Shane Ash

Whoa…it’s been over a couple of weeks now since posting…the unintentional break has been good…busy, but good. I guess it means I have a lot more to talk about today. Here is an unorganized list of thoughts flowing through my mind…some church stuff, some life stuff, and some random stuff too.

• I am now a Cavs fan…I am a witness. Which builds my current fan-ship to the Bengals, Cavs, and KU. I really don’t care about the rest…however, my boy Sam now loves the Royals (he calls them the Royal-tee’s).
• We are almost done with the ‘remodel’ of the office/teen area…paint is amazing.
• It’s been four weeks since we transitioned our Sunday morning schedule…I am loving the conversation time together and the involvement of tons of new people. We are continuing to pay attention and make adjustments as they are needed…
• I am becoming more convinced of the value of simple conversation…it’s in the opening of ourselves that we are changed…and the Spirit of God dwelling in us is given the chance to work. God often speaks audibly and it sounds a lot like the sound of your voice.
• I am nearing the one year mark of being a ”new” pastor…but I think I am going to hang on to the “new” title for a little longer. Occasionally it comes in handy.
• One thing I don’t want to hang on to any more is a certain house in Cincinnati…
• We have been working on two series for this summer that I am completely stoked about…the first one is just flat out amazing…I can’t wait for June 7th to get here. Here is a teaser for ya…”_____ happens”
• I have been learning a lot about myself and my leadership persona the last few weeks. If we listen in the midst of complements and criticism we can hear truth. Sometimes the truth hurts…but always the truth helps.
• One thing (of many) I was not prepared for in leadership was how to handle myself when others disappoint. I have determined to not grow hardened by the pain…instead to allow the bruises to be reminders of my own ability to disappoint.
• And one last thought…Cavs will sweep. 

Today I read the book of Romans.

One of the many places I paused and reflected on today were the words of Paul in 15:20-21.

It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written:
   ”Those who were not told about him will see,
      and those who have not heard will understand.”

I guess if I were to summarize how I want to define my life this would be a great couple of verses. I want to live my life helping people see the truth of a Creator who became Savior…so that they may see, understand, and live as they were created to live.