Thu, Nov 30th - 3:24PM

Changes

I have been so anxious to write down my impressions of Aquire the Fire. I was a chaperone to about 60 kids almost 2 weeks ago. We went to Billings for a youth rally called Aquire the Fire. I have mixed feelings about the program but by and large I believe they serve a good purpose. My sons enjoyed it immensely (sp) which is the most important thing. We were able to find out more about over seas ministries and things of that sort. After we got home I asked the boys about going someplace easier for our first missions trip, maybe mexico or something. Understand that I have felt called to Africa for the last 16 years. Both boys feel the same way, that we should go to Africa.

More about ATF later.

I have decided to step down as puppet director for our church. After spending a weekend with thousands of teens, I know that I am cheating my youth group by hanging on to the puppet ministry. My reasons for getting involved were directed in the right way, but I have known in my heart that it was not the ministry for me. I am not a youth leader. Dont get me wrong, I love our youth but my place is elsewhere. I know where it is that I want to be, but time will tell if that is where God wants me as well. For now I am content to wait upon the Lord. Keep our puppet team in prayer, and myself as well.

I have a couple of other prayer requests, things with our house have slowed to a crawl. We are supposed to be moved in soon, but things are not looking good. I am having problems getting the plumbers and electricians in to do the work that needs to be done. Everything else is on hold until they do their job. There is so much left to be done. My current landlords are getting antsy to have the house I am in back. They want to remodel and put it on the market. What was supposed to be a stay of 3 or 4 months is turning into 9,10,11 months. Pray for these kind people as well, I understand their frustration but we would prefer not to move again until the house is done.

Back to ATF, we were able to see Bethany Dillon in concert. What a delightful lady! Her music was incredible. Skillet was also there, my sons were wild! :) Myself? I listened for a bit before hunkering down into my seat and dozing until they were done. WHAT???? Sleep during a hard rock concert????? Hey, I am discovering that I am turning into my parents :( It just was not music I was into) I have traveled a lot, I can sleep during anything! ha ha

One funny realization during this program and my sons caught on to it as well.... part of the focus of this rally was how the media owns us. They market based on what we buy, so in essence they own us! The speaker told of how we drink what they tell us to, we listen to what they tell us to, we wear what they tell us to. etc etc...

It hit a nerve, but and here is the clincher.... there we were out in the lobby during the breaks, buying what they were telling us to buy!!! :) I have the sweatshirt to prove it!

I have to run, need to get ready for work. Bless you all. Praise God!

and again, Merry CHRISTmas

Barb

Mon, Nov 13th - 3:36PM

Just a note

God is good, all the time! Its been a crazy fall. In July, the boys and I moved to a small one bedroom house until our own house was finished. I sleep in the diningroom, one of the boys is on the couch and the other is in the one bedroom. It has made for cramped quarters but oh the praises we will sing when we get into the new house!!! It will seem like a palace. :)

Our original move in date was this month but as it goes it looks like January or February now. Hey, thats ok! My first house payment wont land at Christmas. We are having fun building, if we get in next month or in the next three months its all the same. I told my sons, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We will never again build a house together as a family. I would not give up this time for anything.

I do miss being online however. I didnt hook up the phone and the internet when we moved. We are wiring the new house for wireless (is that an oxymoron?) I cant wait to be able to blog and read blogs here again.

This weekend we head out for Aquire the Fire. This is a teen rally. I am so excited. Last year or last spring, dont remember when exactly, the boys went with our youth group. I didnt get to go. This time around I am going as a chaperone. I am thrilled to be able to experience this with the boys!! I keep telling them they have to behave or they will have to room with me at the hotel!! (they are 16, no way would they room with mom)

God is awesome and blessing us every day. I sincerely hope he is blessing you too!!

Thanks for not booting me from the site for not posting. I am still here :)

Merry CHRISTmas and happy holidays!

Babs