The Revolve Tour in Portland, OR

Incredible experience to see 6,776 young girls and mothers, aunts, and grandmothers all gathered to grow in Christ! Even more incredible was counting the commitment cards and realizing that 15% of those young people made a first time commitment to Christ at the conference! I cried and I shouted for joy at how awesome God is and how blessed I am to even be able to be a part of something so much bigger than myself. I praise God for allowing me to serve and pray for those girls and women. There is no denying that when we focus on others we definitely find our priorities getting back into alignment with His.

Jennifer had a great time and really enjoyed the music, drama, and speakers and informed me that "We are DEFINITELY coming back next time!" I could only smile because if there is anything I have realized in my life it is the necessity to ensure my children have as much a grounding in their faith and as many resources available as they need to stay rooted in their own faith. My faith will never be enough for them, the storms of life are going to come, and life is not always fair, pretty, easy, or even logical. When bad things happen to good people they need to know Who to turn to, what to believe in, and where to go for help. Experiences like this weekend have opened many doors for Jennifer and I to communicate about issues she may not otherwise felt comfortable talking about. To say that I am thrilled is such an understatement.

Good-bye Fall

So, November is around the corner, alright it is this Sunday. That is more like a heartbeat away. I have been at the new job for four months and the kids have been in school almost two months. Since my last post, Jordan has gotten over the H1N1 virus and has finished his flag football season. Jennifer has attended her first homecoming game and dance. I have attended my first Women’s retreat at our new church and helped to build my first bed. I will eventually post pictures but the paint is still drying so it’s not quite assembled yet. The kids and I are still in that ‘getting settled’ stage and I am not sure just how long it takes to move onto the next one but I really hope it isn’t too much longer. I haven’t been working out and that has definitely been a setback but I am working on some creative ways to get a workout routine fit into the commute, work, commute, family time and chores schedule.
Devotion time has even been suffering and I have determined not to let that continue another day. I cannot say that there is one specific thing that has set me back but it is mostly a combination of trying to get too much crammed into a day. I am glad that we are adjusting to the Daylight Saving Time this weekend as the days are getting so short and the nights so long. I praise God that His mercy is new every morning and He never slumbers nor sleeps. I love that I have awesome Christian radio to listen to every morning and afternoon while I drive and that God has continually shown me when I start to lose focus. I am so very blessed.

Well, Fall is definitely here and Winter is close behind. I drove to work on Monday to see snow in the hills right behind my workplce. I saw snow piled up on the hood of a car as it drove past too. Sandpoint is almost an hour north of Spirit Lake and it hasn't snowed here yet but it's coming. So far, life is good and I am daily reminded of how special I am to my Lord. He gives me more than I can absorb at some days. I am constantly awed at His grace, sovereignty, and love for me!

Jennifer is really keeping me on my toes with school and life changes but she is willing to heed the Lord's voice and is trying to make good choices. Jordan is feeling more comfortable with Flag Football and has 4 more games before they are done and I think it is a mixed blessing as the weather gets colder he is not as happy about being outside in shorts. He is doing great in school and is 'bored' as usual but I hope that he takes that boredom and focuses it on his spelling. He is really loving the time spent with his friend, Eli, and his cousin, Andy.

Here is a snapshot of Papa and Jennifer watching a funny on You Tube.