God's timing is SO right!  We just returned from Mt. Magazine and wow... not only was sthe Fall Leaders Retreat a great time of get away for R&R, but the scenery and His words for us, so timely.

For me, this retreat was exactly what I have been needing.  Time to reflect on the past year, to dream about the next and most importantly to see where I am today.  God is so precious in His ways.  He proves to me time and again of how much HE LOVES ME and yet, I act surprised when He does it.  His ways are so much greater and better than we can even imagine.  We just have to take the time to listen to Him, truly sit down and listen, put EVERYTHING to the side and LISTEN to HIM!  There we will learn of His secrets and of His heart.  Where we can then LIVE in such a way that is pleasing to Him and so freeing to us.  Why do we work so hard DOING His work and not just BEING who He made us to be.  It IS the overflow of listening, learning and living that leading really happens.  (Thanks, Tammy, Gary, and Craig)  Agaiin, a very timely message.

The Fall Leaders retreat was such a blessing and we are thankful for the opportunity to go, rest, hang out with friends, and relas in such a beautiful atmosphere!

Hope you all have a GREAT week!

We now have a new member of the family... meet Chase... our adorable Havanese... 7 months old and a cutie!  This is our funny story... as I had written on our myspace blog... so any of you that aren't myspacers, I've copied and posted this entry....

Well, here I am minding my own business and hanging out with the girls when the phone rings... Em answers and after a long conversation of uhum... yeah....okay.... she finally says, "well let me let you talk to my mom..."... Thinking it's a salesman, I give her the why did you do that look... Well it wasn't a salesman per say, but a very sneaky grandma.  You know, the ones... offers your kids candy, cookies and ice cream and then says, "oh is it okay with you?"  She has been talking to Em about a cute little puppy that is needing a good home.  How adorable he is and how cute he is... So once I'm on the phone, and find out what has been said, Em from behind me says, "pleeeeaaaasssseeeee..... mommy!"  I get a few more details from her and as only a good mom can do, I pass the decision off on Daddy.  Thinking, we have a cat, there is no way he'll want a dog.  Well then, being the curious mom that I am, I look this breed up online.  Oh my goodness... how cute!  We talk to the owners and agree to meet to "look" at the dog, (mainly to pacify our kids).. Well needless to say, we now have the most adorable puppy, Chase.  Imagine, me one who IS NOT an animal lover... loving this pup so quickly!  He has become "family" within hours... It's a perfect fit!

Hope you have a GREAT week!

"Chase".. Isn't he adorable!

Yes, I'm still here.  What an extraordinary summer.  We have been so busy  This week was so fun.  Last night we gave Tori her "sweet 16" party.  She and Cass shared the party.  It was great.  I'll post pictures later.  Everything was great.  I was impressed with the girls.  In the middle of the party, she and Cass took the mic and thanked everyone for coming and gave thank you cards to Jerr, James & Michael, and both sets of parents.  They weren't prompted to do it... they just did... Wow... what awesome girls they are.  Tori has thanked us over and over again.  I thnk we made incredible memories last night.  Em is already planning for hers!  Get ready, we have three years to plan!

Hope you all are enjoying your summer.  I'm glad it's almost over.  I am so ready for routine and normality in our lives.

I have had such a weird few weeks.... It's been hard, but I kow God is really speaking to me in many areas.  I'm looking forward to some time away to reflect, rejuvinate, and refocus!  Pray for me PLEASE!!!!