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This morning was a meeting for the upcoming mission trip. Intimidating not knowing anyone there except the trip leader and his family. I guess that means I'll have a lot of opportunities to make new friends... or acquaintances... or "Facebook friends." [ha ha] I think it'll be a good trip though. Maybe it'll be nice being away from everyone and everything. Maybe it will give me a chance to renew and recharge my spirit. I do wish my hubby were coming with me, though.
The trip leader pointed us to some excellent things to think about as we prepare for the missions experience.
ONE... over and over again, the Lord tells Joshua, "Be strong and courageous..." Then in Joshua 1:9 He continues with, "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Yes! Thank you, Lord! I need to remember this as I will be intimidated and hold back because of all the people I do not know. I had the thought today that it's obvious I've been away too long. I'm like a stranger again to this experience.
TWO... staying unified will be an important part of the trip, despite feeling tired or grumpy or hungry. Paul reminds us in Romans 15:5-7, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
THREE... we are blessed to be a part of the United in Christ ministry as we serve along side the missionaries. Our purpose there is to serve God. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
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We have had such beautiful weather the last couple of days. What a blessing! Luckily, I've been able to enjoy a little vitamin D!
Yesterday I came home from work a little early [well, actually a lot early] because an afternoon meeting didn't go nearly as long as planned. I sat myself in a lawn chair on the porch. I propped my feet up on the porch railing. I read me several chapters in the mystery book I'm currently reading, Brink of Death by Brandilyn Collins.
Today I started to repeat yesterday's moment of relaxation on the front porch when it hit me that it was time to trim the mum bushes.
Looky, looky at what I found!Beautiful babies popping out of the ground already!
Spring is on its way!
As I was clearing away the dead leftovers from last Fall, I noticed this little beauty too (on the other side of our house).
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This afternoon I baked a cake for Grandma's 92nd birthday. Yes. Take a moment to process that information. 92 years. I can't even imagine being alive that long. Having 92 years worth of experiences and knowledge. Wow!
I'm glad to get to spend another birthday with Grandma tomorrow. I am so thankful for the role she has played in my life and for the many blessings she's been given in these 92 years. I'm proud to be her granddaughter. I'm so thankful for the constant reminder from her that "Jesus loves me" at the end of every note and letter she gives me.
[I would insert a picture of the cake right here, but I think I will wait until tomorrow. I'm pretty proud of my hard work, and I hope everyone enjoys the effort I put in to this special birthday cake.]
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I'm so glad today was so productive! It's way too easy to not get anything done sometimes.