Today begins a three day weekend.

YAY! I can't believe how quickly this week has gone by. Wow! It's definitely been a good week.

It's beautiful outside. I need to run by the bank to make a quick deposit, and then check on Mo and Dietrich. :o) [of course!]

Tomorrow my friend Shelley and I are meeting up to go eat at Quizno's and swing by Christopher and Banks, a store we both like. And we're hoping to go visit a young wife who is going through some hard times!

Happy Easter.

I am sleepy again. Go figure?! But Friday I can sleep in because we don't come in to work -- yay! And Sunday I get to be at my wonderful new church the Lord has provided for me!

This has been a good day overall. It's gone by pretty fast.

It was fun seeing the cats yesterday. Mo was especially happy to see me, I think, bounding up to me with meows and fur rubs, but I think Dietrich [whom I've been told "doesn't like to be picked up" :o)] was kind of glad I was there as well! I love cats.

I enjoyed getting to share the C&E requests last night at prayer meeting.

I am feeling sleepy.

This post won't be very long because I have two hungry cats, Mo and Dietrich, awaiting my care before I can rest and get ready for tonight's prayer meeting. :oD No, I don't have a cat ... although someday I would really LIKE to own one. [I personally think they are one of God's most beautiful animal creations. :o)]

I'm simply taking care of some cats this week for a married couple serving at the ministry, while they are in Washington encouraging supporters and friends. [Oh yeah, and one of the cats actually belongs to another co-worker who is out of town for just a little bit, helping with a ministry initiative that by God's grace will reach so many with the Gospel.]

Way cool, what both sets of cat owners are doing, and that I can be a small part by taking care of their handsome felines.

I can't believe how quickly today has passed. All in all, it's been a GOOD day. Juli and I went to lunch at Arby's and had fun talking about awesome experiences in India, as well as Christopher and Banks, one of our favorite clothing stores that I discovered only a few weeks ago. :oD My friend Shelley just loves it there; a few moments after we first walked in, it was so much fun seeing her run around like a kid in the candy store! She was excited because she had been looking for exactly those kinds of clothes (more casual, but still nice!) for work.

We also had our weekly editors review meeting at work, this morning. This is basically a meeting to go over reports from the field, and discuss/decide which of our various publications they'll be used in. Our time went well, and we had some really great laughs as well.

And tonight, I'm looking forward to relaxing around the apartment (after I make one stop). While I watch a movie and go through some things at the apartment, I am going to put ice on my feet and rub them, as this is supposed to help them get better. I'm thankful that I can still bike ride for exercise, even if I can't take long walks! Of course, I think my bike tires need to be checked out because they've been losing air very quickly. :oD

Well, have a good evening, friends.

I rented the cutest movie yesterday. I also took a four-hour nap, talked to my friend Nicole from S.C. :o), made southwest chicken chili (yum!), talked to my mom, and took a bike ride.

The name of the movie was The Prince and Me II. [Guys, it was definitely a chick flick! But for the most part VERY clean, which is a wonderful and pleasant surprise considering so many movies these days.]

I had a nice evening after waking up from my long siesta. And you couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather; it was gorgeous out.

Last night, I mean, uh, this morning :oD, was all-night prayer here at GFA. Even though I was tired and at first struggling with something when I arrived, as I got into the evening I felt energized and invigorated to be around His people, my brothers and sisters in Christ, interceding for the things that are on HIS heart. Praise God.

Yesterday afternoon, relaxing a little at my apartment before all-night prayer, I was thinking again about how I am thankful for how hard circumstances drive me to a deeper walk with Christ [when I allow them to!]. I am very thankful for that and excited for that in a "by faith" sense, but it still doesn't mean the hard times are always easy to go through.

Well, just then, seeking some encouragement and a chance to "refocus", I was listening to a really good sermon tape from church. [I liked that sermon so much I bought the $5 CD. :o)] The speaker was going through the life of Joseph, and something he said stood out to me once again: "Nothing in our lives is wasted. Every suffering, every hardship has a purpose." I was so happy to be reminded of this that I practically wanted to jump up and down, right there in my apartment. :o)

Which, by the way, probably wouldn't have been a good idea for two reasons:
1) I live in a second-story apartment, and the poor person below probably would have thought I was crazy or something. Oh wait, she already thinks that. [just kidding :o)]
2) My feet have been hurting for several weeks now, even without doing that much walking. I have been putting ice on it and rubbing it, as my mom suggested, and I will try to do some stretches that can help it. And the most powerful thing, ultimately, is prayer! This being said, though, I was thinking about all this yesterday, and although it's not fun for them to hurt since I haven't been able to take my walks at the nature preserve, I am also willing to go through this if this is something God wants for me at this time. It is a privilege to suffer for His sake in this way, if He would want this. I know it is all for a greater purpose, something beyond me.

I am so thankful for these wonderful lessons learned through hardship [really very small hardship in the large scheme of things!], and for the perspective I can have because of Jesus. Now if I could just take all this I am learning and use it to die to my flesh more often. [Translation: I tend to do better with "suffering" that I have no control over than me purposing in my heart to deliberately CHOOSE to crucify my flesh, not because I have to, but for a greater good.] But the Lord is really working on me ... and I thank Him for that. Caty and I had such a good chat at lunch the other day, and I was telling her how I was so thankful that He loves us enough to deliberately orchestrate things in our lives in such a way as to drive us closer to HIM. That's my heart's desire ... intimacy with HIM. [I know I can say that for Caty as well!]

Well, I am excited about what this day holds. I am planning to fix a white kidney bean chicken chili, and looking forward to that. :o) I may also go bike riding; that should be fine for my feet! And of course I want to catch up on picking up around the apartment and all, and probably get out a little bit and pay a few bills.

Each day we get to be here on this earth, breathing and worshipping our Creator, is special.

This is hilarious.

I didn't make it to a movie at the dollar theater last night, either. [Hmmmm ... is God trying to tell me something? :o)] Instead, I ran into a neighbor and acquaintance when I was going to feed Miss Priscilla. We have met before at the nature preserve and recognized each other. We also ran into each other a couple of weeks ago at Kohl's and were chatting like we'd always known each other. :o)

Anyhow, she was saying how she'd just thought about me the other day but realized she didn't know how to get in touch with me, but figured we'd run into each other again. [I really think it was a divine encounter!] She told me to come by after I fed Miss Priscilla, so we could exchange numbers. What is really cool is that I got to witness (just a little) to her and her daughter, who's a single mom.

I love when things like that happen. God is good.

Caty and I had a nice lunch. And now I have half a chicken salad sandwich I can enjoy today or tomorrow for supper. :o)

Last night I didn't go see a movie at the dollar theater. I stayed home and picked up a little in the apartment and then had some time with the Lord, singing praise songs. But around 9, I got tired and decided it would be good to go to bed. ; )

I may go see a movie at the dollar theater tonight; we'll see! I know that right after work I need to go by my friend's house and check on her cat, Miss Priscilla. And check her mail ... and mine. :o)

There is a situation in which I want to fully trust God for the outcome. I know ultimately He can always be trusted; it can just be a challenge when it comes to life circumstances. I think He is teaching me patience and trust.

Even though it's not always fun, and my flesh doesn't like it, I thank the Lord that He loves me enough to orchestrate circumstances in my life in such a way as to drive me closer to Him and make me more like Him, which are my heart's desires.

Today our Believers Cafe downstairs served meatloaf and mashed potatoes. YUM. I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch. Here I go, talking about food again. :o)

I just got done vacuuming and cleaning in our department area. We all take turns doing that. It went pretty well, although I hope my shoulders aren't sore tomorrow from pushing around the vaccuum we all have affectionately dubbed "Big Blue." They were already a little sore, I think.

Well, I am looking forward to doing something nice and relaxing this evening ... even if just grabbing supper with one of my Chick-fila coupons. :o) I was thinking I might go see a movie at the dollar theater .... we'll see. I've sort of been wanting to see Cheaper By the Dozen 2 sometime or another, if I get the chance.

Tomorrow I'm going to lunch with a co-worker and friend, Caty. It's so encouraging to me when we get together, because often we go through similar kinds of things and can share (at least in a general way) what we are going through and what the Lord is teaching us.

I don't know about you, but for me, I am SO encouraged to find out I'm not "the only one". ;o)

Our group lunch at McAlister's was fun.

I split the smoked turkey sandwich on sourdough bread, with fruit cup as a side, with one of my friends and co-workers, Erik. We all had a nice time!

Tonight is prayer meeting . . . and there are a few things I may go do before then. I still have a "close to my heart" situation I'm wanting to trust GOD completely for, without reservation. I KNOW deep down He can be trusted, it's just hard sometimes when it comes to real-life circumstances that are uncertain or that I'm seeking His perspective in.

I think He is teaching me much in this area, though.

Well I should go. I'm looking forward to prayer meeting tonight. Catch you all later!

I like my new church so much.

The Muslim outreach seminar went well. I learned a few things about Muslims, but I think the biggest thing the Lord really blessed me with was getting to know people from the church.

I am so excited to be there -- and thrilled at how God has made His leading so clear thus far. I wrote an email just now to the Sunday school teacher and his wife at my "old" church. They, as well as the whole group there, have meant SO much to me. I feel the Lord really blessed me with their companionship, just when I most needed it. And, as I told them in my note, "I don't intend to be a stranger. Think of this more as 'see you a little less often' than 'goodbye'. :o)

Well, I'm heading home now so I can straighten up a little in the apartment, because Tirina is coming over in a few minutes so we can have chili and pray together. I look forward to that.

Then tomorrow is a big group lunch at McAlister's. I can't wait.

Yesterday at the picnic was so nice.

I caught up with and prayed with friends on staff, walked around the little lake, swang on the swings, played lots of volleyball, and of course ate to my little heart's content. :oD

It was truly a memorable time!

Tonight I'm meeting up with some gals from my prayer and share group at Stonebriar, the church I was going to until the Lord directed me to the new church. We're eating at Mi Cocina. I've never eaten there before, but it SOUNDS good. (Tex-Mex! Need I say more?!)

Tomorrow I'm going to a Muslim outreach seminar at my new church. It will be all-day which could get slightly tiring, but I am truly looking forward to this opportunity to not only start getting to know people at my church, but especially also to learn how I can more effectively intercede for the Muslim world.

It's been totally incredible how the Lord has directed me to this new church. HE is SO good. I could write more, but I'm really hoping to make some much-needed returns at Kohl's and use a coupon there before I go to Mi Cocina to meet the gals, so I should really get going.

This is my 345th post.

We all are fixing to leave the office, because we've having a staff picnic this afternoon! Ruthie, who is my age and has been raising support to join us on staff, will be coming. I look forward to catching up with and hopefully encouraging her. :o)

I have an "unspoken" that is dear to my heart. I KNOW I can fully trust God with it ... that HE is always good and He knows what's best. I think He is teaching me a lot about trusting Him, in various circumstances. Not that it's always been easy, but I feel encouraged that I have definitely been learning more about trusting Him, even when I don't really know what's going on.

Well, now I'm going home to change clothes, grab a couple games and maybe even catch a quick snooze before going out to the picnic. : ) Later.

I think it was a good day overall.

I had a nice time eating spaghetti downstairs in our Believers Cafe with my friend Kara. She was the first person I saw upon arriving on staff here, which was special. We almost immediately knew we would be great friends!

Something else especially exciting, Kara happened to mention today how she enjoys being on the worship team at the church she and her husband attend, singing songs and playing piano. I asked if she would like her keyboard back. (She had sold it for a good price to people at the ministry, and my roommates at the time, being the kind and thoughtful people that they are, grabbed it for me since they knew I played the piano!) I appreciate the thought, but have rarely had the chance to play the keyboard, and right now it's in storage in my small apartment.

So what was really cool today is that my friend was like, "Really? Are you sure?! I have been praying for a keyboard, and everytime I thought I was going to get one, I've had to use the extra money for something else. But it's been on my heart to keep praying." [I LOVE it when that happens. ] God is awesome!

And something else really fun? She has decided that since she is being blessed again with a keyboard, I should be "blessed" with a Market Fresh chicken salad sandwich from Arby's. Just to see how I could be a blessing, how God worked in that way, was enough for me, but, hey, if she is going to insist on treating me to a delicious sandwich next time we go to lunch together, I won't complain. :o)

God is good.

Last night, after Tirina and I had finished praying together, I had an incredible time with the Lord. I was walking along the road in front of the office, praying and singing out to Him. :o) And seeking His face a little in regards to certain areas of my life. I am excited to see what He will do! [I can fully trust Him ... each moment ... regardless of each circumstance that comes my way. He knows what He's doing!]

It was an absolutely WONDERFUL time of being in His presence and communing with Him. I love Him so much and ultimately want to be so much closer to Him! He has been so gentle and patient with me, I must say. I want to be more faithful! I love being with Him.

Before prayer meeting tonight, a few co-workers and I went to Sonic for half-price burgers and other treats. :o) It was quite fun. At one point, we were even singing along with the oldies' music. :oD

Several people complimented me on the outfit I was wearing tonight. That was really fun. :o)

I just got back to my desk from praying with Tirina. We spent an hour praying and sharing about what the Lord has been doing in each of our lives.

And, wow, I feel so encouraged.

We are each going through situations in our lives that aren't the easiest, but the Lord is using them to help us walk more closely with HIM ... and to rest ultimately in HIM and look to HIM for our fulfillment. And for that, we are thankful.

As I write this, a beautiful hawk is sitting on the light post outside. Thank You, Lord! I have always enjoyed watching these wonders of God's creation, but now it's especially meaningful when I see one -- I am reminded of God's tender care over every aspect of my life. [See March 13 entry]

And this morning, I happened to glance up from writing a note to a ministry supporter to see a co-worker smiling at me. It made my morning. It's like the Lord knew I needed that at that moment.

I love those moments when God chooses to show His loving care over my life by blessing me with "the little things". :O)

[P.S. The Lord also allowed something quite encouraging to happen in regards to the painful situation I mentioned in yesterday's entry.]

Today's message at church (Christ Pres.) was so good. It was about how Jesus went through everything we would go through and how Jesus cares. How looking at the Cross shows us that.

It was totally what I needed to hear. And on the way in to church, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" started playing on the radio, and I almost broke down in tears. It was so applicable to what I had been going through and praying about. I felt moved that the Lord allowed me to hear that, and felt He had given me the song for that moment.

There have been situations in my life at different times [and one in particular, recently] that have been painful, that the Lord has allowed for whatever reason. I know He has a purpose. And, if nothing else, it has brought me to my knees before Him to yearn all the more to grow closer to Him, which is most important ... by faith, I am thankful for the pain, for it has driven me to remember that my sufficiency is in Him and Him Alone. That He and He Alone will never let me down.

Praise God.

[On a different note, I'm fixing to go play soccer with some young people from the ministry. I look forward to that. It's such a nice day for it.]

I had the privilege to go and hear some of our interns share about their India trip at a local church. Hearing some of the things they shared so encouraged and motivated me to want to pray more and be more dedicated and committed in laboring to reach the lost.

What a privilege is ours.

After I heard the interns share, I met up with Shelley so we could go and look for her a mother of the groom dress for her son's wedding. This was our second big excursion out to look for this outfit ... and today we were successful! YAY! We prayed as we were leaving, and it was like GOD directed us to the right place and everything. It wasn't even somewhere that was on our "itinerary." It's a kind of mauvish-pink dress and looks lovely on her.

My feet are soooooo tired now. But it was such a nice day hanging out together. I found a few things for myself, too! When we were done shopping for mother of the groom dresses and could just "play" we went to a different mall, and found this really neat store that Shelley just loved, that had great clothes she'd been looking for to wear for work, but couldn't find anywhere. I'm so happy for her, and it was so much fun watching her excitement as she walked around the store -- it was kind of like a little kid in a candy store for the first time. :o)

And today I ate at one of my favorite restaurants for lunch, Chick-fila. [Who could complain about that?]

Shelley, Shar, Angie and I all hung out tonight.

First we went to this one store where we just had a few minutes to look around before they closed, then we went to Steinmart. It was fun chatting, trying on stuff, and giving each other our opinions. : )

We also went and ate at Reb Lobster. I've never eaten there before and was impressed that not only is the food reasonable, but my apple walnut chicken salad (which was very tasty!) will last me probably two more meals. :oD

Tonight was so much fun!

Today went by pretty quickly.

The Lord brought together a web story I'd been working on, that had tricky parts. That was a good feeling! And now it's "out of my hands" and in proofing. :o)

I'm so excited about my plans for after work (as soon as I finish this post).

First I'm going to Costco to pick up my pictures from one-hour developing. There will be pictures from the missions conference at my much-loved college church, as well as some pictures from last night's surprise birthday party for one of the girls on staff, where we played Twister.

[I don't think I'd played that game since early junior high; my arms were so sore today. :oD]

Then I'm going across the street to the mall, where there will be an event with "light refreshments" and I'll use my Chick-fila coupon and a coupon for American Greeting Card Co. :o)

Tonight when I get back, I also hope to pick up some around the apartment. AND have time with the Lord!

I look forward to a nice, relaxing evening.