looking forward

...wish i could explain it
this stirring, this sweet agony
within me
the excitement attends me
every waking moment
and there's a certain comfort
even when i have so many questions
about where this path will lead

i'm full of dreams, hopes,
goals, and plans
i've learned how to give
my outline to God first
and watch Him work the details

...wish i could describe the absolute joy
i have inside
the beauty i have discovered
the precious gift of life
wrapped in complete
and wholesome love

i said,
i've learned to give my desires
to the Lord, knowing i
can't move without Him....

...wish i could adequately express this peace
that abides within me
though my heart is turning cartwheels
with each step i take into unknown tomorrows

i know my  feet won't falter
as the road ahead looms before me

the journey promises blessed companionship
(and i am looking forward)

...wish i could explain it

© 2011

August is gone! (....once a month, at least!!!)

It occurred to me, just because I have a blog doesn't mean I'll be writing things daily. Well, of course I knew this already, but somehow I'd wanted to have this prolific experience. Magically! It hasn't happened, and honestly, I promised myself that I wouldn't write anything mundane, uninspired, "pedestrian" (my mother's favorite word), just to be posting something. There is a certain amount of pride I do (still ) have in my work...my self.

The month of August is gone. There's one more day left. I've decided to just give a brief update on things I mentioned in previous posts:

The Skype Bible study is still going strong. We have seven individuals in all. Three of them are getting ready to get online with the  Sabbath/Saturday study; and one of them meets with me on Sundays. So currently, we have 3 active members, including myself (my son, Jonathan, would be #4) who have been meeting weekly on Saturdays since May. My son is back in college and is working on syncing up with us at 9 a.m. in his time zone. It was even more difficult for him when he was home this summer, because it begins at 7 a.m. in my time zone! We'll see, and I'm not holding my breath! (smile). And the young lady I meet with on Sundays has been enjoying our one-on-one sessions weekly since June. It's been such an enriching experience for me. The others have expressed the same sentiments. Our study has been on "love", and we're gleaning so much from each other as we share the lessons we're learning week to week, and how the Bible comes to life for us in our daily lives. 

The new believers Bible class for young people - a duty I recently accepted at the invitation of a Pastor/friend of mine at a church where I minister through music - is also doing well. By God's grace, we meet every Sabbath at 10 a.m. (So, I'm up early before 7 a.m. for the Skype sessions, then out the door by 9:15 so I can be on time for the young people at church. It's working!) There are about 16 young people in the class, ranging from ages 15-19. Most of them are recently baptized members, some of them were already members, or have been going to that church for a while. I conduct this class by the same principles as we do the Skype. We use the Bible to answer our life questions. 

The Pastor had initially asked me about materials I might need. I thought about this, and came up with two things:  1. a composition book (journal) for each teen 2. a Teen Study Bible (NIV).  A trip to the bookstore rewarded me with my decision on item 2. I own a study Bible and it is very helpful to me, but I'm comfortable with the KJV. Not everyone is; especially the younger folks, and ESPECIALLY young people who have never owned a Bible. The new international version speaks in language young (and old) can relate to, without detracting from the clear message of the texts. The purpose of the journal is simple. (and I have one, too) My hope and goal is to introduce personal Bible study to these young ones. Bible study that is not forced, but based on a developing relationship with the Lord... the God they have already promised to love, trust and obey.  These young people have brought many questions, to which I am bringing back answers from the Word. Answers they are able to check and read for themselves. And we have been having wonderful discussions; question and answer periods. Each young person will have an opportunity to facilitate, lead out, pray, etc., as we move forward from week to week.


I've already mentioned that my son is back in college. THAT was an accomplishment, as well! I take nothing for granted! We're very proud of him; he's in his junior year at Oakwood University, in Huntsville, AL - an Applied Mathematics and Engineering major. Next year he plans to transfer to University of Alabama in Huntsville for the engineering portion of his studies. I pray all goes well. My other children (the youngunz), are also doing well, by God's grace. My eldest, Ashley, is teaching English in South Korea, along with my son-in-law, Brian. They're enjoying it immensely and share their experiences on a blog of their own. http://129degreeseast.wordpress.com/  They work for the South Korean government in a program called EPIK (English Program in Korea), teaching in public schools. And my second daughter, Angela, is currently awaiting word about employment with the county, here in our area. She graduated from college in 2010 in Management, and looks forward to going to graduate school in the fall of 2012. I pray daily for the strengthening of each of my children in their relationships with the Lord, for their protection and guidance as they make their way through this life.

As for me.... I also have plans that I'm lifting up to the Lord in prayer. I ask that you join me in prayer to continue to be obedient to the voice of the Lord as I move from day to day. By God's grace, there will be more to share as we enter into September! (but I'll post once a month, at the very least!)