I won't say much tonight. Just wanted to write a little at least. :o) I've been housesitting; it's going well. This Friday night we have a roommate dinner. I'm looking forward to that! Well, good night!

I am back. The women's retreat was great. I had such a great time and had the opportunity to share about the ministry with a number of people. One sounded like the Lord could possibly have her join staff one day. She has a heart for missions. I pray the Lord brings much fruit through this weekend.

Now I'm off to a neighboring town to housesit. :o) I think it will be a nice week. They live in a neat neighborhood that's really peaceful, and they have two cats. Need I say more? :o) I so much want this week and weekend to be a relaxing time, but also a time of seeking the Lord and spending time in His presence.

I'm about to go on a women's retreat with my church. I'm hoping for opportunities to share the ministry. I'm looking forward to the time!

Tomorrow some friends are bringing some furniture to our apartment--just what I was needing. Yet another testimony of the Lord's wonderful provision and the generous hearts of His people. Praise the Lord.

I'll be back on Sunday. Until then!

I'm back. Had a good day today. In the morning I put my two nephews in the double stroller and took them to the park down the street a little ways. They played for over an hour! A young mother was there with her youngest, 10-month-old Jefferson. She was sweet. I wanted to witness to her but wasn't sure how to bring up the Lord. I can pray for her though! And I have.

When we got back, my sister said it was such a relaxing time for her. I was so glad. A little later, the boys and I went with her to Schlotsky's Deli, one of our favorite restaurants. Then when we got back she showed me how to make a fun pen with glitter and beads on it, and we watched a T.V. show.

My drive back this afternoon and evening was so fun and relaxing. I ran by the Hillsboro outlet mall on my way back--wanting to look at the Bible Factory Outlet and also check for some dishes my parents may be buying for me. I was hungry and also stopped to eat supper. On my way, I saw a man standing on the side of the road (near to the interstate) with his dog, holding a sign that read something like this: Please, a little food. Quite honestly, it broke my heart. I think the man in front of me might have been helping him, because it looked like he had stopped and gotten out there to talk to him.

As I ordered my food, I cried a tiny bit and prayed for the man--that he would know Jesus before it's too late. The situation broke my heart ... I think the biggest thing was to think that there are people in the world just like him, who don't know when their next meal will come from ---and they need Jesus! I was wishing I could just scoop each person in the world into my arms and make it so everybody would know Jesus and have a home in Heaven one day.

Today I am at my sister's. My parents are here too. I got to see my new baby niece. Tonight I got to hold her right before her bedtime and rock her in the rocking chair. While she was about to doze off, I saw a smile that could've stretched from ear to ear. Holding her in my arms I had to wonder ... Would she be in some ways like the aunt she shares a birthday with --- a daydreamer who smiles at pleasant possibilities as she drifts off to sleep? :c)

My nephews and I hung out at the playground some this afternoon. Jacob, 3, saw me holding his mom's cell phone and asked if I also had a phone like hers. I told him I didn't. "Maybe if you to the store and ask if you could please have one, they'll give you one," he replied. :o)

I must go. Tomorrow I get to go to church with my dad and brother-in-law. :o) I look forward to that. BTW, I am thinking to go visit Stonebriar Community Church, Chuck Swindoll's church one of these Sundays. I went once with my mom when she was in town and wanted to hear him, and was so impressed with his humility and transparency as he led the congregation.

This week has gone by fast! Tonight was our ladies' meeting. I was asked to present a sister from the field whom we could pray for. I chose Nantika, a young woman who was helping the wife of one of our regional leaders when we met her in India. She would tend to the children (the mother was confined to her bed for a while with a back injury) and she likely did quite a bit of housework, too. She also was to graduate from one of our Bible colleges this past May, after being a team leader over a six-month evangelistic outreach.

Two things about Nantika have stood out to me:
1) Her passion to reach illiterate, uneducated people in her native country with the hope of Jesus. Her face was radiant when she related this. I got to thinking about how I want to be like that--where I am so in love with my Savior that knowing Him more deeply and laboring for His kingdom are all that really matter to me. To where everything else fades away in comparison. Nothing else really matters.

2) Her contentment in serving behind the scenes. She sat quietly as we visited with the staff family and others; she didn't appear to feel she needed to be noticed or in the spotlight. Yet I would be sure she is very much appreciated for her gentle spirit and selfless labor. I want to be more like that--to be content not to be noticed, not to be in the limelight. To be madly in love with Jesus and recognize that my sufficiency is in Him, that in Him is the fulfillment of everything I could ever need or long for. To give Him all the glory for everything. To even delight in others being recognized instead of me. To not mind situations where I'm ignored. Oh Lord, work this in me, I pray.

Yippee! Tonight after working on some stuff at Barnes and Noble, I spontaneously decided to take a drive down Hwy 121. It was a beautiful night with a nice breeze. I had music blaring (okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration) and the windows down. I did, however, roll the windows back up at stoplights. :o) The Lord helped me today with two things I was kind of overwhelmed about. That sure was a blessing!

This weekend I get to travel a few hours away to see my sister, her husband and children, my parents and--of course--my new niece who shares my birthday. Pray for safe travels ... and for this week to be on track--good times with the Lord, like last week, and to be led by Him. :o) That is truly the best way to live, but it is so easy for our flesh to forget that when it comes to practically living it out.

Today I am 26. I awoke to pretty wildflowers sitting outside my door, with a bright-colored Happy Birthday note on our whiteboard. Thank you, Tera! My roommate also cooked me a birthday supper of a yummy roast, potatoes and carrots. And others came over to help us celebrate--there were seven of us in all! It was a nice time.

But the most memorable present of all was my newborn niece, Elisabeth Marie. Weighing in at 8 pounds, born at 9:45 this morning. I was hoping and praying she would be born on my birthday--and she was! Thank you, Lord! And Happy Birthday, Elisabeth Marie. :o) You don't know me yet, but I will see you next week. I look forward to celebrating our birthdays together in the years to come.

Today I got to fast during lunch again. I have found this to be one of life's sacred joys and something I had not done very often until this week. By the end of my time with the Lord I was pretty hungry (and still am), but oh what peace and energy He has given me! And to spend time with Him and intercede on behalf of the lost world and my brothers and sisters in the faith--this is an unspeakable privilege! Who am I that I should get to partake in this?

This afternoon after work I will be going down to the South side of the building to clean my bathroom (my week through today). Oh what a privilege and joy it is to serve here! Dear friend, I encourage you if you haven't already, to seek His face as to how He would use your life to further His kingdom. If you know Jesus, He has an incredible purpose for your life--both for your ultimate good and for His supreme glory!

Another nice day. :o) For lunch, I met up with three coworkers to eat at Chick-fila with some coupons I had. We had a good time together! Especially interesting was the discussion about finding the balance where we both are content and joyful in the situation God has us, but yet have faith and hope that He is able to change it.

After lunch I went to a coworker's home to pick up a table and chairs they had offered me with the coffee table. The chairs will work great for my dining room table until I can find a full set! And the table will be cute with a tablecloth as an end table in my living room. Tonight I had fun arranging a lamp, picture frames, a magazine and a journal on my coffee table and end table. It's fun seeing how it's all coming together. Now I just need a sofa. :o) Hmmm ... oh, AND a dresser.

Tonight was such a fun, relaxing evening. After I cleaned "my" bathroom for the week at work and helped clean the building (my month), I went to Great Clips to get my hair cut. $6.99 coupon--You can hardly beat that. :o) The lady I had is from India, so I got to tell her how I'd gone there in March. (still hard to believe!) I continue to be reminded of incredible things I experienced and learned there. I thank God for bringing these things to mind! After getting my hair cut I spontaneously decided to catch a movie at the dollar theater--13 Going On 30. It was so cute--and overall pretty clean! Definitely a chick flick, as I was telling someone later. :o) Anyhow, after I grabbed (a really late) supper (with another coupon!) I went driving (it was such a pretty night!) and sang praise songs and prayed. All in all, it was a nice night.

Yet another nice day! Had time with the Lord again at lunch break. Early this evening I went walking down the road at the nature preserve. The weather was so nice! Had to be in the 60's. Highly unusual for Texas this time of the year. :o)

A coworker brought over a coffee table I bought from him and his wife for a really good deal. It's cute! Cherry finish with drawers that pull out. It will go in my new apartment that I'm moving into around December, along with a wood dining room table someone was giving away. :o) And my bed was given to me, too, and I bought my computer desk/chair for a grand total of $13. It's been kind of fun to see how the Lord has provided, especially since I had NO furniture whatsoever when I came down. Unless you count my small purple lamp and two crates my sister painted for me, that I used as a nightstand. :o)

Another good day. Had some nice time with the Lord during lunch break. There's nothing like being in His presence!

Tonight we had pizza and then watched a movie together. The movie was Miracle. We watched it as a staff body, to get applications--such as being united together for one common purpose, with nobody any more important than anyone else. In the movie, it was to win an olympic hockey game. For us, it hit home when our beloved leader talked about the potential for SO many people on the field to turn to Christ. Think of it--in dying to our own selfish ambitions and radically abandoning ourselves to the cause of Christ, ultimately we have nothing to lose--and everything to gain. If athletes here on this earth endure pain and die to desires that they may win a crown that perishes, how much more should we do the same, for an incorruptible crown?

Wow, today was such a good day! I had some sweet time with the Lord during my lunch break. He is so good! I love Him so much. The rest of the day seemed to just naturally flow from that time with Him. I wrote a persecution story for our website, and it seemed the words came easily. Thank You, Lord. You gave me the words!

I stayed at the office until close to 7:00, then came home and ate some turkey spaghetti I'd made. Then I went walking. When I got back, my roommate and I prayed and I started some laundry. I hope tomorrow is just as good as today! :o) Or even better.

I feel in some aspects like I've been going through the valley. And I don't know what to do to get out of it. Maybe I'm not supposed to be out of it. Maybe I'm to endure through more of the valley, that I may become more like my Savior through it. If so, I can say by faith--even if not always emotionally--"Blessed be His name."

I did have some special times today of sensing His presence. When I was in church and they were singing "Better is One Day", He felt so close! After church I did a prayer walk in a neighborhood across the street. That was a neat time. And my friend Lindy and I chatted and prayed together. That was such a sweet time of fellowship! Thank You, Lord.

My friend from back home, Heather, and I talked for two hours tonight, reminiscing about times we had not long after we first met--and wondering what our Bible study buddies are up to now.

You know what? It seems that just as the Lord has miraculously intervened in a situation I've been faced with, a different one has become harder. But (by faith) praise God! I can trust Him. This can be material for sacrifice. I ask to be made more like Him and than am surprised when He actually seeks to answer my prayer, by bringing adversity into my life.

Tomorrow is church. YAY! I like my church here--although I also miss my church back home (college town) and can't wait to see them all again. :o)

The battle continues. (see August 1 entry) But God is good. And He is faithful. Tonight we had extended prayer at the ministry. My sore throat had gone away but returned for part of the evening. And I felt tired and warm on my forehead again. Yet I can pretty much tell I'm not sick, as in anything contagious. Pray for me! I think my biggest thing is I feel so worn out it's hard to focus to pray and read the Word, though I know that is so important! And I so much want to live more purposefully ... and to be rid of "ME". How selfish and silly we (I!) can be. Oh, Jesus, make me more like YOU, I plead.

Tonight I visited one of my roommates at the house she now shares with three other girls ... well, okay, so young women. :o) The youngest, 18, arrives this Saturday. This Saturday is also a reception and pool party for a friend at the ministry who's graduating from high school. So it will be a full day!

Last night a group of us all went to Six Flags. (Did I ever tell you I'm REALLY enjoying my season pass? :o)) That was nice! The preteen sons of a family on staff got to join us; it was fun having them along. They're such sweet boys!

My throat was hurting today and my forehead was a little warm. I think it's allergies. I seem to be feeling a little better now. Life has been flying by in some ways! Tomorrow is a busy day--full day at work as usual, and then my friend Cara and I are catching up over supper at Arby's. Then I'll come home and rest and get some stuff done (hopefully) and then we have our monthly extended prayer night at the ministry! I'm looking forward to it. Lord, give me strength, I pray. :o) Amen.

During prayer meeting tonight, we were challenged to devote ourselves to prayer. I so much want to be a woman of prayer. The story was told of a brother in North India who prays 3 hours a day, 6 on Sundays. Wow. I want to be more like that! Please, Lord, help me. Tonight I prayed for 20 minutes when I got home. You've gotta start somewhere. :o)

I'm back. I am doing better tonight, although a little stressed still. Tonight after work one of my roommates, her sister and I went to a nearby town to pick up some kitchen stuff from a lady at her church and get a free (yummy!) sample at Krispy Kreme. We're actually not roommates anymore as of Saturday--she's the one who got moved into a four-bedroom house. But we were pulling out of work at the same time today, and, unknown to each other until later, were both thinking rather sadly of how we were now going in two different directions. The Lord has incredible plans for all of us roommates in this new season of our lives, though, and we can trust Him as we watch them unfold. It will be exciting to watch. :o)

Tomorrow is a web team lunch. Yay! And then tomorrow night is prayer meeting. Pray I won't be stressed out anymore. :o) Life is busy right now, but that's no reason I have to be stressed. I do realize we all go through those times, though. Generally I'm doing fine--somehow I've been kinda stressed these last few days, etc.

I did get to see my friend Rebecca. Or Becka, as she used to always go by. :o) And her brother James. He's sweet. It's hard to believe he's "all grown up" and 18 now. I think the last time I saw him he was 10 years old. I remember Becka and I taking him to a little fair with us one time. Her two children were with her, too. They're so cute and seem in general quite well-behaved. :o) They bounded up to me and kept wanting to sit by me!

Pray for me. Today I felt bombarded with feelings of condemnation. I was talking to someone else tonight who also faced this. I know that spiritual strongholds are being broken in Asia as we speak. Precious people are turning from spiritual bondage to their idols, to worshipping the living God and Him alone. Praise God for this. At the same time, the Enemy won't just sit by and watch this all happen.

There are times when we at the ministry face more spiritual attack than others, and I think this could be one of those times--especially since by God's grace we recently started our Bridge of Hope program to reach dear children who desperately need Jesus. Through Christ, all things are possible. John 15:13 says that greater is He who is in us. Amen! I love you, Lord. Thank You that You love me so much and can be trusted no matter what. :o)