Please, Fasten YOUR Seat Belts...

This has been a really good week. We kicked off another 6 week study for our women last Monday night. Living an Abundant Life in Christ. I'm excited about the prospects of this study, and the impact it could have on our lives, if we allow Christ to work in and among us!

Our staff left after Wednesday evening programming to head to Chicago/Willow Creek for the Catalyst One Day Event. Andy Stanley and Craig Groeshcel. (I may have spelled his name wrong, but he's the lifechurch.tv guy) One of our staff members was unable to attend, due to some health issues, but we were able to get it all on cd/books for him as a resource. My hope is that we can carry the 'buzz' through til Monday when we're all together to 'down load' some more! Over dinner, on the drive home, we had a lot of good discussion. To say the least, the whole day was designed to be thought AND question provoking for those of us that serve in public ministry. And, as always, I come away asking deep, probing questions about my own motivations, and asking God to continually search my heart to make certain that that motivation is because of what HE wants, not what I'd like to see happen! Huge challenge!

I'm looking forward to really good things. As I've shared before, this spring is one of great anticipation for me...on many many fronts!

Personally, Randy & I are great. He's such a great husband, and he takes such good care of us. He is a constant encouragement to me and our girls. It amazes me how very much he loves each of them. And, because we pray over them each day, we're always amazed at God's answers to those prayers! Unexpected things just happen to us! And, the only thing we can say is: that is so like our God! Praise HIM!

The younger girls recently had an 'experimental evening' with hair color. Let me just say the results were unexpected to say the least...but because it was Madison & Mallory, nothing ever is the 'expected result'...I was quickly reminded 'the morning after' of the time they cut each other's hair when they were about 2.

1/2" hair is cute on a 2 year old!--SORT OF! As is magenta hair on Madison and white/blonde on Mallory with pink stripes! --They constantly tell me 'it's just hair mom!'.

Our oldest daughter and her husband have started a home-based business that seems to be doing really well...I think that's a blessing from God. The babies are beautiful (You would think I was crazy if I didn't say that, but it IS true!)

And, then there's our second oldest. Holly. Oh, Holly. (And, btw, welcome to blogspot, Holly, if you actually chose to read your mom's blog!) We are in process of gearing up for her to re-join our family after being away for 8-1/2 months. Disney World. YIKES. But, she loves it. She's learned many things she would not have learned here, like actually cooking food, and managing her own money...and navigating city traffic to get to work on time....and making friends from scratch. She recently went to a church service. She related later that she was the youngest person in the building, and she didn't even care...she was, I think, because I'm her mom, and I know her pretty well, HUNGRY. Your soul just gets hungry for truth...And, living in a place where 'nothing is as it seems'...truth is hard to find. She's made a lot of friends...some she'll more than likely keep the rest of her life. She's like her dad in that realm. A really Good friend! This does not surprise me. She's hilarious. As are all our girls. Hilarity Rules. Is our motto around here!

Anyway, back to HUNGRY--God's word is the only thing that can satisfy that HUNGER deep in our soul. But, if we are not aware of this, we 'stuff the HUNGER with other stuff'...looking for rest and peace. Mostly, thought, for her, I'm just thankful that she calls/texts me and says things to me other than 'can you send me money?'

We are on our way to a fund raiser dinner for the youth of our church. Different couples are hosting it in their homes. The home we are going to is serving 'tacos'...It'll be fun, we'll get to connect with three other couples from church...eat and laugh...and give them some $$ that will help fund summer youth trips.

Tomorrow is a busy day. Great Banquet Team meeting in the afternoon. Last one til April 18. I could say that I'm super excited about the Banquet...but I'm super excited about April 17, Oil Belt Ladies Day...

but the truth is: I lSUPER EXCITABLE and, I LOVE this life that God seems to be unfolding right before my eyes!

He's blessing the effort, and He's putting things for us to either experience, or try. There are many things 'out there' that I will do, but only because of His power, provision and timing...can't wait to see what that looks like...what a ride! Whew!

...anger does not bring about...James 1:20

James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

Anger issues. Do we all have them, or is it just me? Sadly, I can get angry pretty quick. Even MORE sad is the fact that I don't usually take the time to 'count to 10' as we were always taught to do when we were younger--which leads to many apologies later when my 'quick assessment' turns out to be wrong...For me, this is the place where God's mercy is just for me!--He loves me even though I 'lose it sometimes'...

Just this week, I've had to learn from my mistakes, yet again...

Today is a day that I'm thankful for, because I found some 'notes' I'd written a while back! And, because I like you, I wanted to share it here, so that maybe someone else besides me will benefit from the lesson in this little portion of the book of James, chapter 1, verses 19-27...are written at the top of my paper...the rest reads:

"We're to take note that we are to be teachable--having a teachable spirit...if we are proud or arrogant we aren't going to listen.
But, these verses say we're to be 'quick to listen... slow to speak... and s l o w to become angry.
Our human anger does not bring about a righteous life that God desires for us. Moral filth and evil that is prevalent in our culture DO NOTHING to bring about this righteous life, either...so we're to get rid of it AND humbly accept the WORD planted in us.'
Not just listening to the word, but actually absorbing it, like food to our blood stream, doing what it says! If you listen & don't do what it says, it has no long term affect!
To me, this says that we were created by our God to be receptive to His Word. It's like the 'one thing' we search for our whole life that can truly satisfy our soul.

Praise God!--not only does it (the Word) satisfy our soul...it also has the power to transform our lives...the secret things of God are contained there...rich treasures...assurance and hope...it's completely fascinating! --Gotta go read now!!!
More later!