Christmas dinner with my parents was nice. We had roasted herb chicken, asparagus, cranberry sauce, lima beans, and more. :o) And later that day, we got to go over and see my cousins!

One of my cousins had his dogs with him. It was pretty funny, because I was petting one of the dogs and all of a sudden, it just climbed up on my lap! And this was no small dog, let me tell you! :o)

I drove back on Tuesday ... 11 hours! I enjoy roadtrips, though! I was especially excited becuase I was able to find a route where I didn't have to take 635. Yay! [I have no problems with 635 on a Saturday morning, but on a weekday the traffic can be pretty heavy ... especially if you're not used to big-city driving. ;c)] And it took me through some pretty countryside, too, so that was nice!

I even made it back in time for Tuesday night prayer. It was so good to see everyone again! I am so grateful for both my wonderful family back home (and my sister and her family a few hours away in Texas!) and the wonderful extended family the Lord has blessed me with here. :o) It's been really nice to be back in the office, too.

Yesterday I found out I would be working for a while in our gift entry department, along with another writer! [They always seem to be busy, and have been especially busy with it being the end of the year ... their busiest time, I think!] It's a privilege getting to help out in this department, and there are always so many neat things to do in there. I couldn't believe how quickly this day went by!

It's exciting, too, to get a glimpse into the hearts of our sponsors and donors - we've been blessed with so many great people whose hearts the Lord has touched to give to and pray for our ministry.

I had the opportunity to worship at my parent's church this morning. A special part of the service was seeing a 74-year-old woman get baptized and join the church. What was incredibly exciting to me is that she came to know Christ through some of the Hurricane Katrina outreach. It was such a great moment, watching her up there with her "family", this really neat married couple who basically adopted her. Through the love they showed her as relief team workers fixed her home, she came to faith in Christ!

I could see this married couple just beaming as they stood up there with this precious woman as she eagerly affirmed her faith in Jesus and agreed to support the work of the Lord's church. I am truly touched by this couple, as they have come here from South Carolina to live among the people of the Gulf Coast and reach out to them. They are retired and are giving of their time to do this. And I can tell they really love the people here!

Their lives are such wonderful examples to me. And time and time again, the Hurricane Katrina outreach has reminded me in so many ways of the outreach of GFA's missionaries among tsunami survivors. I always love seeing and hearing about the Lord's work around the globe ... both on the other side of the world where so many long to hear the name of Jesus, and here in my hometown.

As I sit here typing this story on Christmas Eve, I can't help but think how fitting this all is ... how encouraged I am to be reminded of the Lord's work through His Church around the world, even as we celebrate Jesus' birth. Praise God.

We didn't get to have our cousin over yesterday for supper after all, for my mom woke up in the morning with a stomach virus. :o( Poor thing! But thankfully, the virus only lasted her yesterday and she felt all better by this morning. So she wasn't feeling badly for very long ... and we got to have our cousin over for chicken pot pie tonight.

And last night I did still get to visit with my cousin and watch The Santa Clause II, which was a cute movie and quite clean, too!

My dad and I went earlier today to visit some dear friends and supporters of mine who now live out on a farm. We also got to meet their daughter and young grandson! And then tonight when our cousin came over, we had our chicken pot pie (yum!!!) and exchanged Christmas gifts. We had a nice time.

Oh, and we also watched A Christmas Carol. There was this one part toward the end that my mom and I got the biggest kick out of ... "Scrooge", played by Patrick Stewart from Star Trek, is at a church singing, but he totally doesn't know the words of the song. So this kind gentleman sitting next to him leans over and lets him share his songbook. Well, after just one really quick glance down at the songbook, "Scrooge" suddenly seems to know all the words of the song and is looking up, grinning, and totally singing along. It was too funny! We got the biggest laugh out of that. :o)

Our lunch (my mom and I) yesterday with a couple of ladies from church went well.

The weather here today has been rainy and rather dreary looking! But I did get out for a little bit this afternoon, and ended up at Subway enjoying one of their double chocolate chip cookies and doing some journaling!

Tomorrow evening we're having our neighbor and cousin Mike over, for a meal and fellowship. (We'll also be exchanging Christmas gifts) I look forward to the time we'll have with him. And my mom and I are making chicken pot pie - one of my and my cousin's favorites!

Today I made chicken stirfry!

Also my parents and I took a walk around the neighborhood, late in the afternoon. They went back to the house but I extended my walk a little longer, going around some of the new neighborhoods that are in the process of being built - and spending time with God.

Tomorrow I am getting to spend time with some friends, going to Hattiesburg.

Post #464.

Full day. Left my parent's house around 9:20 for the church service of my college church in Mobile. Had the opportunity to share briefly during the church service.

Afterwards, one of the couples did invite me to lunch with them. :o) We went to Longhorn Steakhouse, and there was a 15-year-old boy who joined us as well, who is very interested in missions. (Of course he was full of questions and I was glad to answer them! :o)) So that was neat!

Then I left a voicemail with Barbie and Harry since we had arranged for me to call and visit sometime after lunch. While I was waiting to hear back from them with directions, I returned a call from a good friend from my hometown. It turns out she and another friend of ours had decided to make the hour trip to Mobile today too! So I briefly met up with them at Target (their last stop in Mobile), which was kind of cool since it was my first time to see them since coming home this trip.

After being with them for about 15 minutes maybe, I heard back from Barbie and Henry and drove the 7 or 8 minutes from Target to their apartment. We had a really nice visit, and I got some good pictures of them, too! Barbie was so cute - she was going about moving trash cans, etc. out of the way so they wouldn't be in the picture. :o) Her husband was teasing her about that.

Barbie faithfully prays for me (and financially supports me), and she was sharing how she is on a list where she receives these prayer requests regularly for the president and issues he faces as he runs our country. I have a feeling she is quite the prayer warrior! She also helps keep children on a regular basis for the church's ESL outreach, and I'm sure she reaches out to people in other ways as well.

What an inspiration she is to me - I hope I'm still that active in prayer and serving the Lord when I'm 77. :-)

My road trip back to the Coast went well. The first 50 miles were overcast and foggy for my drive, but then the sun came out and gradually the pretty blue skies came. :c)The drive was a refreshing time, and somehow the Lord used it to remind me in wonderful ways that He can totally be trusted with those things that are on my heart - that HE will work them all out. Praise God!

Oh, get this! As I was leaving my apartment around 7:30 this a.m., I got to meet my downstairs neighbor. She and I started chatting, and she was really excited when I mentioned I worked for a missions organization. It turns out she's a Christian! We ended up having a really good chat for a number of minutes, and then chuckled about the fact that we both really needed to get going (turns out she was also heading out at the same time, to see her daughter in Atlanta for Christmas!) ... and decided we should definitely hang out when we get back in town!

It was so good to meet her, and I would love to see if she'd like to join me for Tuesday night prayer meeting sometime soon!

Tomorrow morning I head over to my college church to see them all and visit with dear friends and supporters. I look forward to seeing again all the wonderful couples and families there who "adopted" me when I went there during my college years; they're so special to me. Often one of the couples will ask me to lunch when I'm in town (that's fun!); I do know for sure that after church I will be heading out to Barbie's and Harry's apartment to spend some extra time with them. :o)

Well I'm getting a bit sleepy and still need to get ready for bed. ;c)

What a wonderful day it has been, for the Lord continues to fill my heart with such joy! As soon as I do a little more work on a project, I will probably head out to go run an errand and then come back pretty soon to my apartment to get stuff done around there, such as more packing.

It is looking like it will be nice weather for my road trip back home on Saturday. I'm so glad.

All I can say is ... Wow. There is such joy in the Lord, in being in His presence. There is nothing like it. And this joy transcends all circumstances and human logic. How wonderful. Truly the JOY of the Lord is my strength.

I am working on getting projects done before I go home Saturday for the Christmas holiday. And overall, that is going well. There are still some things that need to come together. Tonight I may be able to work some more on things ... I also want to spend some more time with the Lord, continuing to seek His heart for what He would have me share tomorrow during staff prayer (for field prayer requests). And I need to go to The Colony Resale to use a "kind of expired" credit. :o) (They are nice and give me much grace with that, although I generally try not to take advantage of that! Thankfully this is only a few days over. They are so nice, and they probably know I'm a good customer, too. :o))

I hope you all are doing well, encouraged and strengthened in His joy.

The Charlie Brown Christmas play was nice. There's always been something about the Christmas season for me ... well, it's definitely incredible most of all because of the Savior's birth. There's also something else I've always liked about the season and don't even know that I could put it into words. It's always been a special time for me ...

Catching up with my good friend from work yesterday was nice, too - we both had a good laugh because 15 minutes before our time to meet for lunch, we both ended up (independently of each other, of course!) in one of our favorite stores - Christopher & Banks. :o)

The week will be a busy one, working on getting all my projects completed by Friday since I travel back to the Gulf Coast this weekend for the Christmas holidays. Add to that our staff Christmas party, packing, getting together gifts for friends back home, and some other things on my heart as well, and you have a small glimpse into my life at this moment. ;-)

I find myself lately really leaning on the Lord and finding much rest in Him, and encouragement and peace. I am very grateful for that. There is nothing like being in His presence.

So it's the weekend! I think it will be a nice one. Tomorrow night I'm going to supper at the home of a dear family on staff, and then a couple of us young people (my friend Dorie and Ruthie, who just recently arrived on staff) are taking their children to a Charlie Brown Christmas production. :o) We'll also be meeting up with others from the office, and probably going to a family's house afterwards for more fun and fellowship. [Of course we'll take the kids home first if that's past their bedtimes. ;-)]

Then Sunday I will be in the church nursery and then after church am meeting up with my friend Michele for lunch. We've been wanting to hang out and fellowship again for a while!

So I think it will be a nice weekend.

Lately in my life I have been seeking the Lord about some things and crying out to Him. I have often lately been able to spend some time in the Lord during the first part of my lunch break, and I just wanted to share some things to show how He really encouraged and ministered to me today through this time together ...

* From a song we sing in prayer meeting:
Holy Fire, burn away my desire for anything that is not of you, but is of me;
I want more of You, and less of me.
Empty me; empty me.
Fill me. With you, with you, with you.

* From Philippians 3:8:
"...I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord ..."

*From another song we sing in prayer meeting:
It's all about You, Jesus.
It's all about you, for Your glory and Your fame.
It's not about me, as if You should do things my way.
You alone are God, and I surrender.

*From Philippians 2:10:
"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Wow! This is what it's all about. It's so refreshing to be reminded of that.

*One of the requests for myself in my prayer notebook is that I would be broken and have the heart of a servant. I felt renewed and refreshed as I prayed this today. And I thought to myself, My deepest longing is to know HIM more and to find ultimate and deep contentment in the sunshine of HIS face.

The things I have been crying out to the Lord about are still not "out of the picture", and I have been going through some confusing and at times painful things, but I can't begin to tell you just how encouraged and refreshed I was through this special time with Him.

Even when it's hard, my heart is to continue to seek to find my sufficiency in Him, and have His steadfast joy and contentment in all things.

This is my 457th post. [No, I haven't been counting them ... the blogger program automatically tells you how many posts you've made. :o)]

It is so nice outside ... I am just debating whether to brave the cold [not too bad, but a little chilly!] and take my walk at the nature preserve! I think I'll be okay if I bundle up ... don't you? :c)

Yesterday was nice. I spend most of it with a friend from work ... after waking up at 11:00 after all-night prayer. :o)

Two things I came away with from church and Sunday school this morning ... they're both things I knew already, but it's always so good to be reminded:

1) Finding our full significance and security in Christ frees us to truly love other people. It's always great to be reminded of Christ's utter sufficiency, and I long to keep my eyes fixed always on Him.

2) Incredibly, if we have received God's free gift of salvation in Christ, when He looks at us, He doesn't see our sinfulness but His Son's righteousness. Even though we are sinners in desperate need of His grace (and still in need of His grace and working in our lives so we can be transformed to be more like Jesus), He loves us with the same love He has for His perfect, beloved Son. Amazing.

Four years.

I have been here on staff at GFA for four years. I had a nice time out at Chili's this evening, hanging out with my former roommies and reflecting a bit on the last four years. Oh yeah, and we were also celebrating Dee's birthday. :o) I enjoyed my hamburger, and the time of fellowship with two very dear friends.

It's an incredible, out-of-this-world privilege to be here serving to reach the lost, definitely one I am utterly undeserving of but am so incredibly grateful to God for. I am continually amazed at an indescribable God who is both so patient and merciful to me in my weaknesses and shortcomings but also orchestrates events in my life for my growth in Him. Wow.

Some of the lessons I have been learning over these past four years ... [and am continuing to learn in a variety of ways ... lifetime process, I'm sure? :o)]

God is far more concerned with our character than our comfort. [I was reminded of this at a Calvary Chapel retreat, and it has truly been something that has comforted me in all the hard things I've faced at different times.]

Christ is sufficient ... for every need, every longing, every situation we face in this life.

"Stamp it with joy"
Over a nice time of supper together, a friend of mine here at the ministry recently shared how she had heard this at a women's conference, in regards to how our response can be to every circumstance in our lives, and I was really inspired, challenged and encouraged when she shared that.

As I rejoice in four years of serving here at GFA, and hopefully many, many more years to come, I am glad for a God who doesn't give up on me. And a God who desires my best, always, and is working out that "best" in my life in accordance with His perfect plan and for HIS glory. And for friends. And for FAMILY. And for a wonderful community of fellow believers here. And for all the other wonderful blessings in life, too.

Time sure does fly - I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving (and a four-day weekend!). Tomorrow as early as I can get going (but not tooooo early-hee hee :o))) I am heading on out to my sister's. My parents will be there as well, and it will be nice to all be together. I will be driving back Sunday morning.

I have been having some good times with the Lord lately, and I want to trust HIM fully for all that is on my heart, knowing that He has my best at heart -and, most of all, that "best" also involves what is best for His glory and the furtherance of His kingdom. Praise God.

I've been reading in Exodus lately and have been struck and especially encouraged by phrases such as "that the earth may know that the Lord is God" and "that His name be proclaimed through all the earth". I've been encouraged because it reminds me that I can just rest the desires of my heart in HIS very capable hands, and that what is of SUPREME importance is that His name be proclaimed through all the earth.

Indeed there is always much to be thankful for ...
... which brings me to, "Happy Thanksgiving, everyone." :o)

Have another week and weekend really gone by since I last posted? Wow. Things here go well overall. Things on my heart, but wanting to keep my focus on Jesus (and trust Him) regarding them. He CAN be trusted. :) Always.

Friday night was really fun. A friend of mine from work (she's interning with us over this next year :o)) had a birthday (well, the next day) so we went over to a family's house from her department for supper, cake, ice cream and great fellowship.

Relatives of the host family were there as well, here for the Thanksgiving holidays. We had so much fun telling fun stories and laughing ... and I even very briefly demonstrated the few steps of a country line dance I remembered from a 4-H talent show years back. [And, of course, with our staff photographer being there, as he's part of that department, and just "happening" to have his camera with him, there are even photos to document my debut. :o) He jokes that he is going to put them on GFAnet! :c)]

My mom left yesterday morning. We had some good times during her visit. We went walking one day at this beautiful park at a lake in McKinney. And shopped a little. And talked and prayer together. And more. [BTW, she did stay up for spaghetti last Friday, too. :o) She loved being at the prayer meeting and getting to pray and visit with people!]

Yesterday a nice couple from my church had me over for lunch. They actually live about 30 minutes out from the church, kind of in the country. They directed me a different way to go home that would be a more direct route to my apartment, and I came across a really pretty park and decided to stop and take a walk. I didn't realize it was so far of a walk to the other side of the park. :o) But it was fun ... and there was this one part in the park where you could look up and see this house way up on a hill, surrounded by trees with beautiful fall colors in the leaves. It was nice.

I have been having some good times with the Lord lately and am continually reminded that in all times, the good and the bad, Jesus is EVERYTHING.

Hi again.

My mom is coming tomorrow. I'm so excited! Things are mostly ready at the apartment, minus just a little more cleaning and some vaccuuming and dusting. I'm looking forward to her visit.

AND ... tonight is all-night prayer. Yay! :o) My mom is generally NOT a night owl at all ... But I told her about the spaghetti during the first break and she was like, "I think I could stay awake until 11:30 for spaghetti." :o) She's excited to see everyone again and pray with them, too!

So I'm back in the world of bloggers today. :o) I have been working a bunch today on an article for our next issue of SEND! magazine, about a Buddhist lama in the remote hills of North India who has come to faith in Christ, as have his wife and children. It's exciting what God is doing everyday in lives in Asia. When you really think about it, it's AMAZING and so wonderful.

I am still working on the article but it's coming along well. I hope to make some more progress on it tonight. What a privilege to be a part of what God is doing.

Okay, I'm heading out now so I can run by my friend Michelle's to see some pretty rose bushes she wants to show me that she got for our garden. :o) Then eat the rest of my beef stew at the apartment, then start my evening. I'm thinking to work on my SEND! stuff quite a bit but also maybe go see a movie at the dollar theater somewhere in between there, or watch one at my apartment. I figure it won't hurt to have a break and come back with fresh eyes. :o)

I have been having some wonderful time with the Lord this week. I am so encouraged. Everything is put in a new light when your focus is on Jesus. The things you're concerned about seem to just kind of fade away in comparison with HIM.

I am in disbelief at how quickly this week has been going by. Is tomorrow really Friday?! I am so much enjoying the pot roast from my crockpot last weekend. [Uh-oh, there I go blogging about my crockpot again ... ;o)]

Don't know 'bout y'all, but I had a pretty good weekend! Had some nice times of resting, doing laundry, and also catching up with some good friends from the ministry to go see Superman Returns at the dollar theater. (and who could forget Target popcorn and soda combo for a dollar?!! :o))

I got a new cell phone over the weekend, too. It's with Sprint PCS instead of the company I was currently with, because I'm getting way more minutes for the same price! It's all been perfect timing, too, as my current contract runs out this Saturday. Only thing is, my phone is kind of acting up - overheating and stuff. So I called the place and they suggested I go ahead and bring it down for an exchange. So looks like I'll be making a trip to the mall tonight. I don't expect to go in any stores, though, just the Sprint PCS kiosk most likely.

On a different note, I'm happy because my pot roast in the crockpot turned out quite good. Well, okay, so I kind of mistakenly added four times the amount of water it called for, so it was a little liquidy (hee hee). But that was easily fixed by turning the excess liquid into a gravy for the roast, potatoes and carrots, as well as for the brown rice I cooked up last night. Yay!

Okay ... I'm going to go now. Life must be pretty uneventful when one must blog about what one cooks in one's crockpot. :o) (hee hee)

In all seriousness, though, I am doing quite well.

P.S. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention how the citrus-glazed chicken from last week turned out. It turned out fine except somewhat bland ... I guess it was just how the recipe turned out, since I followed directions pretty well. We Southerners just like slightly more spicy food, I guess. :o) But it's still very edible and I probably got, like, five meals at least out of it before freezing one more serving. So there you have it. :o) (as my dear friend Kara would say!)

I have citrus-glazed chicken in my crockpot. I can't wait to get home and see how it's looking and smelling. :o) I always enjoy making stuff in the crockpot and am wanting (and planning!) to use it more. I havent' tried this particular recipe, but it was in a cookbook one of my friends from back home gave me this weekend!

It's supposed to cook on low for 6 to 9 hours and has been cooking for close to 5 now. I may put it on high for an hour or so before eating it for supper tonight.

But enough about citrus-glazed crockpot chicken. :o) [I'll have to let you know how it turns out!] The weather outside has been absolutely gorgeous and I am so grateful. Lately (as in, the last two nights, plus some last month) I have been falling asleep around 10 or 11 on my sofa, and sometimes not waking up until 3 a.m. or even 5 a.m.! Not good .... I need to seriously avoid doing that tonight, especially as I can tell I don't sleep as well when I do that, and I need to try to arrive a little before 8 tomorrow morning since I'm sharing requests for the writers during morning prayer.

I continue to be reminded that Jesus is everything ... and that somehow, I want to give more of myself to Him. (Ultimately, I want to give ALL of me ... even if my flesh trembles at times at the thought ...) I know there are ways in which to an extent I've been holding back, and I don't want to do that! But how do I give more of myself to Him? I realize it is HE who must enable me. There is nothing in me. Yet at the same time I must be willing ... and agree to die to my flesh.

I have really been enjoying the book Hinds Feet on High Places and can see how the Lord has been using it to speak to my heart.

Okay. So explain this to me ... My shoulders were hurting quite a bit today, my friends visiting me from back home are coming in a day early (I did find this out yesterday morning though:o) and I still have quite a bit I'd like to get done before their visit (picking up, sweeping, mopping, errands, etc. etc.)- Yet I have much peace. I am really grateful for that. I actually was visiting with a good friend and co-worker just a few minutes ago in her office, and asked her to pray for me. After she prayed for me I experienced such peace. Our God is faithful.

Also this afternoon, a co-worker came by and gave me his MP3 player to listen to for a while ... It was a worship band from his church, and just what I needed! As I listened to songs like "Hallelujah, What a Savior" and "In Christ Alone", I was struck with just how much I need to and long to still give over to God ... and how He is worthy of everything! If He did what He did for me on the Cross, how can I not seek to give Him everything? And, really, that's ultimately the most fulfilling life anyway.

Oh, Lord ... crucify my flesh, I pray!

I've realized I haven't updated in a few days! I'm doing really well. Things have been busy with projects and stuff, and I've been having a nice weekend filled not only with good times with friends, but also "alone" time to rejuvenate as well. :-)

Today after church I ran into a co-worker and friend, Bea, at Macy's. As we were browsing the 65% to 75% off clearance racks together, she noticed a really cute short-sleeved green t-shirt with embroidery on it, but checked the price tag and it said $32! She said she could see how it was that much, being such a cute shirt. She put it back, and we parted ways - at least for the moment.

I thought about the shirt and how I'd love for her to have it and also it all of a sudden seemed a little "fishy" to me that it would still be $32 if indeed it had been correctly placed on the CLEARANCE rack! I went to a register and had them check the price, just to see, and it was actually $16! Add that to the fact that I had a $10 off a $30 or more purchase, and it made it a reasonable price for sure. [I had found a pair of white capris on a great clearance, so when we put the two items together it made at least a $30 purchase.] So we were both able to get our purchases for under $12 before tax!

I ran across my friend at just the right moment (Praise God) and was able to confirm I had grabbed her correct size, and she said she definitely wanted to get the shirt for that price! I really feel God put it on my heart to go back and check on that price for her. It's amazing how God cares about even the littlest details of our lives. And I love that, because it means we can trust Him with EVERYTHING ... including the big things, too. He's awesome.

I can't believe it's already Wednesday. It's been a good week so far! Not a whole lot to write, but having a good week. I've been able to focus pretty well on my projects, which I'm so thankful for!

Today we all had a couple of staff meetings, which made the day go by fast! I completely forgot about the meetings. I saw a couple of my friends (interns) grab their stuff and leave our area, and I was thinking, "Oh, okay ... must be a special meeting this morning for interns." :oD Thankfully, one of my co-workers came in just a moment later and said something about us having a meeting. :o) So I headed downstairs just in time!

Wow, it has been a really nice weekend.

This has been so refreshing after a week or so of kind of rough times!

Friday Night: Went to Barnes and Noble to read in some books, buy a book I've been wanting to read, and look just a little bit over projects for work.

Saturday Morning: Went out to Allen Premium Outlets because I had an extra 20% off coupon for the Eddie Bauer outlet. :o) Found a great dress and pair of shorts for 70% off (plus 20%!!!) and a really cute long-sleeved knit striped shirt (bluish colors) for a good price after the coupon.

Saturday Afternoon: Left the Outlets for my 2:00 haircut appt. near Trinity Mills and the Tollway! After my haircut, I grabbed a "bite to eat" (to use my mom's expression :o)) and picked up three friends of mine from the ministry (all sisters!) at their house to go to Ross and Target, where we enjoyed their $1 popcorn and soda combo. :o) Then we had supper at their house! Great times.

Saturday Night: Ran over to a staff family's house where a bunch of young people from the ministry were meeting to play games and stuff. We played Balderdash (one of my favorites!), around-the-world ping pong and roasted marshmellows in the fire pit outside. It was so much fun!

Wow, what a week! I'm still not up to 100% physically ... lingering traces of my cold/allergies/sinuses from last week, combined with a couple of other physical "ailments" (nothing contagious). ;-) More than that, though, there were some intense times of being attacked in my thought life by the Enemy. I'm doing much better now, though, and I think the ladies' potluck fellowship last night really helped!

I'm so glad it's Friday and I have the weekend to rest and relax. :-) Have a good weekend, everyone!

I've been physically under the weather much of this week. It was relatively mild but made me REALLY tired for some reason. I wonder if it was a combo of allergies, sinuses and a mild cold. Anyhow, I feel relatively better, even if still physically weak.

I was at home most of a couple days resting, and it's been an intense past two days or so. I have felt buffeted about by the Enemy with discouraging thoughts, etc. It's been really intense.

Overall I'm doing a lot better at the moment, yet still so aware that it is a very real spiritual battle. I should feel comforted, for it is because I'm in the Lord's army that the Enemy torments me so at times. I think the battle has been especially intense for many at the office lately. But GOD WINS.

bummalo - a dried fish used in chutney relish

One of our definitions from last night's entertaining game of Balderdash at the home of a family from the ministry. I don't remember it word for word, I'm sure, but I think it's somewhat close. One of our favorite definitions for that word was M.T.'s -- "a bummed out buffalo". :o) Good times.

This morning's message in church was good, even if quite convicting ... He talked about how Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden is light, but how we only truly enter into that easy yoke and light burden when we faithfully SUBMIT to Him. I feel like I've been able to do that with relative ease in the BIG things (only by God's grace and working!), but in the "little" things it's much more of a challenge ... but I want to do better with these things, because they're important! I want to please Jesus.

Post #440.

Today was just one of those days that, I'm sorry, it just would have been a federal crime not to walk to work. Okay, so I'm exagerrating a bit but you do get the picture. :o) It was absolutely gorgeous out.

It's been another good week. I've been working on my newsletter, and also a bunch of projects, such as a welcome letter for a church packet, and earlier a Sri Lanka update. Things have been very busy, but overall a good kind of busy!

I am so grateful for this beautiful weather.

The Mercy Me concert and Rangers game were so much fun. The best part was the fellowship with everyone.

God did bless me something really special, too. I actually won the newest Mercy Me CD! Needless to say, I was excited, but even more so when I saw that "So Long Self" was on it.

That is a song the Lord really used to speak to my heart in a powerful way one day as I was coming home from a prayer meeting we had at the ministry. And not only do I now have a copy of that song to listen to(and for free!), I got to hear them sing it in person out there on the stadium lawn. Praise God. Another reminder that He cares abuot every little detail of our lives.

I've been having such a good week.

I can't believe it's already almost a three day weekend, too! This weekend will be a full one.

Friday: Extended prayer night here at the ministry
Saturday: Meeting up with some friends from my old church for our traditional trip to an area Dillard's closeout store that has great deals on Labor Day weekend. [I'm driving myself so I can sleep in a little extra if I need to. :o)] Then, not that much time until I need to be here at the office so I can meet up with a big group on staff to go to a Mercy Me concert and Rangers game. :o)
Sunday: Church (of course), then helping some friends from the ministry move.

I look forward to the weekend!

Another good day.

Took my friend Steph to the airport so she could go for a press check, for our 2007 GFA calendar. (We're so excited about that!)

Ate spaghetti I'd made, grapes, and carrots downstairs in our staff kitchen for lunch, while fellowshipping with some of our new interns who just arrived. :c)

And now? I'm heading to rest around the apartment and get ready for prayer meeting tonight.

It's truly been a good day. :o)

The Lord encouraged me so much this morning through a devotional someone emailed me. It talked about how in our "poverty" (meaning the valleys and hard times in our lives), we are driven all the more to Jesus and Him alone, and how therein is abundant fruit.

I am fixing to head out so I can meet my good friend and co-worker, Jacy, for supper and fellowship. :o) We're meeting at Qdoba. (Yum!) After our supper I will probably stop at the store and then come home to rest and do stuff around the apartment.

I think it will be a nice evening!

The day sure did go by fast!

Well, there were various projects to work on, plus I took my friend Tee to the airport so she can be with her parents to celebrate their 50th (I think?) wedding anniversary!

Tonight I'm heading over to Krista's home, as she and her family (here on staff at GFA) will be moving (just down the street, so not far) this weekend. I'll be picking up Jamie, another co-worker, and we'll be helping them pack and line shelves. Well, Jamie will help line shelves becuase she's skilled in such delicacies ... As for me, I shall be there for PACKING and, of course, moral support. :C) It should be fun!

And Saturday is the big move, that we all get to help with. I truly enjoy moving parties here at the ministry; they're such great times of fellowship and laughter, not to mention it's an incredible blessing that people can be moved so quickly because so many pitch in!

Okay, I shall be heading now so I can hopefully get in some good time with the Lord before Jamie and I head over to Krista's. Have a blessed night, everyone.

I'm back. I must apologize, for I have been sadly remiss (is that a word?) about posting lately. Overall, things are good! And I had a nice weekend, too.

I will write more soon ... but the library is about to close. (Yikes!) :o)

Much love to all of y'all!

I'm back.

I have been so blessed with wonderful friends and family! This weekend and this week have really reminded me of just how much. :-)

Friday night:
Cotrina, Sara and Joelle (from my old church) took me to the Olive Garden!
Saturday:
I had a great time hanging out with Julie looking at stuff for her apartment, and then that night hanging out and playing Nerts with some other good friends on staff at a family's house. We all had a blast ... our favorite phrase of the evening was "not my problem". (It pertained to something really funny that happened during the game. :o) If you'd like to hear about it, I'll be happy to tell you; it would just take too long for me to post it here!)
Sunday:
Some friends kidnapped me and took me to a really fun waterpark! Good times.

This week:
I have been treated to a birthday lunch TWICE. And, on Monday, a good friend gave me a birthday party where we all had a wonderful time of fellowship and prayer together.

I feel so loved! Thank you to ALL of you who made my birthday so special. I don't deserve it, but I am still so appreciative. :o) I love you all!

I have sadly neglected this blog! But not by choice. I've just been so incredibly busy. But in a good way!

It feels like so many people have done such thoughtful things for me for my birthday these past few days. I feel so loved. :-)

I wish I could write more, but I need to scoot off to spend some time with the Lord and then come back and pray with others who are also sharing a testimony during our staff prayer meeting tonight. I am so excited to share, for God has been doing some really neat things.

Be blessed.

It's been a good day.

I think the Lord has been doing much in my life this week. I feel like He's always working in my life, showing me those areas I need to grow in, or bringing about particular growth in my life. That's encouraging.

Okay, tonight is a busy night because I need to gather together some clothes for the Up for Grabs our ministry is having this weekend. :o) And possibly work a bit on projects ... if there's time!

It's been a busy week and has gone by pretty fast.

Tomorrow night I'm getting together with Cotrina and Sara for a fun birthday outing at the Olive Garden (yum!!!) and then over the weekend I'm getting to hang out with good friends from the ministry. :o) Good times.

Weekend. Good times, good food, good people. :-)

Friday was all-night prayer. By the time I got home and got to sleep, it was around 5 a.m. I think! Saturday I slept in until 2 in the afternoon. :oD

Saturday night I met up with Cotrina for a movie at the dollar theater. We also split a hamburger at Swenson's.

Yesterday I visited my old church and got to catch up a little with people. Last night I went over to GC's place for yummy enchilada's and a really nice time of fellowship with friends on staff. [Did you know if you put Mentos candy into a newly opened 2-liter bottle of Diet Coke, it causes a mini explosion of sorts? Last night I got to experience this firsthand. :-D Great times!]

I can hardly believe how quickly this day has gone by. It has been a good day. I thank the Lord for getting me through this week. It was kind of a toughie.

Well, it is now 4:00 and I am getting to head out soon because we have all-night prayer tonight. :)I think I am going to make spaghetti, do some cleaning around the apartment and maybe go walking at the nature preserve.

Tomorrow night I am meeting up with Cotrina, a good friend from my old church, to go see a dollar movie. :oD And I'm seriously thinking of visiting back at my old church for this Sunday, as it could be the last time I would get to see a friend before he moves to Illinois with his new job.

Sunday night I am getting to meet up with some friends from work. That will be nice.

Okay, you all, have a good weekend.

These are the words of a dear friend and supporter of mine back home who just lost her husband to cancer.

Yesterday Steve's earthly tent was exchanged for his house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. He finished strong and won because he found his sufficiency in Christ. Thank you for your faithful prayer support and encouragement during this journey.

Wow.

Wow. I love this. It has helped me in so many life circumstances, more than I can count.

Each Day
by Max Lucado

It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot.
The sky is still black.
The world is still asleep.
The day is coming.
In a few moments, the day will arrive.
It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun.
The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day.
The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding of the human race.
The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands.
It is now I must make a choice.
Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose.

And so I choose.

I CHOOSE LOVE…
No occasion justifies hatred;
no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.
Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY…
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…
the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see
people as anything less than human beings,
created by God.
I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE…
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE…
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.
Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll
invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the
wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment
to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new
assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS…
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.
I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to
the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS…
I will go without a dollar
before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked
before I will boast. I will confess before I will
accuse. I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS…
Today I will keep my promises.
My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates
will not question my word. My wife will not
question my love. And my children will never fear
that their father will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS…
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it only be of myself.
I am a spiritual being…

After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal.
I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.
I will be impassioned only by my faith.
I will be influenced only by God.
I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

To these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks.
If I fail, I will seek His grace.
And then, when this day is done,
I will place my head on my pillow
and rest.

Max Lucado, quoted from his book,
When God Whispers Your Name.

I have found the Lord to be so faithful to bring various challenges or trials into my life at different times, to draw me closer to Him and seek to conform me more into His image. This has been happening lately ... and my deep longing is to experience HIM in a deeper way in the midst of it. Of course, in my flesh, I would just long for these hardships to be taken away, because sometimes it feels like more than I can bear ... and because my flesh naturally craves comfort and security.

I am glad the Lord is more concerned with my character than my comfort.

I'm kind of tired. But it's Friday.

I look forward to the weekend of resting, church on Sunday, fellowshipping with friends from the ministry on Sunday afternoon, and working on some of my projects. I got some good progress made today (Praise God!) and am excited to see (by faith) how they come together over the weekend. :o)

Just a few minutes ago, a bunch of us were cleaning the building. It was so much fun laughing, talking and fellowshipping with everyone as we cleaned. I thoroughly enjoyed it. :-D

Well, okay, everyone, have a blessed weekend!

Hi everyone. :)Things here go well. Challenges, but often the most growth comes through those. Projects galore, but I like projects! And I know the Lord will go before me, ultimately, and enable me to get them all done. It's a good thing I enjoy writing. :o)

Tomorrow at work is our internship graduation. I look forward to that! I think they're even showing slides of all the interns, highlights from this past year. Then afterwards we're having a big barbeque celebration. FUN!

I just need to remember my big bag of Ruffles chips and dip. :oD

All in all, it's been a really good day. It's gone by pretty quickly, but in a good way! Now I'm looking forward to going home to rest for a bit before going to Stonebriar Mall to exchange a sweater ... and eat at Chick-fila with one of my July coupons. :-) Good times.

I feel so rested from the weekend, too, and I feel people must have really been praying for me.

Life is good.

I seem to be doing quite a bit better. The extra rest over the weekend has definitely helped. And today being at church and the fellowship dinner afterwards was nice.

I still can't believe Jean, Sarah and Deb will be leaving us soon. You all will be missed.

I hope to rest quite a bit more tonight so I'll feel ready for the week ahead.

Lunch with Caty was nice, and just what I needed. Now I'm heading home just a little bit early to rest. That will be nice. Tonight I'm meeting up with some other gals from the ministry for a pool party and fellowship. Don't know how late I'll last, but the fellowship will be nice. :-) I'm also getting to meet up with friends tomorrow night. Also hoping to get lots of rest this weekend and spend some good time with the Lord. How glad I am to know that He is in control. And that none of this caught Him by surprise.

I am still tired after taking a two hour nap yesterday, going to bed at 10:30 and sleeping in this morning. And I never know when I may just burst into tears with no warning. Guess it's all a normal part of the grieving process. ;-) And ... GOD is still there, even if I can't always "feel" His presence. He still loves me.

I came into the office a little later this morning, and I may leave a little early in the day, too. We'll see. I'm going to lunch with a good friend from work, Caty. I'm really looking forward to that. It will be nice to get away for just a bit and have some good food and fellowship. :-)

I feel like my emotions have been catching up to me after a tiring week, so I'm going home to rest for the rest of the day. I'll be okay, and deep down I still have peace and know the Lord can be trusted. I'm just tired and feeling a little overwhelmed ... and may need another good cry.

Last night my friend Michele gave me some beautiful pink roses from the garden we share, and she also treated me to supper at Quiznos! This week has been full of little reminders that Jesus cares.

This afternoon was kind of emotionally hard for me. I cried a little. It was mainly hard because I had wanted to physically "be there" for my mom at the funeral, but with travel logistics of me coming such a distance, my dad voiced a strong preference that I not travel down. And I knew that by respecting his leadership in that, I was honoring my mom as well, and doing what was best ultimately. (even if it was hard) And a talk with my mom just now confirmed that.

We had such a good talk, and I was able to encourage her. And it's obvious that the Lord has really been encouraging her as well, even in the midst of this difficult time, and that she has been feeling much hope in her heart. I am so grateful for that. It is truly an answer to my prayers, and a relief to me. I'm so glad. Please, please do pray for my family tomorrow morning. Visitation is at 11:30 and the funeral is at 12:30.

And I thank the Lord for truly how wonderfully He has sustained each of us thus far.

It's amazing the little things God blesses us with. Throughout this time He has been giving me such wonderful, indescribable peace. That's a big thing, and it truly defies all human logic in a time like this. I really thank Him for this awesome, inexplainable peace.

But last night, something else special happened. You could call it a little thing. But I really believe God chose to bless me with it, to remind me that He cared.

Yesterday, by the time I answered phone calls and updated people who were praying, I didn't leave the office until about 9. Heading out, I was somewhat tired and a little hungry (hadn't really thought about it) and thought, well, I suppose I could get something to eat.

I had the rest of a gift card I'd purchased during a bonus thing at Chili's. So I headed there, to order their carribean chicken salad to go. As I walked in, I thought how nice it would be if they offered me a COKE while I waited. Not like they had to, I just remembered they had before at a different Chili's, and I thought of how it would be like a special touch from the Lord last night.

Well, the lady who took my order didn't. I thought with a sigh, oh well, I guess I should have gone to the other Chili's that did before. ;o)Well, a few minutes later, this manager guy walks by with a smile and then asks me from the counter if I'd like a beverage while I wait. I could hardly believe it. So I got my complimentary COKE. It's not even the free Coke that really matters ... it's the principle behind it, that I truly felt it was the Lord's special provision for me at that moment. A tangible reminder that He is with me and He cares.

I so much wanted to tell the guy how what he just did was an answer to prayer. :o)

[Update: It's looking very possible I will be driving out tomorrow to be there for the funeral. Please pray I will remember that the Lord will be with me every bit as much then as He is right now at this moment. Thanks, all, for your prayers. They are part of His appointed means to help sustain me during this time. God is so faithful and so good. Always.]

I just found out my grandma passed away. Again, the sense of peace the Lord is giving me -- and how He prepared me for this moment -- is almost unreal. I am so grateful. I know it is entirely possible she received Christ, even in those final moments. God is able, and there is nothing HE can't do.

I'd like to take this moment just to thank all of y'all who have been praying for her so faithfully. You are loved.

[Since she just passed away within the last hour, we know nothing yet about funeral arrangements. You can keep that in prayer as well ... and for supernatural comfort for my parents, especially for my mom.]

I want to ask you all to please, please pray for my grandmother. Her biggest need has been for salvation; we have been praying for her for so many years. Last night as I left a Sunday night prayer service at my church, I had a message from my mom asking me to please have people pray for my grandmother. She wasn't doing well, she said, and had been taken to the hospital.

I called her and she told me that she and my dad were headed up there right then, adding, "It doesn't sound good." I was on my way to hang out with some friends from church at their apartment. When we all arrived, I asked them to pray and then apologized and said I really should go and pray for my grandmother.

The Lord was laying it on my heart to earnestly pray for her. As I prayed for her, the Lord gave me incredible peace that has continued throughout the day today, and I truly thank Him for that. I have been at rest in His sovereign care.

The most current news we have at this point is that as of last night, she was on a ventilator and the doctors said my parents had better get up there fast to make some decisions. [May not sound good humanly speaking, but God is bigger, and there's nothing He can't do!] Neither my sister nor I have heard from my parents since they left at 9:00 last night to go to the hospital where my grandmother lives, a three-hour drive.

It seems like if she were already gone, we would have heard from them by now. It truly gives reason to hope that she is still alive and that maybe God has put it on their hearts to stay by her side, praying for one more opportunity to share the Gospel with her, now that she could realize how close she could be to eternity.

Please pray.

I just got back from hanging out with Tia, a good friend from work. We caught the last part of "RV" at the dollar theater, ate at Wendy's, and had a really good time of sharing some of what the Lord is teaching us.

Psalm 127:1 talks about how they who labor to build a house labor in vain if the Lord is not in it. The Lord has really been putting this verse on my heart in regards to different things.

Tonight I'm actually getting to meet up again with some of the Sunday school group from my old church. That will be so nice, especially since I don't get to see them that often. Don't know who all will show up, but it will be much fun catching up with whoever is there.

I probably won't join them for the movie afterwards so I can save $$$ and also try to work on a project that's due by Monday at noon. :-)

It's already been a good day, and I look forward to the rest of it, too. :c)

Well, I did it. I really did it. Tonight I walked into the mall food court dressed in a cow costume. I made it myself, out of paper and garbage bags. As I walked into the food court entrance, I muttered, "It takes a really secure person to do this." :o) A very fun part of my adventure was all the children who enjoyed my costume.

In case you're wondering (hee hee) I wasn't dressed in a cow costume this evening for no reason. Today was Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fila, meaning I got a free combo for wearing my creative garb. I even wore a homemade sign around my neck with the Chick-fila slogan, "Eat Mor ChikIn." [They seriously should pay me for all the great publicity I've given them. :oP]

My friends Cotrina and Sara came out to cheer me on - and take pictures. It's hilarious, because I was so going to do this last year, and our Sunday school group was even coming out to cheer me on, but I got really sick and couldn't follow through. So Cotrina took pictures and informed me she is going to send them to some of the guys in our group who were giving me a hard time about "chickening out" last year, so they know I actually followed through with it. :-) [Since God has led me to a different church now, I don't get to see them that often anymore!]

On my way home, I checked my voicemail and had a message from my friend Michele, so I joined her for ice cream at Braum's. Well, she had ice cream. I had ice water. :-) I was totally stuffed from my super-size nugget combo and a piece of brownie, but I was definitely up for going along for the ride and fellowship! We had a great time, and now I'm here at her apartment using her computer. [Yeah ... friends are pretty much awesome.]

Today our staff at the ministry took the morning to hold a praise and prayer time. And, wow, the Lord did so much in my heart and life through that time. Hard to describe in words, but all I can say is I went to my apartment for a little bit right afterwards and had an incredible time of prayer and renewal in my walk with Him. I felt incredibly impressed with (and convicted by!) my utter nothingness and His magnificence. I am sensing there are areas He wants to change in me - things He desires to see me grow in, and that He has given me the deep desire to grow in. And I want to be faithful and let Him do His work in and through me.

Okay, now I'm kind of tired so I'm going to sign off and maybe watch some of a whale show with my friend before heading off to my apartment to relax and rest from a busy (but good!) week.

This morning I was working a little on my newsletter. I want to write about Simon John, our North India leader on the field. I was listening to the story of God's call on his life, on audio file. I highly encourage you all to check it out-it's incredibly powerful, challenging and encouraging all at the same time.

We got to spend much time with Simon John on a staff vision tour I took in 2004. I was really impacted by his life ... his kindness, his humility, his incredibly deep love for Jesus and his brothers and sisters in Christ, his sacrifice. Thinking about his life truly encourages and challenges me in my walk with Christ. I love Jesus so much, and how wonderful it is to know that He always has my best in mind and I can always trust Him. How precious are those moments spent in His presence.

Things continue to go well for me. I just got back from lunch with some friends from work, and we had such a nice time together. Today I mostly completed a project, in just an hour's time, which I was really excited about. :-) Praise the Lord.

Back in my hometown, my parents are attending the annual Coast Bible Conference this week. Wish I could be there! Our family has attended that conference for 20+ years, and I have fond memories of the years spent there, when I still lived at home. But I am so happy to be here, for the wonderful things God has blessed me with here, and for God's call and how He is working in and through my life here. To think, in November I will have been here 4 years. Wow. It's hard to believe.

And it's all because of Him.

Last night hanging out with my friends was really nice. One of us had to leave early, but my other friend and I were able to hang out longer. And talk. And talk. And talk some more. And pray for one another. It was a great. Somewhere around 10:00 I looked at my friend, grinned and said, "We never got to watch our movie." She laughed and was like, "No, but I think I needed this more." I agreed.

The wedding in Fort Worth was simple but nice. And I only got, uh, mildly lost. :-) I also ended up going through the airport by accident, thus having to pay a $2 pass-thru free. Oh well - not the end of the world. Worse things could have happened, I'm sure. :-)

I am feeling so encouraged and hopeful in my life. Things are going well. Okay, I am fixing to head out now so I can walk a bit at the nature preserve before it starts getting dark!

Last weekend at this time I was at the conference, and with my family! I loved that so much. But I'm also excited I get to be back at my church tomorrow, for the first time in two weeks. I love this church and truly thank the Lord for bringing me there.

Okay, I'm really heading out now. Things in my life are going so well, yet at the same time there are things I'm needing to keep trusting God for.

And that's a good thing.

The shower last night went well. Toward the end, they passed around little cards with Bible verses we could keep and share with the bride to be. I thought that was such a cool idea.

Mine was Galatians 6:2, "Bear each other's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." I thought, what an appropriate verse for a couple about to be married.

On the way home, navigating my way out of the scenic neighborhood out in the country, I thought of Steve and Pam. Steve is an incredible Christian brother back in Alabama. About a year ago, he found out he had colon cancer. His wife has faithfully and lovingly stood by his side, whether it be staying with him 24-7 at the hospital, finding out some important information about a drug he was prescribed, or going with him full-time to work to help him since he wasn't at full strength.

Just recently this couple has been told the news everyone in this situation dreads: the cancer has spread, and there is no more doctors can do to. He is now on hospice care. This couple is young ... possibly only in their late 40s. Their perspective in the midst of this time has blown me away:

... we love you and thank you for praying for us and trusting God with us. His display of love for us is exceeding abundantly above all we could ever ask or think. Steve looks more and more like the man described in Jeremiah 17:7-8 as he trusts God completely.

Please take a moment and pray for this dear couple as the Lord leads. What an example they are to me in their faith during this incredibly difficult time.

I am heading out now to meet up with a couple of friends for the evening.

It's been a good day.

Around 11:00 I got a jabber (our "instant message" system here at the office) from my good friend Kara, asking if I could meet her in our Believers Cafe downstairs for a few minutes. Of course I did, and we had a great chat, encouraging one another and rejoicing over awesome answers to prayer in her family's lives. Then we went out with a few others to the Italian Villa for a spontaneous farewell lunch.

Tomorrow is Kara's last official day here at the office, as she and her husband have sensed God's leading for a special ministry in their home. When I arrived here on staff almost four years ago, she was the first person I met on the day I drove in. I will always remember that. We really connected. And she loves the people here and definitely plans to stay in touch with us!

You are loved, Kara. :-)

Okay, I should get going because tonight I'm attending a bridal shower in Flower Mound for a good friend. Saturday is her wedding in Fort Worth. I have never driven out there, so I think it could be a fun little adventure for me! I have already printed out directions and plan to study them fastidiously, as I have proven my capability to get lost just about anywhere. :-)

Life is good.

Back at the office today. Good to be back. It's going to be a short work week, I do believe. Today was my first day back in the office, as we had both yesterday (for the 4th!) and Monday off.

On Monday my good friend Michele and I met up and went to the mall and to see a movie. We had a nice time of fellowship together. I also had the opportunity to spontaneously help several people out with different things [praise God!] and becuase we didn't get as early of a start on our day as at first planned, Michele found out her car battery was covered under warranty and we were able to drop it off at the dealership to get it fixed! God was definitely orchestrating the day's events. I love it when that happens! Okay, so He is always at work, but that day it was just really obvious I guess. :-)

Yesterday was pretty cool, too. I know it was the 4th of July and all, but I honestly felt quite content to just rest and get stuff done around the apartment. So that's what I did. It was a quiet day, but a nice one. I did chat with my mom for a while. I also spontaneously decided to drop by a 4th celebration last night for just a couple hours, at a church I used to attend. I think that was orchestrated by the Lord, too ... I got to chat with a really nice lady who was kind of there by herself since the guy who had brought her was serving. I also got to share some GFA materials with her and she was so excited and said she wants to come out to our prayer meetings, too.

And ... I even saw some great fireworks outside the Wal-mart parking lot on the way home. :-) It was a nice day.

I'm back.

It was a whirlwind weekend, and incredibly busy, and I don't think words could describe it. But at least I'll try.

Friday late morning I arrived at the Gaylord Texan. This was my third visit to the hotel because my parents and sister had been at conventions there, but my first time to actually stay there. Just a side note, it's a beautiful place. I can't fully describe the feeling I got as I first walked into the atrium area the other day, but it just feels like such an enchanting place somehow.

Anyhow, the weekend was awesome because I got to spend time with my family, sit it on some great sessions, and meet and chat with all kinds of people as I worked at the bookstore. It was so much fun!

It was truly wonderful to see so many different people, from different backgrounds and denominations within the body of Christ, all united by one thing: our love for Jesus and desire to know Him more deeply and make Him known. Last night we had all-night prayer, like we do at the office every month. This one "only" went until about 2 a.m. though. :-) Amazingly, in spite of it being a very busy day, I wasn't even tired really. I felt energized the whole night. And ... it's hard to describe in words probably, but I felt invigorated as I mingled with people and prayed ... I felt in those moments that I was enjoying life to its fullest.

I didn't want the weekend to end. But it had to! Yet I find myself feeling encouraged and renewed, and reminded that when it really comes down to it, Jesus is all that matters. His fragrance, His aroma in my life are what truly count. Knowing Him more intimately. Breathing in the fragrance of His love. There is nothing like being in His presence.

I think this weekend was a little foretaste of what heaven will be like.

It's really here! Our GFA missions conference is coming up. It starts tomorrow. I pray the Lord goes before me and prepares me in every way. I want to be others-focused and be a blessing to those I meet.

I was so tired from my shoulders hurting these past couple days, I crashed last night at 7:00 and didn't get up until 7:30 this morning. Now, granted I didn't actually end up really falling asleep until around 9:00, I don't think, but still I think all the extra rest helped me so much. Today my shoulders aren't hurting. I'm so grateful for that.

Tonight I need to get stuff ready to go out there tomorrow. I'm working the bookstore, and my first shift is at 12:15. :-) So far we have more than 800 people coming out for the conference. Yay! It will be a good weekend, I think.

Oh, and last night, before drifting off to sleep, I even read a little bit in The Magician's Nephew, the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. :o)

It is the Land of Narnia and Aslan, the great lion and King of Narnia, has been killed in Edmund's stead. Some time has passed. Suddenly, right before Susan's and Luci's eyes, the Stone Table breaks and Aslan arises.

I love what Aslan says next, for it speaks so powerfully of the victory we have because of Christ.

If the Witch knew the true meaning of sacrifice, she might have interpreted the Deep Magic a little differently. For she would know that if a willing victim who had committed no treachery died in a traitors stead, the Stone Table would crack and death itself would begin to unwind.
-Aslan

This would describe how I feel at this time in a lot of ways. I feel hopeful, and encouraged about what the Lord has been doing in my life. I know I can trust Him in all things. And I am looking forward to GFA's missions conference this weekend. My shoulders have been hurting really badly so I need to get plenty of rest before then, but I know He will sustain me.

My deep desire is that I would have a servant's heart throughout the conference and that I would always represent Christ and His kingdom well. That's what's most important.

Praise God.

[P.S. After watching Narnia, I was inspired to go to the library Monday night and check out the first two books in the series. I look forward to reading them ... when life quiets down a bit. :-)]

Other than my shoulders hurting, it was a pretty good day! I can't believe how quickly the day has gone by.

Now I have the evening before me, with lots of possibilities! Here they are, in no particular order :-)

- Go walking at the nature preserve. [Haven't done that in a while]
- Make some returns I've been needing to make in Lewisville.
- Re-watch Chronicles of Narnia before I have to send it back, since my free trial has ended and it has to be back within 7 days. :-)
- Catch up on stuff around the apartment.
- Make sure I have an outfit ready for our staff picture re-take that's tomorrow.
- Catch up on the rest of the reading I had intended to finish this past week for my CPC small group book study. :-)
- Write notes on some of my newsletters to send out to supporters.
- Spend quality time with the Lord.
- Pay my electric bill.

Or ... just hang out around the apartment and relax most of the night, and maybe just do a couple of the above. :o)

The poolside barbeque with folks from my church was nice. Some of us even roasted smores! A couple of guys there declared themselves the "smore tribunal" [I kid you not!] and made "rules" pertaining to the roasting and eating of smores, such as you can't eat one on a plate. :-) Good times.

And yesterday was great! From 4 P.M. on to about 10:00, all of us young people from the office had a volleyball extravaganza. I played volleyball, went in the pool, ate, played some more volleyball, got back in the pool. :c) It was great!

Tonight I'm going to a bi-weekly small group study. Other than that, not much to post. Other than that I am ever aware of an increasing desire to know Jesus more and become more like Him. There is nothing like being in His presence, and it's something I definitely want to make more time for! Really, when it comes right down to it, that's the whole reason I was put here on this earth, although it can be so easy to forget that while we're still in the "here and now".

Life is good.

Whew! I just now turned in my big projects for the week. That was a good feeling. Even though I enjoy working on such projects, these particular ones took a while because I kept needing to tie up loose ends and find photos to go with them ... then figure out how to best incorporate the photos into the text. :-) It's hard to describe, but it almost felt like a battle getting these projects completed. Praise the Lord that they're done. It's way exciting, though, what God is doing among these Mising tribal people in North India, and I hope to post more about that soon.


I can't believe how quickly this week has gone by. Looking back, it's been a pretty good one! In between working on projects, taking walks, and petting Dorie's neighbor's cat Chester, I managed to watch Beyond Narnia, a docudrama on the life of C.S. Lewis. [Okay, so what is a docudrama anyhow? Maybe a cross between a drama and a documentary? ;o)]

When four kids (strangers) came and stayed in the country with C.S. Lewis and his brother during WWII (for their safety), their normally quiet and peaceful life was totally disrupted. Yet through this "interuption" came the inspiration for Lewis' classic Chronicles of Narnia. This totally spoke to me about how some of my experiences can be used in my writing, and how the hard things we all go through in this life as Christians can be used in our lives to reach out to others. That really encourages me!

I also had the opportunity to watch for the second time the new Narnia movie. Wow. So much great spiritual application there. But on a different note for now, as I fear time is of the essence, I will just leave you with what has got to be one of my favorite scenes of dialogue in the whole movie. :c)

*************************************************************************************
"Further in," Beaver urges, looking around nervously, when Luci asks if her friend Mr. Thomas is alright.

Peter and Luci begin to follow him.

"What are you doing?" Susan cries out in surprise.

"She's right -- how do we know we can trust him?" Edmund sputters.

Peter shrugs. "He said he knows the faun."

Susan's response: "He's a beaver. He shouldn't be saying anything." :oD

Busy day ahead for me. But I'm looking forward to it!

Finishing up projects. Group lunch that I'm organizing. :-) Finishing up the rest of the projects. Maybe helping with welcome kits for our upcoming Renewing Your Passion Missions Conference. Staff photo at 5:00. [Which is why I brought extra clothes ... I don't trust myself not to spill something on my light-colored outfit. ;oD]

Then after work and the staff photo, catching up with my good friend and former roommie Dorie over a burrito we're splitting at Chipotle. :o) I love our times of fellowship together and am so much looking forward to that.

Okay, now it's off to the drawing board. Um, I mean, the keyboard?

Last night at prayer our ministry leader shared a story that really grabbed me.

In the early days of GFA, our ministry was supporting native missionaries who were already there, but not yet actively training more laborers for the harvest in Asia. Well, God really put it on the heart of K.P. Yohannan to believe Him for a Bible college in India. And ... he heard about a set of washer machines for sale in the paper and decided to buy them, in faith that there would one day be a training center ... and those washing machines would be there, washing clothes. [Editors note:They are very unique and not at all like your typical washing machines today ... I would try to describe them but would probably do a really bad job of it. :oD]

So there they sat in his garage ... UNTIL God laid it on the heart of a man here in the West to call GFA and see if we had a pressing need. He and his wife lived simply, but had received a one million dollar inheritance from her side of the family, and wanted to give ALL of it to GFA!

K.P. was really moved by this gesture, and wanted to take the matter before the Lord before giving an answer. So he prayed about it and felt that at that time God only wanted GFA to take enough money for the one building for the training center. This was considerably less than the million dollar amount.

He trusted God to provide for other ministry needs. Well, the man took the remainder of the inheritance, invested it, and decided to give several million to GFA since then, over the course of a number of years!

Hearing this story gave me much hope and encouraged me that I can continue to be patient and trust God to provide for something in my own life. Surrender, hope, rest, patience. These are things God has been speaking to me about lately.

BTW, those two washing machines? They are still in that training center today, washing clothes. In fact, I saw them when I was in India, and my clothes were washed in them. :o) And they--and the thousands of men and women who have now graduated from GFA's 54 Bible colleges and gone on to share the Good News in the 10/40 Window--serve as a visible testimony to the abundant provision of our ever-faithful God.

P.S. It was a good day at work and passed by quickly as I worked more on projects. I will need to work on them some more tonight, but I don't mind. I'm really hoping they'll all come together by sometime tomorrow. I love the stuff I'm getting to write about ... it's about exciting things going on among the Mising tribe. Soon I'll try to post some more about that. Just on a day when I'm less busy and haven't practically posted the contents of a book already. ;o)

8:20 A.M. I report to the Denton Courthouse, watch a video with some pretty funny parts, and then hear that I am one of 184 chosen to report back later (2:00 for my group) to be considered for an actual case. [128 people were free to go after the movie and presentation.]

I was pretty excited to be picked. I've never done anything this before and thought it would be fun to see what it's all about. :-)

And as a Barnes and Noble was conveniently located down the road, I went over there and was able to make much headway on my projects! (Praise the Lord.)

The morning was GREAT.

The afternoon? Sort of a different story. ;-) I didn't find out until after I reported to the court (at the Sheriff's office) that it was a "driving while intoxicated" case.

I unexpectedly got kind of emotional. [With my brother being killed by a drunk driver, it's an issue that kind of hit close to home for me.] Not that I said anything inappropriate or anything like that, just more that I cried a little. It was kind of an emotionally draining afternoon.

They sounded like they really wanted to pick me for the jury (I was kind of surprised) but in the end I realized I couldn't 100% assure them I could be unbiased in my opinions on the case, and so I told them. [I wanted to be as honest as possible!]

But ... seeing as the case probably would have lasted most of the day tomorrow and I still have more to do on my projects for tomorrow, I think it was a blessing in disguise. And God is good. Always.

Okay, now I'm off to prayer meeting. :-)

Fajita butter?

Okay, get this! Yesterday I'm sitting in church, reading the announcements in the bulletin. My eyes travel to the one about the women's evangelistic outreach pertaining to the Da Vinci Code movie. [Which, by the way, I think is awesome, even though I can't make it because of our Tuesday night prayer meeting at GFA.]

Suddenly I read, in the middle of the paragraph, "Free fajita butter will be provided."

Wait a minute, I think. I know I won't get to make it to this anyhow, but what on earth is fajita butter, and what's up with this? :-) Oh, wait. [Takes another look] Fajita buffet. Okay. That makes more sense.

Since tomorrow I've got to report for jury duty selection in Denton and don't know how much I'll get to work on my projects that are due Wednesday [although I'm bringing them with me for times when I'm waiting], I'm hoping to go to Barnes and Noble or Borders again this evening and work on stuff!

Oh yeah ... just in case my eyes decide to play tricks on me again, I know Barnes and Noble closes at 11 on weeknights. :o)

I think my eyes are playing tricks on me.

Check this out.

The other night, I went to Barnes and Noble to work on projects. As I walked to the door, I thought it said they close at 10. Wow, I thought, they must have changed the hours. I thought they were always open until 11 on weekdays.

I was totally bummed becuase I'd so looked forward to hanging out there and making some progress on my projects. Thankfully, I looked again. And a closer examination revealed the number 11:00, not 10:00.

Then the other day, getting back into my car after I checked my mail, I thought I saw a large doberman pincher. A closer look revealed it was a brown (or was it black?!) garbage bag.

Hmmm. Maybe it's time to think about getting my eyes examined. :-)

Wow. It has been such a good day. Looking back, I feel like someone was probably praying. :-)

Incredibly, all my projects that were due today came together. It was so much fun seeing how the Lord brought things together, and especially how He helped me to communicate a story that had touched my heart. I thought the story may be a good way to start out my article about women's ministry but wasn't sure how to go about it and in a way didn't want to go to the extra trouble at first.

But I'm so glad I did! :-) I guess this is a lesson to not give up and to persevere even in the hard things.

All the glory goes to God. I think about that sometimes, how I go about my daily business and eat and breathe and talk and laugh and write ... but yet really, it's not me. It's really HIM equipping me and working through me.

We are nothing without Him.

I had such a nice night last night.

After I prayed with my friend, I had chicken tacos at Chipotle and just sat there for a while, working on my projects for work. [Big deadlines Wednesday] It went so well and the time was so relaxing and invigorating.

Then I drove around a little bit, came home and got some things done around the apartment, read in some good Christian books and went to bed.

Today I have felt very rested and for the most part have had a good day, too. There were a few hard moments, and I know there are some "long-term" challenges that I still desperately need to hear the Lord's heart in and trust to Him.

But all in all, it was a good day. I am so grateful.

It was a rough day.

Yesterday was nice, though. Church, Sunday school, and then a nice time of relaxing in the afternoon by seeing a really cute movie at the dollar theater and then working at Borders on one of my assigned projects for work.

Then at 3:45 I went and played piano for our church senior home ministry. It went really well, and I enjoyed being there with everyone and getting to play! There is this one man at the home who has the sweetest smile. I saw him last week, too! He and his wife came by for the worship and devotional.

Last night was great! I went out to someone's home for a small group Bible study we're having every other Sunday night. We all had supper together and a nice time of fellowship! I love their house; it's back in the woods and up on this big hill, with a wrap-around baloncy. :o) And the father who lives there helped me with my tires, which was so nice! [One of them was super low, and I just noticed today!] He even checked it again before I left. Their family is so nice.

I may try to work on some more projects tonight. Also, I am praying with a friend of mine for our weekly prayer time. I'm looking forward to that!

God is good. Always. Even when we can't always see it. I am so grateful for the nice day He gave me yesterday, too.

I have realized that a lot of my posts this week have sounded like I'm going through kind of hard things. I won't deny that it was sort of a rough week. None of these things are major in the big scheme of things, just challenging at the moment. I know that as a Christian, we are not promised easy lives. In fact, we really are promised just the opposite! That there will be trials, struggles, hardship in our lives. But all these things are accomplishing a greater good, which is so encouraging to me.

And when I just stop and think about it for a moment, I really have much cause for rejoicing, and much to be grateful for. A place to serve the Lord and be used each day to further His kingdom. A wonderful, loving family. Plenty to eat, and plenty of clothes to wear. :-) A beautiful apartment and furniture that the Lord provided for me. A new church that I love, where the pastor's messages are always so encouraging and challenging in my walk the Lord. The beautiful Texas sunshine and sunsets. Laughter. Good times. Deep times of fellowship with other believers, praying for one another and sharing what God is doing in our lives. The beautiful birds outside.

And I could go on and on ...

I feel so much better now! :o) The song "Count Your Blessings" is way true.

God is awesome.

It is beautiful outside (even if very hot!) and I think I shall work just a little more on stuff around the apartment and then head out to Kohl's to make a return and look around. I'm looking forward to the rest of this day. :-)

It's the weekend! And I'm glad.

In some ways it hasn't been the easiest week ... as you could probably gather from some of my earlier posting. ;-) But all things considered, I'm doing pretty well at the moment [and looking forward to starting my weekend!].

God is faithful. This is something I've been reminding myself of quite a bit throughout this week. And you know, even if our lives on this earth were always hard, and "ALL" He had ever done for us was His death and resurrection to atone for our sins, He would still be infinitely merciful toward us. Something I heard at an RUF Conference years ago really grabbed me -

God is just as good to us on our worst day as He was on that monumental day when He died on the Cross for us.

So very true. And I feel encouraged just thinking about that. It all comes back to what I was sharing earlier this week from Romans 8:32, how if God provided for our GREATEST need [salvation], how will He not also provide for everything else we need? He is so good.

Well with that note, I'm off to start my weekend. Heading out to the Denton area for a girls' night with some friends from church. Pasta and garlic bread -- yum! Not to mention a fun night of female bonding.

Ever feel all huffy and out of breath because you just climbed a big mountain? Not literally, but figuratively speaking. Well, I've kind of felt that way the past couple days. This afternoon things were better, though ... and I went and ate at Quiznos with my good friend Shelley after work - good times!

The good thing through this all is that I have been driven to seek the Lord more passionately. My deepest desire, of course, is to know Him more and be transformed a little more into His image every day ... but how often do I "really and truly" live this out, moment by moment? When I really stop and think about it, He is so very patient with me.

It's not fun going through difficult times, but I thank God that He loves me enough not to let me stay where I am in my laziness and stubborness as sinful human flesh! That He deliberately orchestrates my life's circumstances in such a way that I am driven to my knees before Him. Truly He is water to my soul, comfort to my heart. He is everything. I want to forget that less often.

Something I have pondered a bit a different times and thought I'd throw out there to the "blogger world" of my good friends who frequent this blog, in the event that 1) You also struggle with these things and can relate and 2) The Lord has shown you things that have helped you in these areas ... :-)

How do you truly, fully, and joyfully trust the Lord for those things that are nearest to your heart, in all circumstances?

It seems that the Lord's really brought me a long way in this area, through various circumstances and has helped me in many ways to trust Him by faith, even when I don't always understand what He is doing! But it's definitely an area I still could stand to grow in ... and sometimes am just not sure how? I think sometimes I expect the growth in my Christian life to be practically overnight ... but I have to remember that He has a lifetime to work on me and that His timetable is not mine.
:-) [He's definitely been teaching me that on many levels throughout my life.] I take comfort in Philippians 1:6, that He will complete that good work He has started in me.

Also very encouraging in this whole area of trusting God for my heart's desires was yesterday's message at church. Pastor John shared how, in the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus first and foremost was meeting their deepest need, which was for God's Word. This was more important than their secondary, lesser need [for food], which nevertheless he still met.

He also mentioned how whatever is going on in our lives at this moment, God has us in a place where He can sow His Word into us. That was encouraging. Trials and difficulties are all for a reason! And also I think of Romans 8:32, which tells us that if God did not spare His own Son, how will not also with Him freely give us all things? He knows what we need, far more than we could ever. His view is unlimited, and He knows what He's doing!

I feel like I should also post something about a snake or something ... well, I did see a snake at Arbor Hills when I was walking there yesterday. Yikes -- two snakes in one week. That's enough for me! :-)

Story of the day.

Okay, I've got this great story. I may need to cut it short because I am wanting to head out and get some R&R before all-night prayer, but it's a classic!

Last night I reached my apartment to find a snake coiled around the porch railing outside by my front door. I was pretty startled, especially since a snake would have to climb the walls or stairwell to get up to the level of my 2nd story apartment! I promptly screamed [surprised my neighbors didn't hear me!] and then froze for a few seconds.

I then regained composure and knocked on the door of a young married couple on staff, who live across from me. Christie's husband would have loved to have helped us, she was sure, but he wasn't home! So, long story made short, we ended up calling another co-worker, Bobby, who lives in our complex.

This is where it gets good. Bobby immediately comes over, holding this broom. By now, the snake had slithered over to my kitchen window, precariously close to my front door and looking pretty content. Well, Bobby reaches his broom over and flings the snake so he falls down to the first floor breezeway.

We all run down the stairs, my friend Christie and I curious about what kind of snake it is and wondering if Bobby can give us some insight. [It almost looked like it could be poisonous, but really hard to say for sure.] But before we can say a word, Bobby proceeds to use the other end of his broom to whack the snake, flings him over to a bush and tells me he won't bother me anymore!

Christie and I look at each other still in shock from the whole experience, but about to laugh, and she says, "I feel like we're on National Geographic!" I kid you not, he had the khaki shorts, the hat, bright yellow t-shirt, and everything -- It felt like we were on the Discovery Channel. Or one of those reality shows like Survivor. :o) It was pretty funny. [We were very thankful for Bobby and his timely rescue; Christie says we should make him cookies as payment!]

Of course, needless to say, I will be watching my balcony railing pretty closely when I go home in just a few minutes. : ) My co-worker Bobby came by my desk this afternoon and told me he had thought about putting a black rubber snake near my cubicle but then figured I may not appreciate that too much. :-) We are still in shock that the snake slithered all the way up there. It was quite the adventure.

Okay, so, now I'm off to more mundane things like buying hamburger buns for tonight and walking at the nature preserve. :-)

God is so faithful.

Long story made short, He totally orchestrated an opportunity for my friend's two young boys to volunteer here. Perfect timing, and God is so faithful.

Her visit truly made my day! Hardly anything thrills my heart like helping to spread the word among other Christians about how God is spreading the Good News through GFA. And it was nice to see her and meet her two boys.

I can't believe how quickly this day has gone by! Something I am wanting to do more of is make time to read good Christian books. A good friend gave me John Piper's Let the Nations Be Glad. I have been so excited to read it and was reading in it some yesterday when I got home from work. The part I was reading had all these great verses about God's glory and how everything in life is all about that! Awesome.

One thing that really stood out to me was the reminder in that chapter of how it's all about God - how only HE truly satisfies. How wonderful He is.

Ever feel sometimes like life can get overwhelming? Like there's bunches of "loose ends" that need to be tended to, or projects, or just stuff to sort through? I definitely feel that way at times. But in it all, God is our dwelling place. And we can trust Him. Truly, God is good.

I am feeling a little tired. But it's been overall a good week so far! I have a local acquaintance visiting us here at the ministry tomorrow; I'm pretty excited about that! We met at a seminar my church was having when I first started going there, and she and her two young boys would like to come out tomorrow and check out the ministry and take a tour of the building. Yippee! I'm so glad they're coming by.

She would love for her 9 and 10-year-old boys to volunteer with the ministry (and I would love that and even suggested it!); it just may not work out quite as we were hoping it would. In other words, there may be some logistics to be worked out, or it may be that they would be more needed in a different capacity, such as representing us at local events. But God is faithful ... and I so much believe it's not by accident that He put me in contact with this family through a seminar at my church over a month ago.

Speaking of church ... just the other day I was thinking yet again about how grateful I am for this new church God has provided. Just thinking about it makes me happy. In so many ways it reminds me of my beloved college church back home, and I never thought I would be able to say that about a church here! It already feels like home, and hardly a sermon goes by that doesn't leave me feeling incredibly encouraged and challenged in my Christian walk.

God is good.

All in all it has been a good weekend. Busy, but good. Yesterday at the cookout Pamela, Joelle, Angela and I were able to laze around in the pool. At the end I swam some laps to be sure I got some exercise.

The message at church yesterday was great, and I really enjoyed getting to catch up with a number of new friends I've made. People are so friendly and nice; it's feeling like home already! :-)

My arms are still a little sore from helping people move on Saturday, but it was fun and well worth it! It has definitely been a "people weekend".

Left to my own devices, there are times when I am admittedly a hermit. Okay, so maybe hermit is way too strong a word for it. But I do like my "alone" time and often am quite content to just go for a nice walk, go grab something to eat at a fast-food place, or hang out around the apartment watching a movie or organizing. :o) But at the same time I am also in a lot of ways very much a people person who values all the friendships God has blessed me with and all the opportunities to hang out with people, and there are also those times when I get lonely when there aren't people around.

Anyhow, all this to say that I think this weekend was good for me, being with people so much of it! At the same time, it's also so important we spend those concentrated times away from the noise and bustle of life .... whether the noise and bustle of our own individual lives, or the noise and bustle from being with others .... those times of getting away from that to just spend time with the Lord in His presence. That's what the message was about yesterday. Our pastor shared about how so often we don't delight in and relish God the way we could be because we aren't spending those times with Him.

Yikes! It's going to be a busy weekend. But I'm looking forward to it.

Saturday:
8 A.M. Help move staff family, along with a bunch of others on staff.
11:45 A.M. Meet up with good friend to hang out for several hours or so.
6-9 P.M. Game night with the other young people on staff

Sunday:
9:30 Church
11:15 Sunday School
1:00 or whenever I can get there after church -- COOKOUT with friends from my the fellowship group at my old church.

Monday:
9:00 Meet up with friends from old fellowship group to help a friend move

Tonight? I'm just resting and making some returns, and maybe watching a movie at the apartment. Tonight's my "veg" night. [translation: rest and chill out :oD]

Okay, now I need to scoot so I can call a good friend I was s'posed to call right after work. Happy Memorial Day weekend!