FOCUS

I haven't really kept up with my blog; but sometimes I just like to write what I'm feeling or going through, so those are the times I update it. Obviously alot has happened since October but most of it isn't worth noting. Recently though, there has been a great deal going on at church. This month, we have been celebrating the Calvary's 50th anniversary with lots of activities, dinners, and visitors coming to help us celebrate. Unfortunately, this month will end with our senior pastor leaving. (For those that don't know, my pastor is also part of my [extended] family -- he is my brother-in-law's brother.) This has been a long and trying ordeal, but is the best decision for him and his family. I know God has great plans for them. My sister and BIL (an outreach pastor) are also leaving, as he has accepted a position at another church. My family has always gone to church together, so this leaves my mother and me in a difficult place. We both hold [minute] positions within the church and don't feel it would be right to leave without fulfilling those duties or finding a replacement. So, while we will eventually join my sister, BIL, and nephew at Seneca CoG, we will continue to worship at Calvary for the time being. I will surely miss the people and worship at Calvary when we do leave, but I find it important to make the sacrifices for my mother that she once made for me!!

my BIL and nephew at our 50th Anniversary Celebration

At church, we are also getting ready for our annual ladies' retreat. This year, we are returning to the Great Smoky Mountain. Our retreats have always been a wonderful time of praise, prayer, devotion, fun, and fellowship -- and this year, I expect no less!!! I actually am expecting this year to be so much better than years past! I trust that God is going to move and answer prayers in a way that we ladies have never seen Him before! Our theme this year is FOCUS, and I am privileged to be one of the speakers/devotion leaders. God has been speaking a word into my heart that I just can't contain. I am so excited to share with the ladies what God has given me. I have never spoken to this many people before, so please keep me in your prayers as I prepare and God continues to reveal Himself and His word to me.

"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." Aristotle Onassis

Also want to share a few pictures of my nephew -- he is getting so big and growing up way too fast!!! He looks like a little man!

eating Cheerios during church

sitting beside daddy

waking up in the recliner

DIRTY face!!!

playing with blocks

little man walking

HEY!

<3 this little man!!