For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. – Romans 8:19-21

Today’s is a kind of hybrid post; a couple of Father’s Day references dovetailing into this developing situation Rebekah and I are currently engaging.

My card (from Rebekah) had a super-cool Superman themed message. Of course I understand that simply being a dad requires superpowers none of us ever imagined we possessed before we first held our own child in our arms.

Thanks, Rebekah, for the “super” thought. Maybe it is not just belief but also prescience – or at least looking and/or hoping for what it’s going to take over the next few weeks and months as we step into a new adventure.

That’s right, friends, there’s another epic adventure afoot! This time, after Rebekah completes her contract with the church, we plan to take our one year in Tarboro and turn it into a permanent relocation.

Restoration and Redemption!

Rebekah and I have lost our minds just a little bit and we are working on the purchase of an amazing (potentially amazing) 1925 house in the historic district. I’m posting just a couple of photos for now, but absolutely plan on sharing the entire ongoing restoration process over time.

We are working with Aaron Riggs, who recently completed a similar – and excellent – renovation on the house next door.

My favorite “R” word, hands down, is “Rebekah.” But we are both deeply invested in all the other good ones too: words like restoration, redemption, rehabilitation, resurrection and reformation. These are all very much at play for this project.

The work is definitely going to take a while, as you will doubtless see when I publish some of the early photographs.

But here’s what we are thinking: how cool to invest in a restoration project that not only helps the house but the street, and by extension the whole downtown!

Rebekah and I are part of a church community that by its very presence and 150-year history anchors downtown Tarboro in the story of redemptive love.

I believe this is a great practical illustration of what is so true about the Reformed tradition. We live in a climate where there is a lot of noise around what I would term “escapist” theology, whereas Rebekah and I understand and teach a faith where we are rooted in good news, equipped with good gifts, and sent into the world to invite others to experience the reconciling love of God.

What better way to do this than to live the story out loud, and in every possible aspect of our lives?

So stay tuned for more news, and photographs, and the unfolding story of redemption right here in Tarboro – DEREK