Boy, did God answer a big prayer for our family. For years now, our youngest daughter Beth and her husband Derrick have had to commute every day from Murfreesboro to Brentwood. I know that a lot of people have to do that, and I commend them for it. It was not as difficult until our granddaughter Maddie came along 2 years ago. They were driving about 2 hours everyday and most of the time Beth and Derrick drove separately because they needed their cars for their jobs. After picking Maddie up from preschool around 5:30 or so, she would be hungry and they would have to stop and get supper before the drive. They averaged getting home around 7:30 or 8:00 most evenings.

They had been praying for a long time about selling their house and moving closer, but with the economy, and the way housing was, nothing happened. FINALLY, in December they not only sold their house, but bought another one closer to work. Talk about praising the Lord!!!

They moved in about 2 weeks and have settled in pretty quickly. In the first week they had painted most of the house and had the cabinets redone. The house is smaller than what they had so they downsized considerably...but really seem to be enjoying it.

This is one of those times that you know everything works according to God's plan. He was working out all the details of the house they were going to buy, and when everything was ready, it all fell into place.

Isn't that the way God always works? We get so impatient and want things to work out in our time frame, but He knows what is best. I am just thankful that this chapter of their lives is over!!!!

I'm certainly no Beth Moore....

That is for sure! But at one of her conferences that I attended she talked about her blog and how she asked questions and got ladies to respond. Then she used it in the conference. Well, I need your help in the same way.

I am speaking to a group of bi-vocational wives (and some of you may be reading this!) at the end of the month. I am speaking on forgiveness and I would love to have your feedback. Here is some of the information I would love for you to help with:

*Have you ever had to forgive someone that had hurt you or your family in ministry?
( You don't have to go into a lot of detail, but let me know how you handled it if you don't mind.)

*Did it take you a long time to forgive?

*How did you do it?

*Was there a time you verbally forgave or asked forgiveness?

*How did the person respond?

Let me hear from you...PLEASE. I need to be working on this and I would love this information.

Thank you.
Jeanne

ON THE ROAD AGAIN....

For the last several weeks I have had the wonderful opportunity of going with Randy all over the State. He has been visiting Associations and the Directors of Missions in different areas. I sometimes drive him to where he is going so he can catch up on phone calls, emails, and church related things.



I have always thought that Tennessee was a beautiful state, but I never realized how much of it I had not seen! There is so much variation from one side to the other. However, today there was an added bonus.



I think the majority of the State got some snow over the weekend. And it WAS beautiful. But this morning as we drove out of our driveway, the trees had been completely covered in ice. The weather people called it Ice Fog. As the fog develops, and it is so cold, the water vapor freezes and it forms ice on the trees. It was one of the most gorgeous sights I have ever seen. Absolutely breathtaking. Then we had the opportunity to ride across the Plateau and there was so much more snow there. Icicles were hanging off the cliffs on the side of the road and the landscape looked so clean and pretty.



Another thing I realized was that you notice a lot more when it snows. I have been across the Plateau a lot in the last few weeks, but I saw things for the first time that I had not paid any attention to before. Nothing spectacular and really out of the ordinary, like barns and fields and rolling hills. They had been there all the time....I just never noticed.



I wonder how much more has God placed before me that I never see? The things I take so much for granted. His handiwork! I am very thankful that today looked different so I could take the time to really notice.



The Psalmist sure was right when he said that God was worthy of our praise!!!

IT"S SNOWING....

Snow certainly does make it feel like Christmas, doesn't it? God has blessed us already with one beautiful snow, and now they are predicting more for East Tennessee tomorrow and Saturday. It snowed 2 weekends ago and it was such a treat to watch it fall. They predicted it to begin sometime after midnight that Friday night. I couldn't sleep because I was so excited. I kept getting up off and on looking out the window, hoping to see it falling. Finally, about 5:15 a.m. I got up one more time, and there it was, already starting to stick!! I tried my best to wait before waking up my husband Randy, but after about 45 minutes I couldn't wait any longer. I tiptoed in the bedroom and leaned over him and whispered "it's snowing!!!" He (not whispering!) said, "it's Saturday morning!!!" Then I tried to explain to him that if he stayed in bed he would miss it. I don't think it would have really bothered him though. But he was a trooper and got up when I said, "don't you want to go with me to the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg?" Usually there is a long wait to get in the restaurant, but between the frigid temperature outside, the snow on the roads and the fact that it was 6:45 a.m. on a Saturday morning, we got right in. And boy was it worth it!!!! The snow was gently falling as we sat by the big picture window and watched it cover the mountains. The waitress brought us a freshly brewed cup of coffee and we just sat there admiring God's handiwork as we waited for some of the best pancakes ever!!

By 4:00 p.m. it was almost all gone. We could've stayed in bed and missed it, but thankfully we didn't. We enjoyed the moment,.

This is a crazy time of the year...especially for Pastors and their families. There is so much going on between Sunday School parties, Music Programs, caroling, and the list goes on and on. We could rush right through it all and miss the fun, OR we could slow down and enjoy the moment. I pray you enjoy the sweet moments the Lord gives you today,

And the Project Continues....

When we first moved into the house I didn't want to put wallpaper up in the bathroom. So instead I painted it and then hand stamped a leaf print onto the wall. However, it was not until now that I realized that the stamp formed a raised print, which requires sanding to remove them. They are literally all over the walls. I tried regular plain old sandpaper, but that was not working. My arm is about to fall off. So I have begun using an electric sander. It still is not the easiest thing to remove, but I am making headway...along with a huge mess.

I wish I had thought earlier of the Scripture verse Paul used in Phil. 4:11 - "...for I have learned to be content"!!!!

MY OUT-OF-CONTROL PROJECT

You know how it unravels...first you get an idea to redo something in your house. Just a small project that won't cost a lot of money, take a lot of time, or be a big problem. Then you begin....

That's where I am. I decided a few months ago that I wanted to paint my bathroom. I should have known it was not going to be easy because right off the bat I couldn't even find the material I wanted for the curtains. I had picked out the paint last year when I saw it somewhere and really like it. However, trying to match the paint to some material that would match the rug proved to be more than I bargained for. FINALLY, after months of shopping at every fabric store I could find from Tennessee, to Arkansas, to Alabama, I finally found some material at a discount fabric store in North Carolina.!! So now it was time to paint.

As I started looking at what I needed to do Tuesday to get things going (take down the old curtains and blinds, remove the light fixture, etc.) I realized that the plate glass mirrors over both of our sinks had lost some of the backing around the edges and they looked black and ugly. So I thought I would just replace them. It was then that I realized that the finish on the lights above the mirrors did not match the faucet. So if I bought mirrors, which finish should I chose? Theeennnn I noticed, for the first time, that because the sinks were not centered in the countertops, the lights did not line up with the sink. So if I removed the big mirror, which goes from one side of the vanity to the other, and put up a regular mirror, then do I hang it over the sink and not line it up with the lights?

One of our church members and her husband were over at the house and I asked them what they thought. He is a carpenter by trade and I needed an expert's advice. They were not sure either. We could move the lights, but then it would involve an electrician. We could change out the vanity tops and center the sink (I do like those new glass bowl sinks that just sit on the vanity top !!!) but that would be a lot more money than I budgeted for. I also realized that if I changed out the sinks I would have to change out the cabinets because they would no longer line up.....

After a mind boggling time, I decided to have the carpenter frame out the plate mirror. That way you won't notice all the things that don't balance or match! One problem solved...
It's hard to believe I have already invested so much energy into this project and I haven't even opened the paint can!!!!

Going to the Chapel....

Well, my nephew that got engaged in December was married last month. This is my sister's son and it is also my husband's brother's son (brothers married sisters!!!) We had been anticipating it for months. I had driven to Arkansas a couple of times and then flew once, in order to help my sister. Even though she is the mother of the groom, she helped more than normal because her daughter-in-law to be had a sister that gave birth to a premature baby just a few weeks before the wedding. Her mom went to Oklahoma to help with the baby and so we all pitched in to do whatever we could.

We had a blast!!!! Like most of you, I don't get a chance to see my family a lot. We have so much in common, and yet we hardly ever see each other face to face. We talk on the phone almost daily, but there is something wonderful about just hanging out with loved ones. There was such excitement and joy as each family member got into town. We stayed up late and got up early. We were deliriously tired and yet it didn't matter. We folded programs, tied bows, moved tables, set up chairs, painted columns....the list went on and on. Yet, we still had fun.

Finally, the big day arrived. My heart was beating so fast as the music started to play. I was in awe at how beautiful my sister looked. And I was so proud when I saw my brother-in-law, who is a pastor, walk out to perform the ceremony. The bridesmaids were beautiful, of course. But the flower girl stole the show. (She was my 2 year old granddaughter!!!)

However, when the bride started down the aisle, all eyes turned towards her. She was radiant and I was so excited that this day had come at last. I made sure that I could see my nephew's face so I could watch when he first got a glimpse of his bride. His eyes twinkled and I saw him mouthed the word "wow" as he saw her. What a precious moment. The ceremony was so sweet and my brother-in-law made it so very special.

But the ceremony ended in the most unique way. As Rob pronounced them man and wife, right before he kissed his bride, the groom turned to his best man, who just happened to be his twin brother. His brother squirted breath spray in his mouth and then, without missing a beat, Bryant turned to Amy, held her in his arms, dipped her backwards and gave her a kiss. The church erupted into laughter and applause. As they started down the steps the music began to play. It took a second for me to understand what it was, and then I recognized it. "Son of a Preacher Man"!!!!! It was then that I remembered again how much fun it was being in the ministry.

When God Speaks...

Have you ever noticed the way God speaks to us? He tells us the same thing over and over---just in different ways and through different people. We may read something in His word, and then someone later that day will be talking about the same subject, or you will hear a song related to that subject, or you will hear some preacher (usually your husband!!!) preach on it. It goes on and on. I am sure He does that to make His point and to be sure that we get what He is trying to tell us.

That happened this last week. I don't know how many of you got to participate in the Beth Moore Simulcast this past weekend, but it was great. I always enjoy her speaking, but this time it was as if God was whispering in my ear. I really needed to hear what she had to say. The whole context of the weekend was delighting ourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of our hearts. Of course, we all love that scripture because we want those desires to be met. Then she told us to lay those desires at the Lord's feet. I went to Him in prayer and earnestly did just that. Boy did I feel better. But then, as she closed the weekend, she spoke on being content!!!! That is what the Lord has been speaking to me about for a while now. I had to admit that I have not really been content. I know that God CAN give me those desires if He wants, but what if He doesn't want that for my life? Am I willing to be content??? I have been thinking about that for days now. And I was wondering, what about you????

Happy 4th of July!!!

Happy 4th of July!!! For the longest time this was one of the biggest holidays in our family. It was my Dad's birthday, and he used to say that the whole country celebrated with him. When he passed away though, things changed. This year we will celebrate with church "family" instead. I love the fact that God is faithful to place us in churches where I are as comfortable with some of them as I am with my own family. I pray that as you celebrate today you will thank God He has given you people to enjoy life with!

On a completely different note, it was wonderful seeing so many of you at the SBC. The Minister's Wives Luncheon was fun and there was so much good information. I don't know how many of you got to attend, but they announced a new Bible study for minister's wives. I am going to try to involve the wives on our staff. I will let you know how that goes. It seemed like such a great idea and I am sure it will help with us getting to know each other better.

If you would like more info, just let me know.

Thanks, and I hope you have a great 4th!!!

PLEASE HELP ME...

Today we had the opportunity to sit with our daughter while our son-in-law graduated from Southeastern Seminary. There was such an air of excitement in that chapel. Before they handed out the diplomas they asked all the spouses of the graduates to stand. The President of the Seminary spoke of the sacrifices these people made. As I looked at the faces of mostly young ladies, there was such pride in the accomplishments made by their husbands. I didn't see any signs of bitterness because of what they went through to allow these men to graduate. Instead, all you could see was glowing smiles, knowing that together they had done what the Lord had led them to do.

I remember back when Randy was in Seminary. He would have to commute 5 hours every day to get to school, and then come home and pastor a church. It was a really hard time but we got through it.

What about you? Do you remember when your husband was in school? Seminary years were difficult at best. If you lived on campus, the housing was usually not the best in the world. There was no extra money -- at all!!! There was little time to go do anything with him (not that you had money to spend anyway) and when he was home, he was usually studying, which meant he couldn't help alot with the children or with chores.

But you know, there were some good times. Some of the friends we met while in seminary are still some of our best friends. And we definitely made some memories.

What are some things that you remember from your seminary days? I would love for you to share them with me. I would like to give them to my daughter in a booklet as a rememberance. So, if you don't mind, take a few seconds and reply to this and let me hear from you. I think it would be hysterical to hear some of your experiences.

Thanks...and happy remembering!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

I can't believe it, but our granddaughter turned 2 today. Happy Birthday Maddie! I wanted to see her today, but didn't know how I could. She lives in Murfreesboro, which is about 3 1/2 hours to the West of Sevierville, but our son-in-law Kevin is graduating in the morning from Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC which is about 6 1/2 hours East of Sevierville. So we decided that we would not be able to see Maddie today. But the more I thought about the events of that day, the more I wanted to see her.

On the Monday morning she was born, our daughter Beth was induced at 6:00 a.m. The dr. came by to check on her about 7:30 and told her that she would probably deliver around 4:00 that afternoon. But God definitely had other plans. About 8:30 the anesthesiologist came in for what we thought was a regular epidural. Because of some health issues, they decided it would be better if they did not give it to her and told her that she would have to deliver naturally. Beth informed the nurse that she had not even paid attention to that part of the birthing class because she had every intention of having an epidural. The nurse was so sweet and told her she would be fine and that she could get through this. Beth had been in some pretty intense pain already and was quite concerned how she would handle anything worse. The nurse checked her with the intention of planning out the labor when, much to everyone's surprise, she was already completely dialated. She started barking orders and setting everything into motion before we realized what was going on. She finally told us that Beth would be delivering within the hour. Things started happening so quickly we could hardly keep up. The dr. barely made it - literally. He ran in the door just in time to catch Maddie!!

What took place though in those few minutes was unbelievable. Beth had asked me to be in the delivery room and I was thrilled. As I stepped back and watched this beautiful process I saw the Lord perform a miracle right before my eyes. As they placed that little baby into Beth's arms she began talking to her like she had been doing that all her life. I literally saw my baby be transformed into a mother right before my eyes. I will never forget it.

So as I relived that day, I decided to make the effort to go to Murfreesboro. So last night after church we drove to Murfreesboro so we could have breakfast with Maddie this morning. We would have to leave by 9:00 their time to make to our other daughter's by supper. Beth and Derrick kept laughing at us, telling us they could not believe we had driven all that way just to have breakfast. I was beginning to think it was a crazy idea too...until Maddie came running up to me. As I picked her up, she threw her little arms around my neck and hugged me so tight that she grunted. Then she looked me square in the eyes and then kissed me. My heart melted. I knew then that going the second mile (or the hundredth mile) was worth it all!

We have now arrived in Wake Forest. We went by Wendy and Kevin's to visit a little while and are looking forward to graduation tomorrow and all of the festivities.

For right now though, I have to admit, that I am just happy to be in a bed, instead of a car!!!!

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN

Ok, so maybe not the saddle, but I did go for my first bike ride again since I broke my back last August. It hasn't been because I was afraid, I truly haven't had time. But yesterday after working in the yard Randy and I decided we would try it again. We rode down a new stretch of highway that has only been opened a year or so. There are no billboards and not a lot of traffic. The mountains were straight in front of us. The air was cool and you could smell the honeysuckle along the banks of the creek. It was so nice.

I was thrilled when we made it back without incident!! As silly as it sounds, I was glad that it was just an ordinary ride. It proved to me that what happened before was just an accident, not that I was unable to do what children do all the time!!!

As I rode along I thought about how our Christian lives are like that bike accident., Sometimes we fall and God, in all His infinite wisdom and kindness, picks us up, brushes off and sends us back down our path.

I am awfully glad that He is a God of second chances!!!

Home Sweet Home

Well, after a week of being gone (again) I am home. This has been such a crazy spring and there has been a lot going on. But to be honest, I think most of my springs the last several years have been hectic. Three years ago this time we were planning our oldest daughter's wedding. Then two years ago tomorrow, our first granddaughter was born. Last year, my mom passed away. This year there have been a lot of out of town trips that I have had to make. Anyway, I am home for now. For the first time this year, I am out on my porch, my legs crossed with computer in my lap, swinging. It is so peaceful. The roses in my garden are in full bloom, the birds are in the birdhouse fluttering in and out singing up a storm, our grass (which looked like hay until I mowed it yesterday) is cut and the sun is shining. All that, in and of itself, is enough to praise the Lord for. I feel like sometimes I fly through life without really slowing down to enjoy what the Lord has blessed me with.

I received a call today from a young mom. I think she just needed someone to talk to. After discussing what she originally called about, she began to tell me that her husband was out of town on business and she was home alone with her two preschool daughters, one that is 3 and the other 1 1/2. The youngest was sick with a fever and an upper respiratory infection and the mom said that she would cry for a few minutes, then be happy, then cry again. The 3 year old sounds like the typical 3 year old...talking non-stop. The sweet young mom sounded tired and little exasperated. I thought back to when my girls were that age and could remember exactly how she felt. The difference is that now I realize that those times pass so quickly, and there are days I would do anything to be home with them again.

My point is that life doesn't slow down for any of us. Sometimes I need to just make myself enjoy the moment. Right now I could be doing a 100 different things but I am going to choose to sit here in the quietness of the moment and thank God for the blessings of today.

OK, GOD REALLY DOES HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR!!! As I was about to sign off there was a fire truck and ambulance that came whizzing by. The sirens were so loud that it hurt my ears. Then a woodpecker started pecking like crazy on a tree right across the street. My phone rang and someone has begun cutting their grass with a very loud mower!!!!

I am just glad I enjoyed the "moments" while I had them.

To be young again....

Our oldest daughter Wendy and her husband Kevin are in Seminary at Southeastern in Wake Forest, North Carolina. We are here visiting them this week. Over the last couple of years we have had several young couples from our church enroll here. So on Tuesday night we took all of them out to supper. As we sat around the table with all these young minds, discussing ministry, it was so much fun hearing their take on life. They are so enthusiastic about what God is doing, and is going to do with them. Some of them have plans to go into International Missions, others are aspiring to become Pastors and Youth Ministers while others would like to teach.

As I sat there listening, my mind went back to what seems like only yesterday, when it was Randy and I sitting around with "older" ministers discussing ministry. I remember vividly some of the conversations we had and how we were so excited about making a difference in the world AND in eternity.

As I do a little survey of what has taken place in our lives so far I realize that we have been involved in a lot of ministry. Just like you, we have seen people come to know the Lord, miracles happen, lives changed. It is still exciting to be a part of "God things".

But I have to say, that after supper the other night, I think God has chosen some really wonderful young people to carry on His work. I can't wait to see what they do....

Being a Minister's Wife

During the last month I have had the honor of speaking at two Minister's Wives events. As I sat around listening to some of your stories I was fascinated at how God is at work everywhere. It's amazing to see how He uses all of our individual gifts and talents in each of the different churches that we are serving in.

The first event I attended was the Bi-Vocational Minister's and Wives Weekend held in Pigeon Forge. I had a blast!!! You talk about an energetic group of ladies! The theme of one of the workshops was Laughter, and boy did we laugh!!! There is just something about getting away with a group of ladies who all have the same things in common. It gives us an opportunity to share, and laugh and even cry together. The leaders of this particular group have such a sweet outlook on ministry and have so many good ideas to help each other. They also know how to have fun and bring that to the group. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of it all.

Not only did we laugh a lot, but we had a chance to see God do some incredible things. During the last session on Saturday morning, a precious pastor's wife decided to nail down her salvation decision. So right there, in the middle of that conference room, she and I, along with another sweet pastor's wife, knelt down and prayed. What a humbling experience!!! God is at work in so many different ways...and I do thank Him for allowing me to see His hand in motion.

I know that there are days that are rough in our churches, and we are stretched to the limits, but then He allows us to experience some really unbelievable things like this, and it is all worth it!!!

Going Back

I had the opportunity to go back to the Gulf Coast last weekend to speak at a Ladies Retreat. This particular conference was with one of our former churches. I had looked forward to being back with those ladies since the first day they asked me to speak.

There is something special about going back to a previous church. There are always so many memories and experiences that you share. (Some good and some bad!) This church was where we served for 13 years. Our children were born there and we were able to form some deep, lifelong friendships. These friendships have some common denominators...

-You can be yourself. These kind of friends know all about you and still love you...
-These kinds of friends can go a long time without seeing them, and when you do see them, it's as if you never left....
-These friends show up when you have a great need in your life without having to be asked to come...
-These friends also are there when you celebrate the important things in your life...

All this has reminded me about how important friends are in making life enjoyable and endurable. Why don't you call up an old friend today and tell them how much you appreciate them?

TRAGEDY IN THE PULPIT

I am sure by now you have read about the pastor that was shot and killed in Maryville, Illinois this past weekend. His name was Fred Winters and he had been the pastor for more than 20 years. The congregation had grown from just over 100 to over 1200 during the time that he was the pastor. From everything I have read he was a wonderful people person and was loved by everyone.

The reports are not sure whether Pastor Fred knew the killer or if this man just walked in and started shooting. The congregation never dreamed that this could occur in their church and they sat stunned as the whole thing played out in front of them.

I have to say, I have thought about this before. And not just on one occasion. Everytime I hear of anything like this, I wonder what would I do. What would our church do? Would there be anyone picking up on the fact that this was not normal? To be honest, it is a little frightening to think that our husbands are up front with no protection and often, no plans in place.

Have you ever felt uneasy about something like this happening to your husband? Please comment and let me know. Also, let me know if your church has a plan, and if so, what is it? You may be able to help the rest of us.

I know that God has a perfect plan for us and our families. I know that we have His protection. But I also know that satan is alive and well and we should be ready for anything.

My thoughts and prayers have been with Pastor Fred's family and church. I can't even begin to understand how they feel. Of course, I have thought a lot about his wife. I went to the church's website and read what they had posted. In the post they asked for prayers for the families, not just of Pastor Fred but of the assailant's as well. What a remarkable lady and congregation to remember at such a tragic time that the one that caused the pain was the very one who needed their prayers. I am praying that God works tremendously through all of this and when we get to Heaven there will be people there because God used this to bring salvation to many.

1,000 WINS

Last night Randy and I had the opportunity to go to a Lady Vols Game at UT in Knoxville. Now this was not just any game. This game happened to be Coach Pat Summitt's 1,000th win. This, of course, had been building for a while. Everyone had been counting down the moment. UT was on the road last week and everyone thought that might be THE game. But they lost and headed back to Knoxville. But it was ok because it seemed right that they would play it in front of their home fans and in their home gym.

You could feel the excitement before the game ever started. When the team was announced there was cheering and screaming. But that was nothing compared to when Coach Summitt walked out onto the court. The place went wild!!! She got a standing ovation before they even dribbled the ball for the first time.

The game was not the most exciting one I have ever seen however. But by the beginning of the 4th quarter it was apparent that this would be THE night. Right before the end of the game you could see all the dignitaries getting in place to make the presentations. At the sound of the final buzzer things got crazy. There were streamers coming down from the rafters, the band was playing so loud you could hardly hear, there were people hugging and jumping and screaming. The players threw an ice chest full of confetti on Coach Summitt, as well as the newscasters that were interviewing her. It was a sight to behold.

As I stood there watching this amazing event I couldn't help but think about Heaven. Is this what it is like when we "win" someone to Christ. Do the angels give each other high fives and do they jump up and down? Does the choir sing so loud that you have to shout to be heard? Does the Father Himself make the presentations and announcements?

Like I said, I couldn't help but wonder.

Bellyaching about Bible Study

It's happening again. It seems as if every time I start a new bible study, satan throws stuff at me to either distract me or cause me to miss it.

I know that Monday I was so excited about the snow (and I still am) but we started the new Beth Moore Bible Study on Esther about 5 weeks ago, and because of the weather we have only met 2 times!! The church policy is that if the schools are out, we only have prayer meeting. None of the other activities take place. I understand it completely, but I really want to go on with this study.

You know how it is when you sense God is working in your heart? You know He is trying to teach you something. There is an excitement in your quiet time and a lift in your heart. That's how I have been about this book. I think Beth Moore is wonderful and I love her studies, but I think what I like the most is that it forces me to really get in God's word for myself. I seem to spend more quality time in His word than I normally do. Because I have homework, and I know that we will be discussing it, I really pour over the scriptures and look for how they apply to my life. Anyway, this week's study was great and I was looking forward to the class discussion tonight, but instead they won't meet until next Wednesday. That is great except I will be out of town next week, so it will be 2 weeks for me.

It just occurred to me that I am whining about my bible study....can you do that? Surely there is something wrong when you complain about spiritual matters...isn't there? I don't often hear people going off about studying God's word!

I guess that goes to show you how badly I needed this tonight!!!!

I CONFESS...

I have to confess to you that I was really jealous as I read Dana's blog last week. She was talking about the snow they had received and I kept wishing that we could get some here. Well, God was so kind that He answered my prayers.

As I am writing this blog, I am looking out of our study window and the snow is gently falling. Actually the flakes are huge and it is one of the prettiest snows we have had. ( I think I say that everytime it snows though). Everything looks so clean and it is so peaceful.

I love days like this. I had so much on my calendar that needed to get done, but I have caught myself at the window several times today just watching the weather. I have decided that since this is not the norm, it is okay to be a little lazier than normal and treat myself to a cup of coffee and sit in the chair by the fireplace that faces the window. I know that what I am delaying will have to be taken care of, and I will get to it, but I don't want to rush through this day and not enjoy this gift.

I am usually guilty of that....rushing. I wonder why we feel we have to be going at life at a break neck speed all the time. It must be how we women are wired (say that three times!!) Anyway, for just the next little bit, I am going to choose to stop and try to just enjoy the moment. Thank you Lord for answered prayers!