Well I guess the title says it all.  It has been such a long time since I've written on these pages I hardly know where to start.  God has moved in so many amazing ways it would be impossible to describe them all. 

Three years ago yesterday (Monday, June 9th, 2008), Jackie and I stepped onto Florence soil for the first time ever.  It would be the beginning of the most amazing adventure of our life to date.  As I sit here this evening in my studio, I realize that our lives look nothing like they did three years ago. 

I will watch this site to see if anyone actually reads these blogs.  If I hear from anyone, I will continue this story.  If I get no response, then I will have wasted just a little time.

in HIM,

Marty

It is a beautiful day here in Florence.  There are a few scattered clouds and alot of sunshine.  I believe we are getting a preview of Spring. 

I hope you like the new "theme" I've chosen for the blog page.  I plan to start adding blogs again and I hope that you will check back with me on a regular basis.  I'd also love to hear your thoughts.  Let's dialog.

God continues to bless the ministry here in Florence and in future blogs, I'll update you on specifics.  Until then...  Reflect God !

My family and I live in an area of the United States that is absolutely beautiful.  On the central coast of Oregon, our home is in a place where we have rugged coast line to the north of us, sand dunes to the South of us, Pines all around us and a river that meets the ocean.  It is often overwhelming to wake up and realize that God has called us to such a wonderful place.  The most incredible part of living here though is the chance to really take time to get to know God's creativity.  That's right, creativity.  We often refer to God as the creator but do we ever really stop and look at how creative He actually is? 

On a recent hike (my weekly exercise), I began to look at the beach we were walking on and tried to get my mind around each intricate part of what made it so beautiful.  The sand, for example, consist of millions or perhaps billions of single grains of sand all coming together to form this pathway into the ocean.  How did He think of something like this?  You say, well, He's God, of course He's creative.  You get it !  When surrounded by His creation, how can you not worship Him.  When is the last time you stopped and thanked God for His awesome creative process?  When confronted with the beauty of His creation, we can do nothing less than worship Him. 

No matter where it is you live, there is clear evidence of God's creative process.  When is the last time you stopped to consider the gift that God has given us in this planet?  If worship is something that is difficult for you, get out in creation sometime alone and really take the time to look around you.  Start by Thanking God for His wonderful mind that could put this all together in such a fantastic way. 

I am in no way suggesting that you should worship the earth.  But as you see and contemplate it, I have no idea how you can do anything less than worship the creator. 

I hear your voice in the sound of the waves crashing,

I feel your presence when I walk through the tree's.

And when I look into a star filled sky,

I wanna fall on my knee's.

You are here, and everywhere I go

I know... I am in your presence.

                          In Your Presence (www.soundclick.com/martinadams)

These words were inspired by His powerful creation.  Take time out to discover this for yourself.

Why do we worship?  Why should we worship?  Are we even supposed to ask questions like that as believers?  The answer to the third question is an absolute yes.  All too often we find ourselves doing things in our churches and personal lives without really having a clear understanding of why.  God created us with a mind and the ability to make rational decisions.  Worship is a rational decision.

Why do we worship?  We were made to worship.  When God created man He placed in him the unique desire to worship his creator.  This not only pleases God, it completes who we are.  If you've ever been to or seen a major concert featuring a top musical star, you will find that people naturally worship.  You can see them with their hands raised and their feet barely touching the ground as they jump up and down.  Why?  It is because created deep within all of us is the need to worship.  Even when it is misdirected, it satisfies a part of us that we don't clearly understand.  When not directed towards God, it is a very temporary satisfaction and is often followed by an emotional dive.  This also helps answer the question of why we should worship.  We never feel complete without some form of worship in our lives. 

The bottom line.  We worship because we were made to and the perfect fit for our worship is our creator.  He desires it and our soul longs for it. 

What do you think?