Issaquah, WA February 15-17

At Pike Place Market, downtown Seattle

Carey and I returned home (on the long flight) Wednesday evening from Seattle to Nashville.  We arrived to icy roads and single digit temperatures!  It was climate shock coming from the sunny and 60-degree weather that we enjoyed in one of our favorite cities.  On Tuesday we experienced one of the clearest days I have ever seen in Seattle, with Mt. Rainier in full view along with the other magnificent sights.  Even warmer was our time with the people at Mountain Creek Christian Fellowship for the spiritual renewal services Sunday through Tuesday.  I have lost count, but believe this was my 11th or 12th visit to MCCF, a congregation that meets in the heart of Issaquah, an eastern suburb of Seattle.  They are some of the warmest and most loving people I have ever met, and this is the sense that one receives upon entering.  These dear people have embraced us and been so gracious to us across the 20+ years that I have known many of them.  

It is encouraging to see how they have walked ahead through a beautiful pastoral transition from our longtime friend and brother, Mark Miller, who handed off the baton to Vanessa Chitwood, who has served as the associate for a few years.  I wish every church could experience such a “handing off” of the baton.  The people were so earnest and open as always in seeking and hearing the Word during our time there, with genuine response.  One of the special things about these services was the privilege of ending this time with the Lord’s Supper together after I had shared throughout the meetings from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 and Paul’s message on the Lord Supper.  I realized as I preached during these days in Issaquah that these truths were for me in a way I had not realized that I needed.  I need to be rescued by His grace from some of the things in my life that have become “normal;” I need to be caught up more in Jesus; and I need to more be aware of how Jesus wants to make every moment and activity of this life “sacramental,” full of His presence.  I came home from Issaquah more refreshed and encouraged.  It is a special privilege and blessing for me to have Carey travel with me.  As I looked at him, I realized anew how precious every moment in this life is, and way in which Jesus wants to fill every word and act with His presence and grace.  I’m looking forward with excitement, in a new way, for how He will do that today and in the moments ahead.  

In Christ,

John