Hey my cool friends!
I just wanted to ask for your prayers, thoughts or well wishes. After 11 years at the church I resigned yesterday. I really had a wonderful time there. I made a lot of friends, did a lot of very cool things for people and served with my whole heart.
The last couple of years have been hard on Amy and I as we went though some stress because of a problem at the church a few years ago. We were put in an interim pastors position and worked very hard. I have a different way of looking at things and not everyone digs it. So there was some conflict in the leaders. Long story short, we call came to the conclusion that I wouldn't lead the church anymore. I know I will have something to do with leading and stuff, but my time there was over.
A few months after we started leading, we discovered Treks in Sci Fi. What a wonderful community of diverse and cool people. I am grateful to Rico for his vision and insight. It has helped to know folks that are so creative and kind as you are.
Meeting you has changed my life. In fact many of you have inspired me to take the talents and gifts I have and start to expand and branch out. This is what I am going to do.
Many of you know that I don't shove my faith down your throat, I would never do that. Yet I don't hide it either. You have been kind and tolerant of my spiritual ramblings. :) I try to be very real and honest with you all. I know I am supposed to use music, and a message that I have in me. So stay tuned to a new idea I will share soon. I think you all might enjoy it, and perhaps some of your friends.
Amy and I were really blessed yesterday when the church said they are going to help us financially for a few months, till we can find something to support our family. I thought that was really nice of them. So at least I don't have to worry about money for a few months.
Anyway, I thought I would update you on my life. You are like family to me!
I wrote a song that helped calm my heart last night. If you want, you can listen to it here. (It is a spiritual song, kind of a thanks to God for taking me higher.)
Here you go> http://www.christrocks.com/forum/takemehigher.mp3 (http://www.christrocks.com/forum/takemehigher.mp3)
Rick I know this was a very hard decision and I'm sure one you thought over for quite awhile. You are a very warm, caring, and extremely talented person and one I am happy to call my friend. I'm certain in a short time you will look back on all this and know that this was exactly the right move for you to make. I wish you all the best of luck in whatever the future holds for you.
Indeed, as one door closes another one opens and I have no doubt that a bright, new future lies behind it for you and your family. Few are as deserving as you, Rick. Best of luck on your new adventure!
Rick - I'm sure that whatever you put your hands to God will bless. You're a very talented person and I know you won't let your talents go to waste. It was very kind of the church to continue paying you and giving you an opportunity to seek new employment. Even if that employment is not in religious circles you can still find a way to use your talents. I did something similar about 20 years ago and never regretted it.
Kevin
Rick I'm not going to say much here as we have had many many heartfelt talks over skype about this and many topics, and you know how I feel about you, your family, your choices, and your life. I would like to say this, I have never met a kinder, more honest, and truly genuine person on this planet and I thank you for being my friend.
Rick,
I would just like to wish you all the best and to tell you I'm sure you will be successful in transitioning your life into what you want it to become.
I have not been part of this community very long but I know exactly what you mean, there is just something warm and genuine about it. You sir, are the same. It comes across in your posts, podcast comments and music.
I thank you for your continuing contribution to this community. It augments an already brilliant place to visit.
You will come out of this better than ever!
Regards,
Daniel.
We are all happy that you came across this forum and decided to hang around... I think I speak for everyone on this board when I say that we benefit greatly from your friendship. In addition to all the things the others have said (which I agree wholeheartedly with) I would like to also add that you are brave.... I look up to you as I would a big brother and watching you make these sorts of difficult decisions, and the way you made them, is influential. I won't say more than that because I know you are also very humble and going on about these sort of things probably makes you a bit uncomfortable...but know that we all support you in everything you do and are blessed to know you and count you as a friend. :)
Rick
I know this is a big decision in your life, and I admire you for having the courage to make it. You are a good friend to me, and to many others as well. I have no doubt that what you are looking to do will be a success, because you are the right person to do it.
I know our discussion the other day on Skype left me feeling excited about things. I suspect that a lot of people are equally inspired when with or talking to you.
Best of luck my friend. will offer whatever support to you I can.
Jeff
Good luck on what the future holds for you and I have only the best wishes for you.
wow. Thank you so much. Your words have once again blessed me and helped me keep my head above water! I really appreciate you all. I just love this place! We have so many kind people on the forum.
Seriously. How nice of you. I'm going to have Amy read this now. It will make her smile.
:)
Well, I'm glad you're moving forward and not looking back. I won't repeat everything anyone's said here but I say to you as you'd say to me: God bless you my friend.
Rick
Since you joined the forums you have become an integral part of the whole piece and you've made made yourself so many friends, including me. Even though we have never chatted personally, I consider you a friend of mine and certainly the coolest religious guy I know.
I am not in the slightest religious and you have never been pushy and I really appreciate that. But even though I don't follow any religion, I do send you my heartfelt good wishes and and send you nothing but good thoughts my friend.
Good luck to you and your family in whichever fork your destiny takes you.
Cheers Buddy. ;)
Rick,
Ever since I joined the forums it's been great getting to know you. Good luck at what ever you do. You're a great and talented guy and I'm positive God will take you where ever he wants you to go.
God bless,
Dan
Hey Rick. I just want to let you know that I think you did a good thing for yourself. While I myself am not a religious person, I know how important faith can be to a lot of people and I'm glad that it is such a big part of who you are. You'll be in my thoughts, friend. :)
Hey Rick I wish you the best as you make a new transition in life. It's really nice that you'll have a few months to make some difficult decisions. You are a very nice, talented and faithful man who will make good decisions. We will definitely support you in whatever adventure you choose to go on. :)
I hope that this transition goes smoothly for you and your family, Rick. I've always thought that you were a pretty cool cat. I feel confident that like a cat, you'll land on your feet, no matter where this journey takes you.
-Eric
my friends, thank you. You really are incredible. Amy and I got to go on a little trip today, just got back and it was refreshing. She was also very touched by your thoughtful comments. THANK YOU!
I am sure that this decision you made though difficult, as not knowing what the future holds is, was the best decision you could have made Even if you are not sure about it now. I am sure that as the days unfold that god will show you the way to use your specific skills and talents that will be most satisfying to you.
You have always been their for us all, and even though we have not talked much lately remember you will always have people here on this forum to talk to.
Keep the faith my friend and all will work out for you in the end, sometimes the hardest thing we can do is move on, you have done that, so I am sure as the days go by you will realize that your decision was the right one for you.
John