Not Quite Ordinary Observations

For Today...Tuesday, January 26, 2016

In the great outdoors...overcast. Hints of blue sky, but not enough to really combat the sense of gloominess. 

Within our four walls...quiet as we’re getting ready to start the day.

A heart of thanksgiving...for the opportunity to interact with fellow ministers and be fed yesterday – such an important aspect of ministry.

A heart of prayer...for the AR Baptist ministers’ wives team as they plan and prep for a new year of ministry; for the Choates as they wrap up packing and goodbyes this week; for our church to become a church of prayer; for the new pastor and family in Almyra as they settle in and learn the ropes of a new ministry situation.

Random observations...I love watching my children think more deeply about spiritual things. Much of it has to come from hardship, and I hate watching them have to deal with that. But, the results are truly proof that God is growing them – and the most beautiful part is that THEY are seeing that on their own. I don’t have to tell them what’s going on because they’re growing in their own relationships with the Lord.

My silly children...saw The Skit Guys for the first time yesterday. We first saw them very early in our marriage, so the kids have heard some of their skits from CDs we’ve bought over the years. But seeing them process through their skits is always more fun. The kids loved it!

Thoughts from the kitchen...it’s supposed to warm back up into the 60’s later this week, but soup month is still going strong. Today’s is leftover homemade chicken noodle from last week.

On my bookshelf...a new Circle C book that I snagged for review so Steven could add it to his shelf.

Projects...need to get some editing done soon. Next week I start the annual missions writing project, so that will take most of my extra project time over the next couple of months. 

Sounds of the moment...music from the dining room. Tapping from my keyboard and Olivia’s.

From Hibbard Academy...almost time to start! An odd week this week because of the Evangelism Conference yesterday (still going today, but we had to change our plans and not attend today’s sessions) and a few other schedule rearrangements.

A favorite thing from last week...Saturday with the Choates. Soaking up our last few moments!

The planner...quick trip back to Conway tomorrow morning, church tomorrow night, Tim Hawkins Thursday night (so excited! It was the kids’ big Christmas gift this year), then Livie has a youth group movie night Friday night while Doug and Steven attend the Scout pinewood derby (rescheduled from last weekend because of ice). They’ll finish up the derby on Saturday. Busy week, but fun.

Because visuals are fun...it was quite pretty in front of the church’s “bus barn” last weekend. Pretty, but VERY slick!