Irony of Change

This upcoming Sunday will mark our third Sunday in our new location at Southfield-Lathrup High School.  Brad posted some great pictures and updates of all the preparation & set-up, and first service.  Check it out if you'd like.  It's been a wonderful experience and I've been so proud of our teams, church family, and my husband, of course. :-)

Going through the preparation for the transition over these past few months has caused me to do some reflection about change.  I realized what I think is one of the most ironic parts of the seasons of change in our lives.  

Change is one of the most constant things in our world.  If there's one thing we can always count on, it's that things will change.  Our world was created to support it as evidenced by the four seasons and growth of all living things.  I would even venture to say that if a person thought about it rationally, they would never advocate that things always stay the same.  It wouldn't be a healthy or desirable option no matter how good things may seem at the present. 

And yet, knowing these elements of change doesn't seem to alter the fact that change always seems to take us by surprise.  We know in our heads that things will change, and yet when it does, our hearts can tend to fight against it wondering, "Why now?"

I consider myself to be a person that actually likes change, but even I have found in the midst of city changes, job changes, family changes, church changes, and friend changes, that there is part of me that longs for the perceived security and constancy of the way things were.  My prayer is that in the midst of our life changes that we would focus on that which cannot change (Mal. 3.6) and that He would give us wisdom and discernment as He orchestrates changes as He best sees fit (Dan. 2.21). 

Blog Wall

So I kinda feel like I've hit a blogging wall these past few weeks, and even a writing wall for that matter.  Writing truly has been one of my favorite things over these past few years, so journaling, and then blogging, came quite naturally.

Not so these days.  I'm not sure why, but I've sat down to blog several times over these past weeks, but just didn't have anything to say.

I thought about writing about the economy, but I don't feel qualified to make any kind of assessment about it and instead find myself constantly reminding myself to trust God more than money or security.  Whenever scenes from Cinderella Man come into my head, I must choose to push them away and trust God.

I thought about writing about my latest Bed, Bath, and Beyond escapade which blew even my high expectations out of the water.  But then I realized, how much Bed, Bath, and Beyond publicizing can one person do?  (FYI . . . they truly are phenomenal with their return policy.  If you know someone getting married or you're getting married, register there!!!)

And so, I publish this blog about nothing, remembering one of the most recent Demotivators that I read recently (from one of my favorite sites).

The Times They Are A-Changin

I had the opportunity to enjoy a 26 hour trip to Pittsburgh last weekend.  Yep, that included the 9 hours spent in the car driving.  Definitely couldn't have done it without the help of my sister, Samantha. (Thank you, Saulie!) :-)

Besides the fact that it was entirely too short, it really was a wonderful trip.  I was able to go back to North Way and speak to a group of Middle School girls about their identity in Christ and relationships.  Middle School Ministry at North Way was where I first cut my teeth in full-time ministry, so it was really special to come back to where it all began.  Besides that, I loved the topic and am really passionate about trying to communicate these Truths to women as early as possible.

One of the things that really struck me on this trip home, however, is how much things have changed, at least physically speaking.  When I left, 2 major projects were either just "born" or in a very embryonic state at North Way.  The Family Ministry was just gaining ground and momentum and a building project for a new Kidz Ministry area was just going to be started.  Not even one year later, the ministry is kickin' butt and the building is almost finished!

I've been a part of these kind of projects long enough to know that when you are in those trenches day to day, it feels like the changes are so long in coming.  To those leading the effort, it often feels like the changes should have all been done about 3 months prior.  Stepping away from the situation, however, and getting some perspective, really helps to see all that God has accomplished and is doing.  I was so proud to see all the work He is continuing to do in the hearts and lives of the people that I don't get to see nearly as often as I like.

It also brought a healthy dose of reality to the season in which my church is now living, once again, a time of change.  Working out the details of the change and move are important, but even more is the perspective that God is doing a much bigger change than we can see.  Although His ways and thoughts will always be higher than ours, it's nice when He gives just a glimpse of His reality to His children. 

Arrrrr you ready?!?

For a few years now, this is one of my most favorite websites.  I'm not sure how I even found it the first time, but it is a priceless gem in providing actual authenticated holidays that most people don't know they should be celebrating.

And today is definitely in my Top 5 Favorite Holidays . . . Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Really, it's so much fun.  If you've never tried, you must.  I'll get you started.

What is a Pirate's favorite state in the U. S.?

ARRRRRRRkansas. (You know you chuckled.)

What is a Pirate's favorite piece of furniture?

An ARRRRRRRmoire! 

What is a Pirate's favorite Andrew Lloyd Webber song?

Don't Cry for Me ARRRRRRRRgentina!

I know, I could do this all day.  And in fact . . . I will!!! :-)

It would make Johnny Depp so proud.  And speaking of Pirate movies, you should really make a date night and go out and see the new Pirate movie coming out.  You'll want to leave the kids at home, however, because it is rated . . . ARRRRRRRRR!  (I think that one is my favorite.)

One last thing for those of you married females who are still reading . . . note on the website that TOMORROW is Wife Appreciation Day.  Don't miss out on celebrating that one. :-)

And, if you would like a spiritual connection to my Piratical Celebration (okay, maybe it's just celebration in general), Brad gave a really great message about celebration this last Sunday when COTK turned 7!  Check it out here if you like.

Sensational!

I've mentioned this once or twice before, but I think it appropriate to once again confess.

My name is Leah Leach.  And I am a Weather Channel junkie.

I come by it quite naturally.  My mother instilled this addiction into our home at a rather early age.  It's one that is truly outside the realm of understanding for my husband.  He asks questions like:

"Why would you check today about weather on Saturday if you know the weather is going to change several times in between?"  Of course I want to know a general idea of what is going to happen this week.  They can't be that far off.

And when I wake up every morning and go down to check the weather I've heard, "Why are you checking the weather again when you just checked it yesterday?"  Of course, because the weather always changes and those weather people can be wrong.

I realize it makes no sense.  I still do it all the same.

Lately, however, I've stepped back from my Weather Channel addiction and looked at the weather coverage in a new light.  It's difficult to watch the channel for more than 2 minutes (and many times any other channel for that matter) without getting some kind of update on a hurricane or tropical storm that is barrelling into the coastline or even just forming off the coast of Africa.  

What's fascinating to me is the way that weather has become a form of entertainment of sorts, a sensationalized event for people to watch and get excited about the magnitude of the catastrophe.  Maybe it's just me, but it somewhere in the midst of hurricane coverage, watching the insane reporters getting blown over and the massive amounts of water collecting, I forget that I'm not watching a movie set, a blockbuster epic with some amazing special effects.  

That deluged house represents someone's home, their belongings, and their memories.  I get so wrapped up in the drama that is being presented that for a second, some sick part of me feels a sense of disappointment that the hurricane has dropped from a category 3 to a category 2.  That development could have saved the lives and homes of hundreds or thousands of people, and I was disappointed that it was not going to be as exciting of a show.  Sick, I know.

It really challenged my sense of compassion.  I can watch a sad story, on the news or in a movie, and feel some sort of distanced sadness.  A sense of sympathy, maybe, that I feel really badly for those people.  Or, if I hear about a sad story that is similar to something I've gone through, I can feel a sense of empathy, sadness with more depth, knowing some amount of what that person is going through.  But when I hear a story of someone's suffering, and I'm actually moved to the point of doing something about it, I'm acting out of compassion, something that is continually mentioned in the Gospels when speaking of Jesus  He didn't just see a crowd of people.  He had compassion on them and fed them or taught them or healed them or did whatever was necessary to relieve their suffering.

I'm sure that Brad wishes my revelation has caused me to ditch the Weather Channel entirely, but rather it's caused me to watch in an entirely new way.  I am reminded to pray for the people involved and to see how God would best have me respond, not only to victims of weather catastrophes, but the numerous people I see throughout the day that I rarely even think about because I'm too wrapped up in my daily agenda to notice.  To start living a life of compassion would truly be sensational.

Flight Instructions

Brad and I just got back from what I like to call a "mini-vacation."  It was very short, but very sweet and one of those times when even a few days away can be a lovely breath of fresh air.

I can't say that I'm a frequent flyer, but I fly a few times a year, so I'm pretty familiar with the entire routine . . . when to board, where to put the bags, what is said, when you can turn on your iPod, etc.  Usually, I just step right into auto-pilot (pun intended) whenever I'm traveling by plane.  

This time, however, I paid extra attention to my fellow passengers as the flight attendants were going through all the pre-takeoff preparations.  I could not find one person on either flight that was listening to ANYTHING that was being said.  Some of this was probably due to common sense ("Oh, so THAT'S what you do with a seat belt!").  Some of this was due to repetition (there's only so many times you can hear the same thing before you completely tune out).  And I'm sure some of this had to do with priorities (listening to a song, reading a book, or talking to a friend was way more important than hearing the standard rhetoric).  I confess that on just about every flight, I am just like them.

What really struck me this time, however, was the incredible irony of the situation.  What these attendants were sharing was vital information.  In some circumstances, it could mean the difference between life and death.  And yet, for many, the knowledge was considered way less important than the latest romantic happenings of Jessica Simpson.  In the case of an emergency, how many people would wish that they had read that safety card on how to open the door rather than another few pages in People Magazine?  

I couldn't help but see a spiritual connection as well.  How much vital information do I have everyday at my fingertips . . . promises, warnings, instruction located throughout the Scriptures, not to mention a dynamic and personal relationship with God Himself.  All this, and yet how often do I find myself skimming over my Bible reading or busying myself with "more important" matters, until I find myself up against a "crisis" of some kind (either big or small).  I so quickly am reminded of how much I need my Father's guidance.  

I suppose it's challenged me once again to take time and make space to listen throughout my day.  There's a definite difference between hearing someone and listening to what they're saying.  The art of listening is a practice I am choosing to pursue in a very loud world, one that I hope to improve for not only my Heavenly Father's voice, but that of my husband, family, and friends as well.

Me and My Shadow

One of the first poems I remember my dad reading to me was "My Shadow," by Robert Lewis Stevenson.  As I grew, my cousins and I would play shadow tag during the summer months as a fun twist on an old game.  And who doesn't remember all the fun that Peter Pan had with his shadow?  

With all my childhood background with shadows, perhaps it's not surprising that one of my favorite Bible passages is Psalm 91.  Its first verse, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty," has been particularly meaningful to me and is one that I have prayed for numerous people when they have been in difficult situations.  

As I've been thinking more about shadows, however, I thought about one simple difference that can make a shadow something to be desired or something to be feared . . . who, or what, is making it.  As much fun as shadows were in a game of tag, they proved to be equally if not more terrifying whenever I went to bed and saw them through my bedroom.  Shadows, by very definition, are dark and cold and often distort a picture of reality.  There is a very fine line between a sweet shade and a scary shadow.  

When I thought of that in the context of Psalm 91, it gave the chapter a new meaning.  Verse 4 says that "He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge . . ."  Being under some large wings in a shadow sounds like it can be a pretty dark and lonely place to be IF one were to forget who was making the shadow.  If I looked back at the times when I've most often prayed this prayer it was during some of the scariest and darkest times that I've known.  I desperately called out to God for protection and help.  Resting in that shadow didn't always make things magically brighter or better, but it did provide me with indescribable comfort as I realized the darkness was not something to be feared, but a shade provided by my Heavenly Father.  Once again, darkness isn't bad if you know from where it's coming.

And so I have a great, big shadow that goes in and out with me.  And what can be the use of Him is far more than I can see. (That last part is for you, Dad.) :-)

Dreamin and Cruisin

Friday was a pretty special day for me.

1.  My amazing husband surprised me with an incredible picnic in honor of completing our thank you cards.  It may seem silly, but since my Freshman year in high school, I've dreamed of one day having a picnic with my husband using a "real-live" picnic basket.  (Thanks to Caroline who gave us this wonderful gift complete with little salt and pepper shakers!)  It was a beautiful day at a beautiful park and even some ants came along to make the the time even more idyllic.

2.  Friday night was the annual Berkley Cruisefest that coincides with the Woodward Dream Cruise each August.  Last year, I participated in the first community outreach that COTK did for the Cruisefest.  It was the first time I participated in something for COTK.  A week after that, I got engaged.  This year, a man came up to me at the Cruisefest rather excitedly and said, "Hi there!  Do you remember me?"  I think he could see the blank stare on my face because he continued, "Last year I met you here when you gave me a bottle of water," and honestly, I remembered this sweet older man that I met when we talked about Jesus, church, and the pastor that I was dating.  As I nodded my head, he looked at me expectantly and asked, "Well . . . did you marry him?!?"  I giggled and introduced him to my husband.  

Both circumstances served as mini-altars to remind me of the incredible faithfulness of God.  Our dreams, big and small, are anything but insignificant to Him and He has an amazing way of fulfilling them sometimes when we least expect it.  Clearly there are some difficult times when we truly are walking by faith, trusting in that faithfulness rather than experiencing it to its fullness.  But it seems like the darker those moments, the sweeter the taste of His promises, mainly because He has changed me in the process.  May you taste His goodness today in whatever season you may find yourself.

Faith-full Living

I've been reading through 2 Kings over these past few weeks, spending a lot of time reading about one of my favorite Biblical characters, Elisha.  During our Team Retreat we spent a lot of time reading about faith in God's Word and what that means in our lives.  I couldn't help but think of Elisha as his life was such a picture of living with an understanding of who God was and what He was doing.  You get the idea that nothing really surprised him because nothing was outside God's realm of possibility.  

Some of my favorite Elisha moments:

• 2 Kings 2.23-25 - Let's just say that I've always had to think twice before making any comments to my father about his hair (or lack of it).
• 2 Kings 4.8-37 - This story is one that has had a profound impact on my life for many years now.  I can blog more about this later.  That Shunammite woman, though, was pretty special.
• 2 Kings 4.40 - I think this is one of the funniest verses in the Bible.  I say it with great enthusiasm and dramatic angst.  "Oh man of God!  There is death in the pot!"  Who says the Bible isn't applicable today?
• 2 Kings 6.18-23 - Reminds me of the Heavenly perspective that I need to have in the midst of Earthly situations.  "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."  May my blinded eyes see, too.
• 2 Kings 13.20-21 - This is, I think, one of the most remarkable stories, and it doesn't even get its own subject heading.  It's just casually placed in the middle of another narrative.  "Oh, by the way, Elisha had such a powerful measure of God's Spirit in his life that after he died, even his bones brought men back to life."  Can you imagine how much fun that man had going back to his friends after they threw him in that cave?  "Hey guys!  How ya' doin?  So you didn't want to bother burying me correctly, huh?"  Wild.

What kind of legacy will be left with my life?  May I receive an even greater measure of God's Spirit and presence that it will truly be one faith-full life.

COTK Team Retreat

Just got back from our COTK Team Retreat last night.  This has been a tradition since the very beginning of Church of the King, but was my first one!  Apparently it was at last year's retreat that Brad first shared with the team his "top secret" plan to propose.  It was thereafter referred to as "his cell phone plan."  How fun to see the cell phone plan now in full operation. :-)

It was a wonderful time to get to know the leadership team better and full of laughter, prayer, beating of drums at the earliest hours of the morning (band camp was also there . . . couldn't help but think of Heart of Darkness) and ultra-competitive games of Mafia.  

There were many sweet moments of prayer and bonding that I'll be building on for a while.  One of the most significant parts of the retreat for this girl, however, happened yesterday afternoon around 1:30 PM, right before we left.  Jim and Maria Zufall's card was addressed.  That was the last thank you card. :-) I am so thankful for the many gifts and blessings we received and so thankful that these are done! :-) Yay Seabiscuit.  Maybe I should treat myself to an extra carrot today? :-)

Ode to My Husband

How do I love him?  Let me count the ways . . .

1.  His FAITH and ability to communicate that to others.  If you haven't had a chance to listen to the "What If?" series, definitely check it out.  God has been building faith around COTK and it's exciting to see what He'll continue to do.

2.  His GRACE and support in giving me time to discern God's next steps for me and our family (and in being patient with a messy house as I've been studying).  

3.  He's really cute.  He still makes me feel melty when I look at him. :-)

4.  He's watching the original Pride and Prejudice with me, just because he loves me. (He was going to have to watch it if he lost the Stanley Cup bet.)  You can read his prediction of how the movie will end here.  Based on his description, you can imagine how entertaining this viewing is.

5.  He does house repairs and "honey dos" even at the end of several extremely long days that left him extremely tired.  And he does them very well.

I will spare the readers and won't go on (though I could for a while).  I am so grateful for God's greatest gift (besides Himself, of course).

Updates

A few updates on life these past few days . . .

• I've been doing a quick crash course on trigonometry.  No, I have not reached a new level of boredom.  I've been going through a process to pursue a part-time teaching opportunity with the Kaplan Company.  It's been a fairly extensive process so far, but as of Monday I had the go-ahead to start training for a position this Saturday.  Training will continue through the month, but if I pass, I will be able to start teaching classes on ACT preparation (thus my review of Trig).  I actually had to take the ACTs again because it's been more than 5 years since I last took them.  Yikes!  Crazy.  After a lot of prayer for next steps it's been neat to see how God's been putting this opportunity together.  We'll see how things continue to go . . .
• I am on the "S's" for my thank yous.  Yay!  I decided that I'm like Seabiscuit, the racing horse.  I need another horse in front of me to spur me on to race faster.  In this case, that other horse is training for a job and trying to sell a house.  I still am so ashamed that it's taken this long to write these.  I must learn for the future . . .
• The learning curve of cooking has leveled out a bit since my last post.  I'm actually even enjoying it.  I learned, however, that you can never be too confident in your abilities, lest you quickly slip and fall.  At a leadership gathering on Sunday night, I proudly took my dessert that I tried for the first time . . . raspberry pie.  I have to say, it looked beautiful and I was really excited for how it would be received.  Imagine my horror when I looked over at the man across from me about to bite into my pie when I saw that I forgot to bake the crust!!!  Pure dough.  Beautiful raspberries and filling piled on top of pure dough.  Turned out to be some humble pie for me.

Sorry for the irregular postings, but thought you might enjoy the quick catch-up. :-)

Threads Latest

Here's the latest Quarterlife article if you care to read it. It focuses on the job search of a quarterlifer. Thanks to Threads Media for the opportunity to write. Enjoy! :-)

Home away from Home

It's weird having a home in two places.

My cousin is getting married this weekend and I was able to leave a few days early and spend some more time back in the 'Burgh.  I've been amazed at how quickly my new life and new home have become normal for me, but there's something about coming home that is unlike anything else.

Driving back on my old streets, seeing how much has changed and yet how much is exactly the same . . . it almost feels like I've walked back into a dream of a life long ago.  It's a very happy thing, just kind of surreal at times.  

It was a really tangible reminder that I should always have my feet in two homes.  One is planted in my Father's Heavenly Kingdom, learning what it means to value the things of His heart and live with Him.  Yet, there's still another foot here, in the place where He has me for as long as He tarries.  Learning to bring His home into our home here on Earth.  

Not even sure if this is making any sense right now, as it's hard to put a lot of these thoughts into words.  I thought I'd give it the ole college try, though.

Confessions

This Saturday will be my six month anniversary.  So happy.  I'm sure I'll blog more about that later.

But before I do, I have a confession to make.  

I'm getting ready.

I'm so ashamed.

I should just do it.

My name is Leah Edwards Leach and I have not yet finished writing my wedding thank you cards!!!

So terrible.

Those of you who were gracious enough to bless us with a wedding gift whose last names are at the beginning of the alphabet are probably under the false impression that I was somewhat "on-the-ball" with the matter.  Those of you at the end of the alphabet know how bad it is.

The really sad part is that we are genuinely thankful.  Incredibly thankful and hugely blessed.  So why is it that when it comes to actually writing that out in these thank you cards it sucks the air out of the balloon?   Writing these cards has become the dark cloud on the horizon of my life. There's something about making thank yous obligatory and expected that takes all the joy out of it.  Does anyone know any way to combat this?

In the meantime, know that if you're at the end of the alphabet, I truly am thankful and your card is coming to express the thoughts once again (I'm sure you'll be waiting at the mailbox with baited breath).  

Whew!

I woke up today and I was exhausted.  I think it was one of those moments when activity from the previous days/weeks just catches up with you and hits you like a brick wall.  And as I'm tired, I'm remembering my friends and old ministry team at North Way who is blessing so many at Kidz Gig this week.  In some ways it feels like another place from long ago.  Can't wait to hear about all that God does through it.

And, there is now officially two new Michiganders in Detroit (probably a few more, too, but I don't know about them).  My youngest sister Samantha and her friend Hannah have moved into their new apartment.  Samantha begins her year-long worship internship at COTK today.  How happy!

We're Going Camping Now

Been spending these last few days at the OH District Family Camp where my husband and father-in-law are the main speakers.  The wireless has been pretty spotty so I'll try and post this while the sun is shining and the wind is blowing this way.  

I have to say that I've never been too much of a camper, so I wasn't really sure what to expect.  When we pulled up, all I could see were tents and a giant teepee.  I gave Brad the look that says, "What have you gotten me into?!?"  He calmed me down and told me we would be staying in a lodge and I have to say our lodge has exceeded my expectations. :-)

Besides that, I have been so blessed to listen to Brad and Dad preach each day.  God is using them in mighty ways and it's doing some mighty work in His Kingdom.  I think it was Brad's preaching that first captured my heart, so I always love the opportunity to do that even more. 

We should return in time for the 4th of July, just in time to welcome my sister Samantha for a year-long worship internship at our church!  How happy is Leah?!? :-)

P.S. - Bonus points to the person who can reference the Title of this post. 

I Have Arrived!

It's been a joke for the past several months that I am not listed on my husband's blogroll.  While he links to me frequently, and he is my biggest referral, I always wondered when I would get that last stamp of approval.

I am proud to say, I have arrived.  Wow.  Kinda feels like I've just been given an Oscar.

Thanks, Baby.  I won't take the honor lightly and will strive to live up to your recommendation. :-)

Threads

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet Ed Stetzer at the AG Michigan District Council.  (Thanks to Steve and Mary Beth for the invite!) I was really inspired and impressed by his talks about the nature of the church today and predictions for the years ahead.  I was also really blessed by the time he spent talking and listening to many of us at lunch, including lending an ear to me while I shared some of my thoughts and experiences about a quarterlife crisis.

I wrote down some of my thoughts and sent it into Threads, an online journal through LifeWay Resources, and they published it yesterday.  How very cool for God to redeem a difficult season in my life in such a great way!  If you get a chance, maybe read it and let me know what you think about the topic.  I'm feeling pretty passionate about finding a way for the church to speak to this, although I don't have many specifics as to how.  Any thoughts?

Last One!

Gotta make this quick, like a band-aid. 

My last bet post on . . . the Red Wings.

Things that are great about the Red Wings:

• They are a great blessing to the Swedish Olympic Hockey Team. 
• Their Red and White colors remind me of my elementary school days.  Go Eden Warriors!
• They have been innovative in their ways to celebrate with invertebrates.  (By the way, anyone who can explain the origins of the octopi on the ice thing would be my hero.)
• They have brought much joy to the city of Detroit, winning 10 Stanley Cups and 4 in the last 10 years alone.
• I'm coming up empty.  Maybe come to me in a few months when the wound is a little less fresh and I'll have some more.

Brad insists on editing this post, as he said there were some "inappropriate" comments in the last one (i.e. Chris Webber).  Sorry to all my Pittsburgh readers.  Remember it was a bet! :-)