It's been a long time...

Ok. So it's been forever (or so it seems) since I "blogged." You know, if you think about it, the whole purpose of blogging is to keep your friends updated on what's going on in your life. However, if your life is anything like mine...you barely have time to update anyone (sometimes I have to take a moment to update myself...now, doesn't that sound crazy??? Don't answer that!).

I have been busy (do you ever wish they would invent a word other than that one to adequately describe being insanely and crazy busy? because if they did...I would use it all the time...). I even was given a Christmas card from a friend this year that said something to the effect that I needed to slow down and take some time to enjoy life and breathe. (And it was right...I do!)

I am still the Pastoral Assistant here at my church. I am also the Single's Director (who would have ever thought!?). You really should check out "Continuum," our College and Career Single's group. Check out the site at www.thecontinuumplace.com - it's amazing! God is really doing some awesome things in this group! I can't wait to see what He does in 2007!

As I sit here (with my fingers barely working because they're frozen...yes, it's cold in the desert...) and reflect on this past year (as everyone does at the end of December), I realize how much God has grown me up in Him. He's taught me so many things. But as I contemplate what to write, I'm not sure I can put it all into words. (I know, that's crazy coming from a writer, but it's true.) It's been one of those years where God has stretched me and given me lessons on trust like I've never had before. Did you know that trust is multi-dimensional? Just when you think you have it down...wham! something else comes up that is impossible, or unfamiliar, or just plain hard. Lord, I've trusted you in this and in this and in this...now, what do I do in this situation? His answer? "Trust Me once again." Simple words, but not so easily accomplished. Is it possible? YES! Oh, yes! God is faithful no matter what. No matter the situation. No matter the person. No matter the problem. God can be trusted to come through for you every time. Period. End of story. That's just who He is. Is is hard to trust when you're in the middle of it? You better believe it! But in the end, if you will just be faithful to trust Him, He is faithful to give you everything you need, right when you need it.

Is this just a bunch of talk? No. The past six months have been the most challenging, most difficult, most confusing, most life changing of my life. I know I'm not through yet, I know I'm not done. But as I look to my Jesus and hang on to His wisdom, love and grace...I will come through the fire refined. More like Him. More like who I'm supposed to be.

If I had to do it all over again, would I?

Yes. Because God could not accomplish what He needed to accomplish in me, without bringing into my life the people and situations that He did. And for that, I am forever grateful to Him and to each one of them. So if you're going through something rough, hang in there. God will carry you through and when it's all over, said and done with, you'll be glad you did!

So...what's in store for 2007? I don't know, but because God is in control...it's going to be AWESOME!!! So hold on...God is at the wheel and He's got a plan!!! :-) Rest in His peace, in His love and in His amazing, incredible plan for your life!!! That's what I'm going to do!!!

Happy 2007!!!!

A Woman or A Lady?

Do you know the difference between a woman and a lady? A guy friend recently explained the two and it was so good I just had to pass it on to you....

A woman asks for respect.
A lady is given respect without asking for it.

Girls, may we all be "ladies." :-)

I am alive!!!

Hey there! I know it's been a while and I do appologize for that. I am alive and kickin' though!!! :-) I have been very busy these last several months. My job as a pastoral assistant keeps me very busy. I've also been promoted to "Single's Director" at the church and that is very challanging, stretching and a very good growing time. I never would have thought that I would be in this position, but God does know what He's doing and it is good. :-)

Other than work (which is what I do most of the time...), I have joined the church's softball team! Yes, I do throw like a girl...I'm told I run like one too...and I haven't heard if I hit like one, but I did make a double the other night!!! I was very excited! :-) We don't always win the games, but we do have fun - which is the point of it all anyway!

Other activities include doing stuff with my small group friends - we do have some great times! The 4th of July was a blast - literally, but we didn't blow anyone or anything up! :-) And nothing caught fire either!

I've also had the priviledge of speaking at two of the ATI Family Conferences - Tyler and Nashville. Lord willing, I will be in Indy in August. I have been so blessed by meeting some awesome daughters of our Lord. You just don't know how much I enjoy getting to speak and pour into the lives of my sisters! :-) Lord willing, I will be back in Dallas at EXCEL in the Fall as well.

I'm going to have to go now, but I do pray that you are encouraged to keep on following hard after God and making Him the center and first in your heart and life! God is sooooo awesome!

-Aprill :-)