LIFE CHANGING MOMENTS...

Recently our congregation has gone through the process of selecting some additional elders.  Nominations were taken from the members, after reminders from the Word were taught, and five were asked to consider the task. My husband was one of those.  We went through an interview with the current elders (much sweeter than scary) and much thought and prayer has been given.  My husband decided to accept the challenge, with me right beside him.

We are very close to a crossroads in our married life.  About to hit the 3-0 mark!  Our youngest, a junior in high school, will be leaving home in just over a year!  Soon we'll be emptynesters.  We have really been thinking and praying a lot about what will come next.  Some people in our position adopt or foster children.  Some downsize their homes and travel.  Some begin new businesses.  Some go back for more education and a career change.  Some build bigger homes, finally able to afford it after their children have left the nest.  Some serve as advisors on boards.  What does God want us to do? Using our gifts, what is best for us?

I believe that prayer has been answered.  He wants us to shepherd the flock.  A shepherd's life is not glamorous (and I'm sure we don't really know the half of it).  Yesterday may have been nice, with recognition and many kind words from our friends and fellow members.  They honored us with a delicious lunch.  But now it's time for the work to begin.  A shepherd has the task of protecting, feeding, and caring for the sheep.

I'm excited about the opportunities to grow spiritually.  To be more aware of service opportunities.  To get to know more struggling sheep just like myself.  Hopefully I can be like so many examples before me, with God's Spirit working in my life.  A help to my husband, a shepherd.

PLEASE PRAY FOR US AS WE BEGIN THIS NEW ROLE!

I've shared with you before that I'm slightly off on my daily devotional guide, Jesus Calling.  I decided not to let it bother me, and not look at the dates, although I'm almost through with the book.  Today I'm on December 6, and I love how it points right to our situation on February 25:  

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart 

as working for the Lord, not for human masters."Col. 3:23

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. "Psalm 16:11

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul 

and with all your strength." Deut. 6:5

Stay ever so close to me, and you will not deviate from the path I have prepared for you.  This is the most efficient way to stay on track; it is also the most enjoyable way.  Men tend to multiply duties in their observance of religion.  This practice enables them to give Me money, time, and work without yielding up to Me what I desire most - their hearts...What I search for in My children is an awakened soul that thrills to the Joy of My Presence!