As I was preparing to come to the church this morning, a weird feeling came over me as I was leaving the house.  Josh returned to OBU yesterday, Kristen left for an early class this morning, Edie was already at work, mom is back in her apartment and I felt alone.  Not like God's presence had left me alone, but empty house alone.  I said out loud, "everything is back to normal."  Then I realized that Josh being gone, Kristen finishing college is not the normal.  It is the abnormal (for me).  Life is changing!.  I speak of it often.  I'm learning a new "normal."  I love the changes and I dislike the changes.  I miss little kids and I love having older kids.  I miss little league and am so glad we're past it.  I love Josh being home and know its good for him to be gone.  I'm not even thinking about what the next year will bring for my little girl.  I have no normal.  God spoke to me in this moment that He will never change!

I have been studying the details of creation for several weeks. My Sunday night messages this month are the fruits of that study.  With this topic ever before me, I remembered a verse of Scripture that added  some perspective.  "For by Him (Jesus) all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created by Him and for Him." (Col. 1:16, NASB) This marvelous creation was for the glory of Jesus!  

I can hardly believe another year has come and gone.  Seems like yesterday that the Y2K scare dominated our attention.  2009 brought many blessings to our family and also some challenges.  Josh graduated high school (blessing), then left for college (challenge) in the fall.  We are getting used to it, but we sure miss him.  Kristen is getting really close to graduating with her history degree.  She is praying about whether her next move will be seminary or teaching.  Edie was certified as a teacher in Arkansas and was hired in the Lavaca Schools system.  She loves working there.  My mom is recovering from her stroke and is getting better.  In fact, last night she slept, for the first time, in her apartment upstairs.  My grandmother went home to be with the Lord last year.  She was my last remaining grandparent.  As for my ministry, disciple-making took center stage.

2010 will bring lots of opportunity.  Disciple-making, missions trips, family, fun, fishing, etc.  Also, there will be challenges this year just like all the previous years.  The one thing I know is that God will guide us.  Happy New Year!

Edie, Kristen, Josh and I would like to wish our church family a very happy Thanksgiving.  We love you all!

The past week or so has been a whirlwind!  As I was preparing to preach revival in Tacoma, Washington, Brother Danny go the swine flu and asked me to fill in for him at another revival he was scheduled to preach.  I gladly accepted and preached his night in Clarksville.  It was an amazing night at East Mount Zion Trinity Baptist Church.  The music was incredible and Edie and I made some real friends.  God saved some folks there!!  Praise His Name.

My revival at FBC Tacoma was amazing.  It was my third trip there and I think the best.  God moved upon many in the area of disciple-making and I can hardly wait to hear what God is going to do there in the coming months.  Kristen was able to go with me on this trip and I really enjoyed being with her.

When I returned, we go the news of Hannah being in a wreck.  This, as you all know, took us by surprise.  Thanks the Lord, she is OK and has returned to class.  I'm also thankful that Brother Danny and Ashley were able to get to VA so quickly.  This scared us all.  Brother Danny was scheduled to preach at an annual associational meeting, but he needed to be with Hannah.  He asked me to fill in for him and again I gladly did.  I had a great time preaching on the topic of evangelism.  

You know, nothing catches God off guard or surprises Him.  He knew all along what my schedule would be and all the details surrounding it.  Isn't it awesome to know that God is in control!!!!!