It's Starting to Feel Like Home

It has taken a great deal of time, but one year later, our humble abode is beginning to look like a home! We built bookshelves (well, Mark did) and cleaned closets! We have pictures, shelves, and new accenting candles. It was a lot of fun simply staying home and decorating.

Oh, and I have to mention that September 6, 2006 officially marked our one-year pastoral anniversary. On this momentous occasion, we were honored to receive a gift card to one of our favorite restaurants and a beautiful scrapbook. We also reflected on the last year as we viewed a marvelous video presentation. A great deal of personal change has commenced, but we are excited to be a part of a revival church!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHELDON!!

Today is a special day; it is Sheldon's birthday. We are blessed to have a remarkable son! As time marches on, we will always remember the spectacular day when we first held our son who weighed in at 9-1/2 pounds! Sheldon, we love you; HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

The Rose

The majestic beauty of a rose is priceless. When God designed the rose, He must have known just how much mankind would appreciate its innate beauty. Roses are appropriate for many occasion. Whether a rose is bestowed as an act of love or a kind gift of gratitude, it is symbolic of tranquility and thoughtfulness. A rose is not grown overnight. Each petal must gingerly unfold day by day. Once the bud blooms, it is wonderful to observe the pureness of the rose.

Where am I going with this thought? I don't actually know. However, I can remember a time when my pastor spoke these words to me, "Like a rose, you must let God unfold your life." At that time, I had no idea what path that I would travel down, but God knew, and He has been faithful. God continues to unfold the rose, and each rose in my life is different. It is symbolic of every victory I have ever experienced. I cannot afford to become withered, overburdened, or useless in the Master's hand. I must strive to be more like Him.

I am thankful to be traveling down this journey of my life. As a pastor's wife, I have endeavored to give it my very best. I have a wonderful husband who guides me and encourages me along the way, a son who brings laughter and joy to my life, a church family who is awesome, family and friends who provide words of inspiration!

I'll end with this, "When God unfolds the rose, he always gets it right!"

Give It Your All

Consider the woman with the alabaster box. She poured not just any oil, but the Bible clearly states expensive oil. In otherwards, she gave her very best. Instead of people embracing what she did, they mocked her. How could she do such a thing? The pivitol point here is that she gave her very best. You have to be willing to give your all even when people won't embrace what you are doing. People won't always give their all in return. However, it's imperative that you do.