A God thing-ain't He great?

So I go to the first meal here at the conference. I am carrying my tray to where some of my group is already sitting. The lady at the table next to us has already found out we are from Nashville and says "I'm supposed to be looking for someone from Nashville who is blogging with my neice in Texas," just as I walked up. I about started jumping up and down. "That's me!" I shouted. "You're Sarah's aunt!

Sure enough. Sarah of "It's All About Me" had sent her aunt looking and we hooked up the first thing! How cool is that? We have been visiting and I am looking forward to spending a little more time with B and R. They are great folks! Thanks for sending them hunting, Sarah!

Today's the day

It doesn't feel special and it may not be special. But I am leaving my husband and my 5 sleeping children to go on a trip. I am going to and Exodus conference-hopefully to learn. I am doing it for 3 young men in particular who, by holding a special place in my oldest daughters heart, have become special to me. These 3 young men, in varying degrees, are questioning their manhood. It is with the hope that I can bring something back for those 3 young men that I go. They are not ready to go for themselves yet, so I go for them. It's also for two men who aren't so young anymore. Two men who because of their gentle caring ways and love for each other, were able to reach out to me and be MEN in my life, while not being men in my life. They helped me get back on my feet when I had to leave my first husband with a 15 month old child because he couldn't be a real man and stop hitting and verbally abusing me. Out of my love for these two men, I tried to witness to them the only way I knew how-judgementally-and in doing so, pushed them so far away that I have no idea what became of them. It is for them, and for all of the men and women who feel isolated and shut out by a church that can't seem to see them as human. Are they sinners? Yes, but so am I. So are we all.

I don't have any more time, but I would like to ask that anyone who reads this pray for the 3 young men J, G, and R. And while I don't even know if the other two are still alive, keep James and Paul in your prayers too-that someone who DOES know how to reach out to them, will.

Caught!

Our latest visitor-the cat food bandit-caught braving the thunderstorm tonight on his nightly raid. He comes right up to the back door and we didn't seem to bother him much when we opened the door to get pictures of him.
 
  

Established June 25, 2006

This is what the granite stone that is to be placed in front of our church reads. It bears the name of the two churches that came together today and speaks of two bodies coming together in one faith, to reach others for Christ. It was a touching gift to our body from the pastor of the body that is merging with us. It is his way of acknowledging the small group of believers that agreed to step out in faith to pursue a vision he feels the Lord has given him.

It is a new day. A new chapter. A new story. The water is warm!

Jean-Luc KEY A MUSHID

This is going to be a bit cryptic. There's no need for comment. It is a message for one person and if they read it, they will know who they are.

E-mail arrivé. Just to be careful, is this some kind of tromperie? I just want to make sure. Write again. I want to apprends about Likasi.

My first attempt at night sky photography.

 
I've always wanted to shoot the night sky. This is my first attempt. This is our backyard at night with a 30 second exposure 

The Creator's painting.

 
This is what I love to do more than anything. Capture the Creator at work. His work is so beautiful.

And I didn't miss the sunset tonight:-)