Let's see........

I know I have a lot to write about, because I haven't written about random stuff I've done in a long time, and I feel like I should or else it's going to be really complicated when I finally get around to posting pictures (which I started last night, but was interrupted when our internet wouldn't work anymore).....but I think I'm going ot write about something on my heart instead. Hopefully that'll be interesting, too.

For one thing, I'm feeling pretty amazed and almost overwhelmed by how God works it all out. I've had this dream for years that I told no one and scarcely even allowed myself to think about, because it just seemed so far-fetched. I want to be published. Eventually, I want to write a women's devotional/inspirational book and have it published. I don't want to be famous; I only want to use the experiences I've had to help someone else, and I think it's getting pretty clear in my life that the gift of writing that I've been given is how I'm to do that. Still, though, I've never allowed myself to really think about it much, because it seemed too big for me. It wasn't even that I was consciously doubting God's ability to make it happen; it just seemed that that's a pretty big undertaking, and this is little ol' me we're talking about. I never allowed myself to nurture a dream I never thought would even come close to fruition. I met with my pastor yesterday afternoon about something that changes all of that, though. Without me ever telling him that I had this dream - because I had never told ANYONE, really - he asked me to adapt his sermons for publication. For now, it's only going to be in-house, with us distributing them online to those who want them and to our own community, but eventually he wants it to grow so that people can get the positive message about a relationship with Christ that we emphasize so strongly in our church. We want to get that out there, because our church and our approach is pretty unique and there are a lot of people, we think, that could truly benefit from the vision of ministry God has given us. Anyhow, I'm going to be working on that, and I'm so excited. It's such an exciting new avenue of ministry, and I'm really humbled that I'm the one God has called into this....because I DO feel like it's a calling. John asked me if I thought I had time to do this, and I was like, "Um....I'm supposed to do this. I'll make time." Please pray that I stay focused on what this is about, that I'll be protected from Satan's attempts to feed my ego through this, and that the words will be given to me. I don't want this to be about me in any way.

Also, I'm feeling so encouraged by the community of Christ. Last week, as many of you have read, I struggled a lot with nastiness here at work, and with feelings of bitterness and anger at worldly perspectives that I'm surrounded with all day. I'm not used to that - for the past several years, I've worked almost exclusively with other Christians, and haven't had to deal with those kinda of viewpoints. Today, though, one of the girls I work with - who I knew was a believer - brought me a CD of Christian music to listen to, and it has lifted me up so much throughout the day. It also sparked a good conversation with her, and encouraged me that I'm not alone here. Everyone here is nice - don't get me wrong - but it's SO helpful to know that there are others here who are standing against the gossip and slander and impurities.

Thirdly, the most recent series we've done at church (and the first one I'm going to adapt) was called "Worship (re)defined," trying to take what the church has made "worship" and change it to a more biblical concept. It was a phenomenal series, and I have been so challenged to make worship a 24/7 part of my life. If you're able to, I hope you'll listen to the sermons either online (www.thequestonline.com) or on CD.

Pictures are coming......eventually. There are lots, and it's taking me a little while. Maybe they'll be worth the wait. =)