Currently Reading Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold By C.S. Lewis see related

Well, I am really bad at updating my Xanga--obviously!  So I am writing a very short entry to say that tomorrow, Friday, December 1st is Chip's birthday.  I know he would love to read some greetings from you all, if you have time.

Our Thanksgiving was the best ever.  We were all home together--the first time in 5 months.  We had a blast playing nerf gun wars and visiting with friends.  I hope you all had fun with loved ones--or can look forward to being with them for Christmas.

I pray God's richest blessings for you.

Currently Watching Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest see related

As I read your Xangas, I know that many of you are going through times of transition.  This past year of my family’s life has brought many changes and has been a time of learning in new ways how to trust God.  Trusting God 201—not an easy course.  A friend gave me Trusting God by Jerry Bridges, who states, “When we fail to trust God we doubt His sovereignty and question His goodness.” “God in His love always wills what is best for us.  In His wisdom He always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about.” How God is always simultaneously performing what is best for me, what is best for each family member and friend, and what brings honor to Himself is amazing.  “His ways are perfect.”  Our God is trustworthy to care for each of us—no matter the circumstances. May we trust and rest in Him.

On a lighter note, we went to the midnight showing of Pirates on Friday—in honor of Chip.  I miss him a lot.  Please pray for him, if you think of it.  He will be learning much about trusting God in these next weeks through boot camp.  There is another Christian homeschool young man in his company of 33 swabs.  Isn’t God good!  Even in the details of life!

Currently Listening Freedom By Michael W. Smith see related

   We went to the Crawford’s lake house with some other TeenPact families this past weekend.  Mrs. Sarah Moore and I rafted together and had way more fun than I think adults are allowed to have!  After doing a good job of hanging on for the bumpy raft ride, we relaxed and our husbands dumped us in the water, where we tried water ballet for awhile.  Earlier, I got up on the wakeboard and started learning how to steer once up—not so easy!  I tried doing a goofy (changing the forward foot) and promptly fell.  Any tips?  I am eager to learn.

We are working diligently to get Chip ready for college; he leaves July 2^nd.  I am praying that God will multiply the minutes that we have together as a family.  We are all going white water rafting next week.  All of you that are leaving for college, please spend time with your mom.  She is going to miss you.

Home from National Convention and still unpacking—both clothes and memories.  What a perfect time it was for making new friends and visiting with some great teens. 

Most competitive moment:  Paul Holley, with a bloody face (thanks to Chip!), declaring he still wanted to play Ultimate

Skit with the most quotable lines: Interns and P.D’s on a flight

Most challenging message: Do you have a secret life?

Sweetest moment:  Hannah Stohlberg’s finding a yogurt for me

Best surprise: Seeing Capers there

Bittersweet:  Learning all that Meredith did to make it to NC

Best visiting time: In the cabin, really late at night (or maybe that was really early morning, Oops!)

Most frustrating:  Wishing for more time to get to know TeenPacters

Most exciting:  Lydia, on stage, reviewing the campaign

Saddest: Chip’s losing his campaign

Funniest moment:  Colten’s martial arts story

What are your memories?

Great times!  Great kids!  I pray you use God’s gifts to you to make a difference in the Kingdom—now and in your future.

As part of my Mother's Day/Season celebration, Chip--just as if he were a  good kid!--set up a Xanga for me, so that I can continue to hear about and from you all.  Chip sometimes remembers to tell me your news, but since he will soon be leaving , I hope you will keep me updated with what you are doing, and how I can be praying for you.

I am looking forward to going to National Convention and hope to visit with many of you there.