isaacdowning.com

I came back from vacation to find a completely repainted office!

Lovely.

Today is Rachel’s birthday.

The past few months have been moving faster than at any other time in our marriage; rather than winter slowly giving way to spring, it feels more like we’ve experienced Christmavalentanniverthday. So today I’m intentionally pausing to reflect on what a remarkable and inspiring woman she is.

I tend crash into most situations like a half-blind dog—bumping, slobbering and barking along the way—but most people (I hope) wouldn’t describe me this way, and that is a credit to my wife’s influence over me. On more occasions that I would care to admit, she has given me the perspective and guidance to keep my feet outside of my mouth.

I remember an old cartoon of the Tasmanian Devil running around, causing panic and throwing a tantrum, when a record player suddenly began playing a symphony. As soon as he heard the music, he melted into a state of peaceful tranquility, and the narrator said, “Music soothes even the wildest beast.”

Yes, this describes me. And she, well… she is my music.

I am blessed beyond comprehension to call her my wife and my best friend. She inspires me every day.

Happy birthday.

My life in 250 words.

Born naked and unable to feed himself, Isaac eventually overcame these handicaps to lead a productive adult life. But this journey was not without its hardships. Born to humble parents in rural Iowa, his parents soon moved to Central Illinois for new employment. His father was always a hard worker. Although they were a decidedly middle-class family, they made sacrifices to provide all six children with a Christian education.

All was well in the Downing home, until this oldest son of theirs came into adolescence and rebelled against every moral lesson instilled in him by his loving parents. His early teenage years were spent in fights, detention and narrowly avoiding prison, but his parents refused to give up on him. By God’s grace after years of prayers, Isaac surrendered his life to Christ on April 10, 1996.

In high school, he continued to grow as a guitarist and formed a successful local band. It was this love of music that guided him to his present career as a worship pastor in a local church. It was also in the church that he met his childhood sweetheart, Rachel, whom he married in 2003. Their mutual love of worship even led them to name their son after one of the musicians in King David’s temple: Ethan.

Isaac anticipates completing his degree at Lincoln Christian University soon. Until then, he is happy to serve his congregation and comb through Scripture to find a suitable name for their second child, due in August.

"If you want to last over the long haul of ministry, you have to learn how to recharge yourself spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. Here’s an easy formula to remember: Divert daily, withdraw weekly, abandon annually. Know what relaxes you and what recharges you – and do it."

— Rick Warren

I can’t find a pulse.

It’s time for some changes.

Well, that’s a bit ridiculous coming from me. The past few months have already had more changes than a brain can manage without risking a major short in some crucial neural transmitters or fuses.

But there are still more changes coming, and (hopefully) they’re for the better.

In February I started school (again), this time at Lincoln Christian University. I decided Moody was taking too long since I couldn’t utilize student loans (they estimated 10+ years to completion), so I transferred to LCU and OH. MY. GOODNESS. it is moving faster. I’m enrolled full time, taking 12 hours per semester, broken up into 4 six week (three-hour) classes. In other words, I go to school one night a week for six weeks, then immediately (without a break between classes) move on to the next course for the following six weeks. Multiply that by 4 per semester and you get 12 hours. Simple, right?

The downside is that to take 8 of these classes per year automatically keeps me in school 48 out of 52 weeks of the year. But the bright side is that in approximately 36 months I’ll walk away with a shiny new BA in Christian Ministry.

…and that’s the point - being prepared for and working in ministry.

I knew I would have to readjust my plate when I began classes, but assumed it would be trimming and skimming, not outright abandonment. But here I am only 2 months in and I have decided that I am permanently shutting down my graphic design business: Pulse Creative Company.

In a way it’s sad (does this place me in the “failed business” category?), but in a larger sense it’s liberating. This is the first time I have truly committed myself to one pursuit for far too long. Finally, I’m following God with all of my life - not reserving my energy to build a business on the side.*

Exhilarated, terrified and anxiously awaiting what’s next.

*not that there’s anything wrong with that… but it wasn’t working for me.