Happy New Year!

Goodbye 2011.

Hello 2012!

As we usher in the new year once again, it brings to mind all the folks out in the world who, in my opinion, foolishly try to predict the "end of the world."  According to some folks, the Myans have it correct with their calendar ending on December 21, 2012.

Really?

Nobody knows, except our Heavenly Father.




I would really like to know ahead of time when "the end" will be, but then that negates the Faith that I have and the trust that I have put in God.  I trust that God will take care of us.  He tells us in scripture what we need to do--trust & believe that His Son, Jesus, came to die for our sins and then rose again 3 days later.  We need to believe. 

So, if we believe, then why don't we trust?  Ahhh........that one's a little harder to do.  I can believe what I don't see, but can I trust what I don't see?  Yes we can because we have God's Word.  We have the Bible which gives us confidence and reassurance that God is with us and will never leave us.  Why worry about the "end of the world?"

I don't worry.  I trust that God is in control.  As long as HE knows what's going to happen (and He does), then I am not going to worry or listen to the hype about the end being near.

Just a thought......

The Graduate

 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)
Oh, the excitement and the anticipation of the day...!

The applause, the laughs, the tears of joy.

The accomplishment.

The honor.



After 3 years of intense study, my dear husband Seth graduated from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology.  He not only graduated--he graduated WELL.  He received the honor of Suma Cum Laude with a GPA of  3.96, and was also the top Christian Studies graduate of his graduating class.

I'm so very proud of this accomplishment.  Tears of joy well up as I write.  I'm so very proud of my man!

This is evidence of God at work for sure!  How else could a 34 year old man with a demanding loving wife, 2 very active preteen/teen kids, and a full-time youth pastor position possibly have time for school and then do so well while there?  It's absolutely an amazing thing!  Praise God! He is SO good.

The kids are pretty proud of Dad, too!

   

What's next?

Well, Seth is pursuing graduate school or seminary to get his Master's degree now.  He will take the spring semester off and then start back up full swing in the fall of 2012.

I think he's earned a break, don't you?

Go, in the Strength You Have...

Our God is SO amazing!

Our God is so good!

Our God is ..........indescribable, at times.

My family is finally coming to a turning point in our lives.  I won't reveal details just yet, but it has been over a year long in the making.  God has been speaking to Seth and I, and preparing us little by little for this point in our life together.  We are both so excited, yet we are clinging to a bit of fear;  fear of the unknown, I guess.

We know God will take care of us and provide for every need.  We trust that God will honor our decision to step out in faith even if it isn't a perfect step.

So, why are we holding on to a smidgen of fear?  Aren't we past this?  *Sigh*

As we sat and worried if our decision was the right one or not, we turned to God and just asked Him.
He answered:

"Go in the strength you have...am I not sending you?"          Judges 6:14 

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."  2 Timothy 1:7

Amazing!  I would call that a clear response from the Father; wouldn't you?

I will share more about this awesome time in our life as the story continues to develop.  Seth and I appreciate any and all prayers as we seek God's face in this next chapter of our life together.  All I can say is that it is VERY exciting and God is SO VERY good!

More details to come soon... :-)