Most of us have goals in our lives, even if it is as simple as, "I hope I can make it through this day!" Our hopes and dreams find themselves dancing in our minds and hearts looking for ways to escape into a beneficial reality. Sometimes when we hit the target, there is a sudden feeling of elation, followed by a slow deflating feeling. It’s almost as if we are more in love with the chase of the goal rather than achieving it. Do you know what I mean?

What would happen if the dog actually caught the car? It may not know what to do with it!

Nonetheless, when we take time to rest and reflect on the touchstones that represent the path we have taken to where we find ourselves today, we begin to appreciate the growth, changes, and distance covered. Jesus always made resting and praying a priority. So many times He would lead His disciples away from the crowds and chaos in order to talk and reflect about the journey and to pray and allow God to renew them. For Jesus, the journey is vitally important to helping us notice God at work in the ordinary moments of life.

Last weekend Traci and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. It provided a time of reflection and appreciation that we both enjoyed. This weekend we will travel to Tennessee for an overnight in order to celebrate Traci’s parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. No doubt this event will offer a welcomed time of reflection that will regale us with colorful accounts of days gone by. It will be wonderful.

This week I received official word that FaithWalk was one of four churches in the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church that will be recognized next week during Annual Conference as a recipient of the Five-Star Church of Excellence Award (out of over 1,200 churches). This award means that our church plant has met extremely high standards of fruitful ministry in 2008 in accordance with the Conference vision: "Follow Jesus. Make Disciples. Transform the World."

In truth, we have a long way to go, however, this milestone in the life of FaithWalk reveals God’s Hand at work in a special way within the ministry and life of those who make up our community of faith. I am EXTREMELY proud of all of those who call FaithWalk home and those who have stepped out in faith, against challenging odds! God continues to blow me away. And in this moment, it is time to look upon God, smile, and say "Thank you!"

What’s the cool thing? Our journey has only just begun… Jesus says, “Follow Me!” I can’t wait to see where the journey will lead…

What will your next milestone be?