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!