David Richardson

Above is a picture of First Baptist Church in Sebring, Florida.  On Monday, October 12, I will start my new ministry at this church.  First Baptist already has a solid staff, spacious facilities, and bountiful other resources that will be helpful in moving forward.  It is a fine church with a rich history and a promising future.  They are hungry for leadership and ready to move forward.  God has brought us together, and I am about to bust with excitement over getting started!

Above is a picture of our new home in Sebring, Florida.  On Tuesday, October 6, we will move in and begin enjoying this Southwestern style of residence.  This was the first home we looked at in Florida, and knew it was just right for us.  Lara, the kids, and I absolutely love it, and we thank God for blessing us with it.  Truly this was all His doing!

*  This is without a doubt one of the busiest weeks of my life!

*  We are cleaning out and throwing out here at the Richardson home.  The stuff that is not going to Florida, but still in good shape, is being donated to the Goodwill Store.  Maybe it can help other families.  The stuff that is too old is going to the trash dump.  It feels great to downsize and get rid of clutter.  Maybe this is something we all should do from time to time…even if we’re not moving!

*  Folks here at First Baptist Church of Williston have been very kind and supportive.  Tons of  nice things have been said over the past few days.  Lots of hugs and handshakes.  Some tears too.

*  Pray for First Baptist Church of Williston.  The church is bigger than one man.  I know that!  But pray for God to give them wisdom as they make decisions and as they search for their next pastor.  I really do care about these people and want them to thrive in their future.

*  Mayflower moving company is moving us.  Never dealt with them before, but I already think we are going to love this!  They came out to survey our stuff.  Tomorrow they will start boxing and stacking it.

*  Saturday, I am going to experience a first in my life:  the flea market.  Going to sell some cool things that we will not be taking to Florida.  At 5:00 am, I will be selling everything left for whatever people will offer.   Just want it off my hands.

*  We no longer have Buddy, our dog.  It became obvious to us that the trip to Florida was not one he needed to take.  A great girl in our church adopted him last week, and we think it worked out for the best.

*  Moving into our new home on Tuesday, October 6.  Starting work at the church on Monday, October 12.  My first Sunday preaching will be October 18.

*  First Baptist Church of Sebring – I’m excited about beginning this new chapter in life’s journey with you.  Tons of ideas swimming around in my head about strategies and sermons for the first few months.  It’ll take me a while to learn your names and figure my way around the place…but I’ll catch on quickly!

*  Please pray for the following:  [1] The move to go smoothly.  [2] Emotional peace for the kids, who will be entering new schools and making new friends.  [3] Strength for Lara.  [4] Wisdom for me in starting a brand new ministry.

*  In a day or two, I will post pictures of the new church and the new home.

That’s it for now.

Blessings!

Emerson, my son, was bored out of his mind.  We were in Target getting some things for our move to Florida.  He was not in the least bit interested in what we wanted to look at.  Then, I noticed he walked around the corner and grew quiet.  When little kids get quiet, they are most likely up to something aren’t they?!  Well, he was up to something, alright.

Emerson found several shelves full of nutcrackers.  Why Christmas decorations were out in September was beyond my comprehension.  Anyway, I stood there and watched my boy grab the nutcrackers, put them down in the middle of the floor, and start playing with them.  For a few brief seconds, I stood there and thought, “Gotta love that!”

My boy was making the best of his situation.  Granted, he was not supposed to clog up a main aisle in Target; however, he was trying to adapt to his surrounding and find the good in it.  Pretty resourceful, if I may say so myself.

What about you?  Are you in a situation that you did not choose and you do not like?  Are you more than ready to get out of the circumstances you are in?  Maybe, until God grants you a change, you can make the best of the moment you’re in.

If you’re sick…use it as an opportunity to trust more in the God who has a comforting presence and an unlimited power.

If you’re broke…use it as an opportunity to ask God to meet your needs, and then trust Him to do it.

If you’re lonely…use it as an opportunity to receive and bask in God’s incredible love for you.

If you’re confused…use it as an opportunity to seek the perfect guidance of God.

When you’re in a tough spot or a tight corner, allow it to pull you closer to God.  Even more so, focus on finding the good in it, because you just never know what good things you will find!!

{Pictured left to right:  Me, Kayla Blume, Dalton Mundy, Mikayla Mulligan – Taken at 9:45 am this morning at First Baptist Church of Williston.}

Well, I received a surprise at the end of today’s 8:30 worship service.  While I was doing the final announcements, I noticed three young people in our youth group walking up to the stage.  I didn’t know what was going on, but I just rolled with it.  After I finished, one of the girls in the group picked up a microphone and said that they were going to sing a song for me as I wrap up the ministry here in Williston and start up a new ministry in Sebring, Florida.  After some more nice remarks, they started singing.

They did a song I had never heard before.  It was a Myley Cyrus song entitled “The Climb.” Dalton played his electic guitar, and the girls sang.  I have to say that they hit a homerun with it.  The lyrics were incredibly meaningful.  The way they sang it was very impressive.  It blew me away.  They may never realize how much that meant!

Kayla, Dalton, and Mikayla, thank you for this morning.  That was one of the coolest things I’ve ever had anyone do.  Y’all are great young people, and I wish you nothing but God’s very best in your future!

p.s.  If you’ve never heard the song before, you can easily find the video on YouTube.