Count it *all* JOY!

Brother Terry preached two awesome services yesterday. The morning's sermon was about laying down your talents, gifts, skills, and whatnot, to the Lord. Not doing things in the flesh -- even church service or ministry we tend to do in the flesh. He made the analogy of Moses laying down the staff--his own staff that he used to shepherd sheep, and how God turned it into a serpent. Bro. Terry taught that all of our fleshly efforts have a bit of the serpent in them. It wasn't until Moses laid that rod down before God, that God could make it *His* rod! It was a powerful teaching.

Last night he started a series on "Laying the Axe to the Root." He started with the root of bitterness. The man is definitely a student of God's Word!

Jocelyn and I had a nice evening, just the two of us. :) We watched movies and ate chili con queso. Yum.

Today starts the craziness before the vacation! I need to make out a list of things I want to accomplish before leaving. That way I won't be beating myself up for something I forgot to do all next week!

Lord, I lift this day up to You. Father, I need Your strength to accomplish this day's tasks. I need Your wisdom and discernment in discovering what today's tasks should be! And I need Your humility in accepting the path You set before me today. Treat me as a little child. Love me when I need encouragement; discipline me when I stray from Your will. Thank You for the beauty of Your creation. Allow me to see it today, to marvel at it, and to give *You* all the honor and glory for it! I love You, Lord!! Let me walk through this day with Your song in my heart! Praise You, Lord!! I praise You!

:)