#1 thing I will NOT miss when I move to NC.....the state of New Jersey. I imagine that my stress level will drop significantly once I move because I won't have to sit in traffic on route 295 or route 42 any longer. And I won't be paying absurd property taxes to NJ to pay for the dumb things that politicians have done in the past in the name of "reform." (or nepotism...depending on how you look at it). Don't get me wrong...this has been my home for 10 years and I will reflect someday on all the fond memories I have...
But I digress...
I was pondering my next blog post on my way to work this morning and all that I could think about was a few of the things I will miss when we move. I'm not talking about people, because inevitably the one person I forget to mention will read this post and get offended and then there's probably someone who thinks I will miss them but I won't and that will just be messy...so I'll stick to the "things" that can't send me nasty emails or won't be bothered as to why I left it off the list. Some things that came to mind seemed so trivial and others gave me pause to consider if something I'd miss could end up being a "deal-breaker." Would I back out of this move because of a "thing"?
Baseball - I already have issues being outside of the Boston area when baseball season rolls around. Being near Philadelphia helps things somewhat because they're playing well and they are definitely my "second" team. Most nights of the week I can find a Phillies game and an occassional Red Sox game on one channel or another. I get to talk with people at work who are avid baseball fans and I am invited to games from time to time. 3 days every season the Red Sox come to Philly and I try to see as much of that series as I can. But in North Carolina, this will all come to an end. When spring training is going full force and teams are prepping for opening day, all I will hear on the radio or watch on the sports update at night will be about college basketball. Regional baseball coverage? Forgetaboutit...The nearest ML stadium is in Atlanta (5 Hour drive) and the next is Cincinnatti (6 hours). Seriously, how am I going to handle this?
The City - I don't work in The City. I don't even spend much time in The City. But knowing it's there any time I want is quite comforting. The City is full of good restaurants and there's always an orchestra or musical or concert going on at various venues. And have I mentioned baseball? The City has baseball and basketball and football and now even...soccer. I will miss The City when I move and will have to find new forms of entertainment and things to do with the family on any given Saturday. I am reminded of a scene from the movie Tommy Boy where Rob Lowe asks Chris Farley (aka Tommy) what kinds of things there are to do for excitement in Sandusky, Ohio. The top things on the list include late night pitch & putt, cruising the livestock auction for 4H babes, and the event of choice...cow tipping. ("Hey Chucko...that doesn't smell like mud!") Is this what is to become of me? Will I drag my friends to tractor pulls or rodeos when they come to visit? Will a date with my wife include a fine dining experience at the Waffle House and a trip to the local zoo (fenced in area with deer and squirrels)? I'm sure there are plenty of fun things to do in and around Boone, NC - but it's just not the same as a short trip to The City to be serenaded by budding opera singers at dinner and a little Gilbert and Sullivan at the theatre down the street.
Boardwalk Fries - I'm not much of a "shore" person. I've always preferred the cool mountain air and the quiet solitude of a cabin on a lake to a hot, sweaty, crowded and sandy day at the beach. The saving grace for me here in NJ is the boardwalk, specifically the one we frequent in Ocean City. I could spend the whole day walking back and forth along the length of the boardwalk. There are places for shade to sit and watch people and of course I have to consider the benefits of all that walking. Well, at least until I buy a huge bucket o' boardwalk fries. Stroll on the beach? Nah. Building sandcastles? Not really. Taking a swim in the ocean? No thanks. Huge bucket of fries that'll most likely clog an artery or two at some point in the future? Yes please!!
I'm not picking on North Carolina...we love it down there. As with any move like this, things are going to change...but that doesn't mean I can't "miss" those things. Perhaps my next post will be about all the great things about the mountains of North Carolina...I better get caught up on my college basketball and learn to like (swallowing hard)...country music...
...but I'm not sure how to beat watching a baseball game in The City while eating a big bucket of boardwalk fries!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Why is the Horrocks family moving to NC?
First of all, any of you who have read this blog will notice I haven't posted in quite some time. Well, I've been quite busy with the whole process of interviewing and accepting the position at Samaritan's Purse. There's quite a bit of thought and prayer that goes into planning a move to another state and it has taken a toll on some things, like this blog.
Rather than try to explain the whole process and tell you about our decision to move in the limited amount of space available on my Facebook page, I will tell you all about it here.
I have had a "feeling" for a number of years that God had something in store for me, as far as being involved in ministry is concerned. As with anyone who is seeking God's direction in their life, I spent a considerable amount of time praying about it and asking Him to keep guiding me. I didn't know where or why or how this would all unfold, but the key for me was to keep focused on God and not on myself. Amy and I had applied about 5 years ago to go to work with FamilyLife Ministries in Little Rock, Arkansas. We were really disappointed that opportunity didn't pan out, but (isn't hindsight great!) I can see now that God was directing us. As my father-in-law told us back then, "God can't steer your bicycle until you start pedalling." That was the start - that was the time when I finally told God that I was willing to go wherever He chose to lead me.
Since that time, I've been working at a good job in the railroad industry that has proven to be very stable throughout the turmoil in our economy in the last few years. I feel very fortunate to have a good job and good benefits, but this has felt very empty for me. In the past, and as is typical in most people's career, my desire was to be promoted and get a raise and have more authority and responsibility. This would allow me personal satisfaction and the ability to get out of debt and achieve a high level of financial comfort. That has not been the case for me recently. God has changed my heart...I was created to serve. I fought it for years because in the business world, we are taught to lead and get ahead and that is the only way to be successful, gain status and ultimately - a bigger paycheck. But what's the point of all that? How is it that I can have such a good job and go home every night feeling empty? As though I accomplished nothing of significance.
I've been watching job postings for multiple ministries and non-profit organizations and thanks to a friend at church who coordinates shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, I started paying attention to Samaritan's Purse. http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ Boone, NC?? Really? Does God want us to move away from our church, our friends and our family? I really didn't know much about Samaritan's Purse when I first applied, but the more I find out the more impressed I am and the more convinced I become that this is a job I have been looking for. I'm not a missionary - I mean, I doubt that God is going to call me overseas to preach the gospel to a tribe in Africa. I am a support guy - I don't lead worship at church, I run projection or sing backup. I don't run my department at work, I help my boss manage multiple tasks. And at SP, I won't be digging wells, installing water filters or handing out Christmas shoeboxes - I will be at the home office, behinds the scenes, making it easier for others who are on the 'front lines.' My job, in brief summary, will be to purchase and arrange the transportation of materials around the world for their various projects.
View Larger Map
This wasn't an easy decision for us to make because we have so many good friends here in NJ. We are involved in our church and we started leading a small group study - all our kids have known is South Jersey. This will be a big change for us and we are truly saddened that we are moving away from so many of you. Having said that, we have seen God open too many doors to ignore. A difficult decision was made much easier because we have seen the sovereignty of God on display. And THAT is why we're moving to North Carolina.
There are too many people in the world who don't have clean water to drink or don't have shoes to wear. Imagine having no shoes and needing to walk 2 hours to the nearest water source, fill up a couple of jugs, and walk 2 hour back. This is the reality for so many people. I've been blessed to have born in America, have a house with clean running water and have food (sometimes too much!) at my fingertips. Kids in other countries with heart defects die all the time because they cannot see a doctor, let alone get the needed surgery. Churches in southern Sudan were torched during the civil war leaving pastors with no home and worshippers with no place to gather. The earthquake in Haiti - the tsunami in Japan - the conflict in Libya... my biggest concern is usually trying to choose from all the food in the pantry, but all these people are literally fighting for their lives every day.
Can I just sit by and watch? Can I just donate some money to help? Yes and Yes...I can do those things, but I have an opportunity to get involved and work with an organization dedicated to helping the people we see on the news every night. I'm not saying "hey, look at me getting involved" - actually this has been a big change in my life and part of that was readng about the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Do you know anything about this guy? Check him out! In addition, I recommend a book "Chasing Francis" by Ian Morgan Cron. I have also been struck by a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan (no relation to Saint Francis!) Chan doesn't say anything profound or new, but presents God's love to the reader in a challenging yet easy-to-read format. I say challenging because it really got me to question the depth of my love for Christ. That wasn't easy for me...it was as though a good friend had come along side me said "Hey Kev...you're not getting it!" It has changed me to realize the depth of God's love for me and to see that service to others is part of demonstrating my love for Him. It doesn't earn me favor with God, but serving others is a response to God's 'Crazy Love.'
So, please continue to pray for us as we go through this move. I will be using this blog to document the process and so we can share with you the transition we make from being New Jersians to being North Carolinians. I will also share some of the awesome things that Samaritan's Purse is doing throughout the world. We'll be living in Boone, NC and if you're ever down that way - come for a visit! The mountains of NC are a wonderful place for vacation any time of year! We love you all and will miss you dearly (most of you anyway!)...
Rather than try to explain the whole process and tell you about our decision to move in the limited amount of space available on my Facebook page, I will tell you all about it here.
I have had a "feeling" for a number of years that God had something in store for me, as far as being involved in ministry is concerned. As with anyone who is seeking God's direction in their life, I spent a considerable amount of time praying about it and asking Him to keep guiding me. I didn't know where or why or how this would all unfold, but the key for me was to keep focused on God and not on myself. Amy and I had applied about 5 years ago to go to work with FamilyLife Ministries in Little Rock, Arkansas. We were really disappointed that opportunity didn't pan out, but (isn't hindsight great!) I can see now that God was directing us. As my father-in-law told us back then, "God can't steer your bicycle until you start pedalling." That was the start - that was the time when I finally told God that I was willing to go wherever He chose to lead me.
Since that time, I've been working at a good job in the railroad industry that has proven to be very stable throughout the turmoil in our economy in the last few years. I feel very fortunate to have a good job and good benefits, but this has felt very empty for me. In the past, and as is typical in most people's career, my desire was to be promoted and get a raise and have more authority and responsibility. This would allow me personal satisfaction and the ability to get out of debt and achieve a high level of financial comfort. That has not been the case for me recently. God has changed my heart...I was created to serve. I fought it for years because in the business world, we are taught to lead and get ahead and that is the only way to be successful, gain status and ultimately - a bigger paycheck. But what's the point of all that? How is it that I can have such a good job and go home every night feeling empty? As though I accomplished nothing of significance.
I've been watching job postings for multiple ministries and non-profit organizations and thanks to a friend at church who coordinates shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, I started paying attention to Samaritan's Purse. http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ Boone, NC?? Really? Does God want us to move away from our church, our friends and our family? I really didn't know much about Samaritan's Purse when I first applied, but the more I find out the more impressed I am and the more convinced I become that this is a job I have been looking for. I'm not a missionary - I mean, I doubt that God is going to call me overseas to preach the gospel to a tribe in Africa. I am a support guy - I don't lead worship at church, I run projection or sing backup. I don't run my department at work, I help my boss manage multiple tasks. And at SP, I won't be digging wells, installing water filters or handing out Christmas shoeboxes - I will be at the home office, behinds the scenes, making it easier for others who are on the 'front lines.' My job, in brief summary, will be to purchase and arrange the transportation of materials around the world for their various projects.
View Larger Map
This wasn't an easy decision for us to make because we have so many good friends here in NJ. We are involved in our church and we started leading a small group study - all our kids have known is South Jersey. This will be a big change for us and we are truly saddened that we are moving away from so many of you. Having said that, we have seen God open too many doors to ignore. A difficult decision was made much easier because we have seen the sovereignty of God on display. And THAT is why we're moving to North Carolina.
There are too many people in the world who don't have clean water to drink or don't have shoes to wear. Imagine having no shoes and needing to walk 2 hours to the nearest water source, fill up a couple of jugs, and walk 2 hour back. This is the reality for so many people. I've been blessed to have born in America, have a house with clean running water and have food (sometimes too much!) at my fingertips. Kids in other countries with heart defects die all the time because they cannot see a doctor, let alone get the needed surgery. Churches in southern Sudan were torched during the civil war leaving pastors with no home and worshippers with no place to gather. The earthquake in Haiti - the tsunami in Japan - the conflict in Libya... my biggest concern is usually trying to choose from all the food in the pantry, but all these people are literally fighting for their lives every day.
Can I just sit by and watch? Can I just donate some money to help? Yes and Yes...I can do those things, but I have an opportunity to get involved and work with an organization dedicated to helping the people we see on the news every night. I'm not saying "hey, look at me getting involved" - actually this has been a big change in my life and part of that was readng about the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Do you know anything about this guy? Check him out! In addition, I recommend a book "Chasing Francis" by Ian Morgan Cron. I have also been struck by a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan (no relation to Saint Francis!) Chan doesn't say anything profound or new, but presents God's love to the reader in a challenging yet easy-to-read format. I say challenging because it really got me to question the depth of my love for Christ. That wasn't easy for me...it was as though a good friend had come along side me said "Hey Kev...you're not getting it!" It has changed me to realize the depth of God's love for me and to see that service to others is part of demonstrating my love for Him. It doesn't earn me favor with God, but serving others is a response to God's 'Crazy Love.'
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
New Name for My Blog
I've decided that I am going to change the name of this blog. With some big changes coming in the next few months, I want to be able to share them, not only through my eyes or mind, but rather from a "family" perspective.
Check back soon for updates!
Check back soon for updates!
