When I sat down to write this post, I realized that it has been so long that I had forgotten my password! Maybe Jenny is right: I deserve an "F" in blogging 101! It's just that so many wonderful things are happening faster than I can write about them! Describing what all is going on in our family is like trying to describe the cars of a fast-moving train.
I think I'll start with last weekend. Thursday, May 1st, was the National Day of Prayer. My heavy burden for the nation came to a focus that day when I awoke with the desire to fast and spend time talking to the Lord. I've felt a responsibility to pray for our country for as long as I can remember, and it was comforting to me to know that other people shared my burden that day. (I yearn to see our nation return to honoring God, but I won't get off on that subject just now.) Anyway, that morning set the tone for the busy weekend ahead. Normally I would have been running around in all directions, knowing that a number of extra people would be coming for the next few days. Typically, I'm that proverbial swimming duck: calm on the outside but paddling like crazy under the surface! However, going down to our little church and entering the quiet sanctuary was refreshing to my spirit. It didn't make any difference to me if nobody else came. I played the wonderful piano there ( the familiar patriotic songs), and thought about the words and the circumstances under which they were written. After a while, April came and so did Burt, who is always my loyal supporter!
On Thursday afternoon, Betty McKinney came to Ellaville. We had heard a lot about Betty from both Josh and Burt, so I was eagerly anticipating her visit and teaching. I was not disappointed. There were about 40 people who came during the weekend, and I think almost everybody received some particular blessing. I had the most wonderful feeling as I looked at the group gathered in the Carriage House and realized how "young" it was. God is no doubt drawing the upcoming generation into a closer relationship with Himself in preparation for whatever lies ahead. Just as it says in Proverbs 31:25, He is preparing us, His bride, to have no fear of the days to come because we will be prepared. That verse brings me a lot of comfort. Anyway, there were many answers to prayer before the weekend was over. We know that several experienced being baptized with the Holy Spirit for the first time, and others were refreshed by the same Spirit. Several times during the weekend, the thought was expressed that this was the beginning of whatever it is that God has in His plan for our place. I felt more intensely than ever that "our place is His place." I trust that the same Lord who multiplied the loaves and fish which were handed over to Him will take what we dedicate to Him and multiply it to bless many...most of whom we won't meet until we meet in heaven. What a concept!
Everything seemed to go so smoothly over the weekend. The teaching sessions were easily set up. The room was comfortable. The food was good as well as easy. I never felt stressed one tiny bit. Jed did a wonderful job of leading worship. I just revelled in the anointing that God has on him for that purpose; other people recognize it as well. I get comments all the time. It makes me smile when I know that Papa, JoJo, Gran, Dede and all those who have gone on before, are hearing the sweet melodies at the same time we are! Now let me say that on Saturday night,as sweet and worshipful as Jed leading was, I saw the desire to "bust out" in his free style almost overcome him! This was following an unexpected rendition of hip-hop music (I use the term loosely) by Jenn Cannon's boyfriend, Bill B. Jed almost gave in to the urge! My guess is that he went home, turned his cap around, and got down!
Well, if that wasn't enough excitement for the weekend, the finale came on Sunday night. Josh and Jenny became engaged! We have prayed them through several seasons of life, and to see them committing to each other to fulfill the call God has for them as a couple is so wonderful. It still tickles me to think of the two youngest of their respective families getting married to each other, but that's no more a challenge then two "only children," as Pops and I are! I'll always remember the first time Jenny and I went shopping. She helped pick out a red and black shirt for me to wear to Parents' Weekend for Jed's fraternity, and she's been giving me fashion opinions ever since. It was on that trip that she said she thought about how many people she as Josh could win to the Lord together. I'm convinced that's why the Enemy tried so hard to keep them apart. Now I'm loving help make wedding plans!
Well, I've got so much more to say. I haven't even touched on Mother's Day, but that will be next. Get ready!
