A Working Vacation....

A working vacation, you say... it seems that all my vacations are working, never a dull moment.
My grandparents have recently moved to South Carolina and I am able to come down and visit them. Our Pastor was also asked to speak at the Bible School where we both attended and I asked if I could assist him with the PowerPoint Presentation that I did for the Youth Conference. I was delighted that he said yes. We have about 70 kids attending the sessions, which is encouraging. My prayer is that their hearts will be forever changed as they make the most important decision in their life.
As my grandparents are about an hour away I had to rent a vehicle to get back and forth... it is a nice ride.

I am hoping to go visit with some friends that I made while I lived here. I can't believe 10 years has passed since I graduated from E.I., time just flies. I was blessed to visit with Mrs. A. She looks good, especially for someone who turned 95 in April. She is still much in my thoughts and prayers. Her granddaughter (caregiver) is doing a great job. The 9 grandchildren also keep "Great-Grandma" busy too! I commend Amy as she has taken on such a challenge! Mrs. A & Pastor Mike
Well, tomorrow is another early morning, so I will end here. A tip: take a working vacation... it will be exciting and you will be helping others! You will want to go back home to get a break ;)

I was also privledged to see a dear friend and her new little 2 week old bundle of joy, and Reagan, a new big brother! It was so good to catch up and see what God is doing in each of our lives. I was able to hold "baby Alex" for 3 hrs as Aubri and I chatted away, it did my heart good!

Soldier's Angels...

This has been an exciting week for me. Earlier in the week I signed up to "adopt a Soldier". I pray that in some small way I will be able to encourage those serving overseas! It has been exciting learning more about our Soldiers and their needs. I sent my first letter off on Wednesday. I have never done something like this before, but I pray that God may be glorified in and through it!
Like I said I am new to this, but if you have any questions or would like to know about this let me know. I would LOVE to talk to you about it!
Gretchen...smile

Just Remember...

God, grant me the Serenity to accept the people I cannot change,

the Courage to change the one I can,

and the Wisdom to know it's me.

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...
1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

2. Dear God, I have a problem, it's ME!.

3. Growing old is inevitable . Growing UP is optional.

4. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. (it is a choice, whether to walk through!)

5. Silence is often misinterpreted but never misquoted.

6. Do the math. count your blessings.

7. Faith is the ability to not panic.

8. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.

9. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.

10. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.

11. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.

12. The most important things in your house are the people.

13. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

No more excuses. God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.