The Floodgates Open

Not only have the floodgates of heaven opened pouring forth rain on the earth, but the floodgates of heaven have also been pouring God's blessings into my life. I can barely breathe - I feel like I am drowning at times...

My friends know that this transition back into full time engineering at General Motors after 20 years of "retirement" have been difficult. I have felt like I've lost my identity and purpose. I have been focusing on all that has been taken away from me - the ministry I thought was  to do, the people I wanted to reach, the sacrifices I chose to make - instead of focusing on what God was doing in my life. I lost track of the fact that this life I live isn't about ME, it's all about Jesus!

I wish I could share all that God is doing...I can't, but here are a few glimpses:

1) The opportunity to allow Craig to serve me in an area that I have served him pretty exclusively for the last 20 years. We've come full circle, back to sharing in household cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping etc., as I do my part in bringing home the "bacon". I never dreamed it would be so hard to give up! :)

2) Working together throughout the week, enjoying talking "shop" around the dinner table and understanding each other's successes and struggles...

3) Receiving encouraging IMs throughout the day. ;-) He lifts me up when I am down and prods me on when I feel like giving up. It feels like when we were first dating. (We met at GM 27 years ago!) I keep looking for "perennial" flowers in a beaker on my desk. ;-) Or a helium balloon with a smiley tied to my chair. Unfortunately, my desk is in Pontiac and his is in Warren. :-(

4) Grateful to see his reduced stress over financial matters.

5) The AMAZING work God did in placing a ministry burden on Craig and me independently, then drawing us together in the offering ...Don't know if, when, or how the offering will be used, but I have been blessed beyond words with the fact that we are in unity and stepped out in faith together in obedience with open hands - my faith has grown to have experienced God in this way!

There is so much more...

I want to live with open hands and a grateful heart!  :)

Dance Your Shoes Off - He's ALIVE!

Made me want to join in. Who wouldn't want to be a part of this energy and excitement for Jesus?! Loved all the sizes, shapes, ages, coordination levels involved. Angie - watch to the end...thought you would appreciate this! :)

Young Models of Godliness

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

I am thankful for the "young adults" in my life who, by their actions and "words" are living, walking models of faithful sojourners in this life. I've been convicted, challenged, and encouraged by their desire to be faithful to God above all and everyone else.

1.) Making a hard decision without complete understanding to obey God's small still voice, when it hurt, went against hopes, dreams and desires, and brought criticism from family and friends.
2.) Responding with grace, understanding and kind words...
3.) Stopping a conversation in mid thought, realizing that to continue would be to gossip.

I'm tired, I'm weary, and falling so short of who I desire to be and need to be. I can't do this on my own. Thank you that you are strong enough for both of us...



I can do All things through Christ who strengthens me, knowing that He who began a good work in me will complete it. Thank you, Lord!