Shoal Creek

We have been blessed the last few weeks by meeting some great people at Shoal Creek. Tonight was the last night of revival there with Matthew's dad preaching and music led by Sons of the Father. The sweet spirit in that congregaion has been very refreshing. Even after long days at work, it was a blessing to hear my father-in-law preach the Gospel. The Lord used him to speak to me. Last night he talked about forgiveness and tonight he talked about 'getting back in the game.'

At some point, I feel that the Lord will give me a platform to share some of the things He has used in my life to grow my faith. I have always wondered what that will be.....a book, speaking at conferences, ....??? I don't really know, but for year, probably over the last 18 years, several major things have happened to me that I know He is using....and they are all wrapped in immense amounts of pain. While He continues to write this story, I continue to pray about the message He would have me share with others.

I feel a huge responsibility that He has called me to share my story....one of pain, joy, hope, and redemption.....as a way to encourage others who have faced adversity. None of us in this human life are immune to pain and difficulty. I am beginning to finally learn that it's how we handle it that matters; that's what sets us apart. Do we embrace our faith, or abandon it? Do we dig in, hunker down to be filled by Him, or do we run away to escape? There have been many wasted years in my life where during heartache, I have been rendered useless to the Father because I was so consumed by my own grief. I do not, for a minute, want those same regrets during this time. When I feel like I am being squeezed, I want to see others' needs; I want to seek out oppourtunities to give, to help, and to minister to others, so that during my own hurt, He will pour out. I am ready to get back in the game.