So much has happened, so much is happening and so, so much is going to happen. I returned from a wonderful trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Wando, South Carolina, Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD.
I'd never been to Alabama before and I just loved it. it was like a little, big town where everyone speaks to each other or maybe it was because Pastor Sutton talks to everybody, everywhere. I was hosted by lovely Ann, the belle of Tuscaloosa. I've decided if the Lord ever said "You can live in the states"…I'd move to Tuscaloosa!
Then on to Wando, South Carolina where the lovely pastor Porcher and her husband kept me in grand style…a huge bed that I needed a step ladder to get in and out of. They have a small church with a large heart for missions.
I wound my way via the Megabus from South Carolina to Washington, Dc to pay my respects to the Sothern/Sanchez family in the loss of their daughter, sister, mother and wife, dear Sharon. I am so glad I know them and could be there to spend some time with them.
Then on to Baltimore to see family, share at a few local churches and attend my 50th class reunion which was a blast!
While I was gone I kept in daily touch with my son Daniel, who preached his first sermon while I was gone. He was so ready to share the Word when an opportunity presented itself. I was surprised and delighted.
When I arrived home in early October, I asked him to preach again because I wanted to hear him. I was blessed because it was not my Daniel sharing. It was the anointed of God! I am not exaggerating. This boy is on fire for the Lord!
He now has his own male youth group. He is mentoring two to three young men who are older than him. They respect him even though some do make fun of him. He just laughs it off and says, "I am not going to let those things bother me. I have too much that needs to be said and I am trusting God to help me to share more." Which he does EVERYWHERE!!
While I was gone he prayed for a dying man and led him to the Lord just before he passed away. His first day at a new school he spoke to anyone who would listen to him about how God is working in his life, including his teachers. He is friendly and open to anyone so he can share the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Our relationship is awesome. He treats me like a queen. We go for walks together, he cleans the kitchen for me, we watch Christian teachings together via internet, and pray together at least once or twice a day. He is my encourager when I feel overwhelmed. He responds with maturity when I need to pull him up about something. He tells me that I am the head in this ministry and if I see him doing anything that is incorrect to please tell him.
He just graduated from the 9th grade in 2014 and is attending a trade school this year for air conditioning and refrigeration 6 days a week. He is taking a Bible course from my home church, Immanuels,
Youth group
translating at VBS
Graduation
one day a week, reading a book about church history, teaching a youth class every other week, preaching on Sunday's, reading the Bible personally 2 to 3 times a day, doing his school homework, visiting friends in the neighborhood to pray with them and to encourage them, and taking guitar lessons because he wants to start a praise and worship team for the church.
My life has changed so much because of him. He has taken some of the weight off of me in ministry. He, as I said, encourages me so much. I have had to reevaluate my walk with the Lord and I have found it wanting…being too busy ministering and not spending more time with the Lord. I relish this time in my life with this young man knowing that one day he will be gone on to his own life, ministry, and family. I am a blessed woman.
Thank you Lord for reminding me how it used to be between You and me.
Do not despise the days of new beginnings.
My Daniel
