Since last I wrote...

        It has been an interesting few months since last I wrote. The summer has been a cooler one than last year – although we have had some pretty hot days, too. But for the most part, even being part way through August, the grass is still green and flowers are still going strong. I’ve certainly enjoyed a less intense summer.

        There has been a lot of doings going on, too – the end of the year piano recital, my youngest daughter’s graduation from high school and open house, a summer session of piano lessons, a trip out to PA/NY to see family and friends as well as an open house for my parents’ 50^th wedding anniversary, and a quick but nice 2 day get away with Tim.

        Now it’s time to start thinking about the fall – piano lessons, getting Kimberly started at college, Tim back to driving bus… And yes, truthfully, there is a bit of disappointment that we have not moved on to a new assignment yet. But at the same time, there is a contentment that we are doing what God asks of us at this moment.

        God has definitely been stretching my faith… which I am confident is all part of His plan. I’m so thankful for the stretching although there are moments when the pain of being stretched can be intense. I love this quote from Warren Wiersbe –

      “When God permits His children to go through the furnace, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. His loving heart knows how much and how long.”

         Isn’t that great? It sure has been an encouragement on the days when I have wanted to give up. Just like Romans 8 telling me what the end result God has in store by working all things together for good… and that is to make me more like His Son! Makes it all worthwhile!