaround, and I couldn't be more thankful. Last night as we met I think we had a huge breakthrough for upcoming services that are going to build on what started with God In The Great Outdoors. I'll keep you posted on that.

--Ben

Which Fruit?

We wanted to just follow up on the Fruit Of The Spirit series that we finished Sunday. Please use the comment section to reply to the following question:

Which Fruit(s) of the Spirit stood out to you as the most?

Can't wait to hear your comments, be sure to check back to read the thoughts of other SRCers.

--Ben

A Good Team

For years the buzz around ministry circles has included discussions of team-based ministries. It's been written about, lectured on, and whole conferences have been dedicated to helping the local church move to a team-based model; away from the "pastor does it all" model.

I've read, listened and attended to this issue, but have never felt that I truly understood it. I've always been interested in working with others, but found most team-based training absent one very important ingredient; leadership. Most of what I seem to hear about team-based ministry is about a group of equals making decisions based on consensus. I've learned you can't lead without consensus, but you can't lead by consensus either. Leadership is a fundamental ingredient in any model of ministry.

Recently though I've been working with teams at SRC, and we've been making forward progress. I'm really thankful, but I wanted to share some thoughts about what I'm learning in team-based ministry.

First -- We're equal, but not. Each of us is equal in the eyes of God, but that's about where it stops. Every member of the team has differing roles and responsibilities. There has to be a leader. There has to be an open approach to ideas, and skins thick enough to have an idea batted around. A couple months ago at a Service Planning Meeting someone brought up an idea about logistical issue related to setup for our services. I said that I would remain open to it, but it wasn't up for further discussion. I'm sure the other team members felt that I had shut them down. In reality that idea gnawed at me for a week and at the next meeting I led with that topic and offered my belief that it was the right move. That decision is on it's way to saving me from Saturday night setup, and 45 minutes of labor on a weekly basis. Leadership doesn't mean you have to be right, but you must lead. Teams can help leaders make the best decisions.

Second -- Accountability is key. There have been times that I've tried to lead with a team, but no one really took responsibility for their role and assignment. These teams inevitably fail at best, or maintain status quo at worst. You might think that statement is backward but consider this: the best thing that can happen to a team where no one is accountable is that they'll fail and blow up. At least then you can easily get out of whatever business that team was supposed to be doing. What I see happen more often is that (especially in churches) teams don't outright fail, but they're not moving forward at all. They're not accomplishing anything, but the team continues to meet and waste even more time. At the table everyone should be assigned tasks, and an action plan should be set. When we come back to the table there should be a review of whether the team members did their assignments. Our service planning team is quick to admit when we've dropped the ball. There is no sanction, but because we're accountable the disappointment of team mates and drive to do better makes us better.

Third -- Commitment is a necessity. If you come to the table bring your best. Every team has a season, and every season has a pre-season. There is no low-commitment way to excel. If we're going to move forward it is going to come at the cost of commitment. You're only as strong as your weakest commitment. Building a great team takes a commitment of time. There are times when it would be easier to skip meetings, but that doesn't build a sucessful team. Building a great team requires building trust. It takes trust to sit at a table and differ with others to the point of tears because of strongly held values, but remain humble enough to listen to all sides. We've been there and done that. (By the way, building trust also requires a commitment to care for others.) People don't grow through challenges, they grow through commitments. Your team will never accomplish more because you challenge them. They will only accomplish more when they make the commitment.

Alright, that's not an exhaustive list, but those are a few things on my mind so I thought I'd post them. Hope they're helpful.

--Ben

Good Pastors

Today I enjoyed lunch with Glen Magnusen the new associate pastor at Pasadena A/G. He is a super guy, and I'm really happy for the church to have picked him up on staff. He has a genuine heart for people and the ministry. I got to learn from him today as he shared some experiences that I've never gone through, and I shared some of my experiences with him. (Not sure if he learned anything from me.)

Glen and his wife Jenn have a beautiful family and they are already in love with Anne Arundel county. After all, what's not to love?

--Ben

He Picks The Path

One of the passages of scripture that most shapes my approach to life is from the 23rd Psalm. David wrote, "He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name sake." David is obviously a poet. I'm not, but if I'm writing it I would probably say something more like, "He picks the right path, because His reputation is on the line."

A couple weeks ago I faced a change in my jogging pattern. All summer I ran the track at Glen Burnie High School. I found it much easier than the 8th mile of the B&A Trail where I trained last summer. For one thing I think tracks give you the instant gratification of seeing exactly how far you've gone. The loop is a quarter mile and if you go around it you've gone a quarter mile. (That may be the most brilliant thought I've ever written.) On the trail there are markers every half mile. You run in a straight line one way, and eventually you turn around and go the other.

I had to change venues though when school started nearing. Athletic teams used the track in the morning before school, and once school is open it is difficult to use. So I changed back to my old training ground. At the track I had gotten up to a half mile (two laps), and when I got out on the trail the first day I realized that it was different from the track. The track is entirely level. The trail rises and falls with the lay of the land. There are no tremendous hills, but my legs can attest that the trail is not flat like the track. It took some getting used to. On the track I could pace myself really easy because I could see the goal the whole time. On the trail I run further than I can see from the start. The first time out I beat my normal pace by thirty seconds because I couldn't gauge how fast I was going. (I thought I would die when I stopped and had to catch my breath.)

Different paths train you in different ways. Tracks train distance, trails train endurance. In the 23rd Psalm David is using the metaphor of the Good Shepherd. The shepherd picks the right paths in order to care for his sheep. In our lives there are times God leads us in flat trails to train certain aspects of our life. And at other times he picks more difficult paths to train endurance, strength, or dependence on Him.

He picks the right path for you. Stay on it. Follow his lead. He cares for you. And through you His reputation is on the line.

--Ben