Archive for June, 2006
Since I did it on my myspace page, I'll do it here. I thought it might be an interesting read for the 5 of you who actually look at this page.:) It's my final project for last semester's Theological Foundations for Ministry class. The project was to create our vision for a (w)holistic church. Such a project would illustrate all that we learned in class. Apparently I did something right because I received an A- in the class. So, I thought others might be interested in what I had to say. If the church in question sounds suspiciously like mine, that's because I used Agape as a model. So, sit back, relax, get a good drink, because this baby is 10 pages long (and you thought my other post was long, Christine...).
My Vision for a Holistic Church
Brief Overview for Abundant Life Ministries
If God were to call me to start a holistic church, I truly believe he would call me to start one in an urban area—probably Philadelphia, Wilmington, or Baltimore. The church would be an area on the decline. An area not typically thought of as a ghetto but one that is quickly going in that direction. Why would my church be here? Why not start in an economically depressed area or an affluent suburban area? It has been my experience, growing up in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia that the people who need a church the most, the people who would benefit both spiritually and physically, are those who think they have arrived but are really on the verge of being left behind.
The holistic church of my vision would act as a safety net for a community quickly becoming disenfranchised. The church would also act as a trampoline, springing those who fell back onto their feet. This church would preach the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Kingdom now and to come, and also offer services for the community and those who may need some assistance becoming a productive member of the community. The church would play an important role in education, conflict resolution, politics, and services without dictating what government should or could do about any of these. Ideally, the church would have well trained leaders familiar with, if not raised in, the community it serves. These leaders would be ordained by God first, and picked by the Pastor second. The leaders will be teachers as well as preachers, having spiritual and natural gifts ready to serve the community. The leaders would be associate ministers, deacons, ministry leaders, educators and maybe a politician (the last is optional). This church would be a pillar in the community, as churches used to be, but not overly concerned with self-satisfaction (large congregations), politics, or social club ministries.
Theological and Biblical Foundations
In John 10:10, Christ says “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” This would be the biblical foundation for Abundant Life Ministries. A community who has lost or is losing hope needs this promise of a more abundant life. The disenfranchised need to know that there is life beyond the thief’s stealing, killing, and destroying. A community of downtrodden, a community falling from grace doesn’t just need the promise, they need a more abundant life.
Supporting this promise of a more abundant [full] life, our ministry would incorporate the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), faith (Hebrews 11:1), and works (James 2:14 – 20).
Theologically, the ministry will demonstrate that to have a more abundant life, we as Christians must heed the Great Commission. It is our duty and call to go out and make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Holy Trinity. Our first works will always be about Christ. We want to be like Him, teach Him, and preach Him. Our foundation will be the Protestant Bible. We will hang on the words of Christ as the true Messiah, the only Messiah, who came to save us from a world of sin by dying on the Cross and rising on the 3rd day. We will preach the Resurrection as the fulfillment of Old Testament Law and Prophecy. We will not be ashamed of the Good News of the Kingdom.
Building upon the Great Commission, we will also teach that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). “ With the knowledge that Christ is risen and alive and that we have the Holy Spirit with us as comforter and guide, we realize that without faith we can accomplish nothing. Knowing that Christ is risen is one thing, believing in it is another. By acknowledging our belief in Him, by having faith in the unseen, we proclaim that we can achieve a more abundant life without having physical proof. By believing in the risen Saviour, we are saying that we wholeheartedly believe in the Holy Scriptures. We believe the Bible to be the true Word of our living God and we believe in the promises that the Lord made to us.
Last, we believe that “faith without works is dead.” Since we have been called out among people to be a light unto this world, since we are the new chosen people to spread the Gospel across the planet, since we believe in the risen Saviour, since we testify to the truthfulness of the Scriptures, we must live a life that demonstrates our faith in Christ. This life is not one of private faith. This life is not one of faith only on Sundays. No, this life is one of a faith that is demonstrated day in and day out, every day of the year.
How do we go about demonstrating this faith? Aside from preaching and teaching the Word, we are people called to make a true difference in this World. We believe that as Christians, we have a duty to the poor, the sick, the widows and orphans, the disadvantaged, the disenfranchised, the elderly, the handicapped, all those who are unable to help themselves or have been persecuted in some way, shape, or form. As ambassadors for Christ, we think it not robbery to go into the hospitals and prisons, the nursing homes and schools, the courts and the streets and preaching a Gospel of not only peace and love but of vigilance and action. We want to make every possible effort to assure that everyone who comes in contact with Abundant Life Ministries has the opportunity to live this life. Does this mean being irresponsible with our resources? Not at all. This encompasses being wise master stewards over all that God has blessed us with. This means moving out of our comfort zone and into a world that could ridicule, persecute, and destroy us. This means feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, visiting the sick, transporting the elderly, and teaching the young. This means that as members of Abundant Life Ministries, we want to make absolutely sure that God has had a chance to work on the entire person—their spirit, their mind, their soul, their emotions, their finances, their egos, their lifestyles. This is our holistic ministry.
Last, we want to just reiterate that we want to follow Christ’s model of teaching and preaching. We want to tend to the person’s physical needs as well as their spiritual needs. We want to make the Gospel clear and concise enough that the youngest child can understand it. We want it pertinent enough that the oldest adult can relate to it. And we want everyone who is part of our congregation in any way to live the life that God wants them to live and to live it to the fullest.
We will not deceive anyone into thinking our ministry is easy or always fun. Indeed, the ministry is always work and always a work in progress. We want everyone to know that as sinners saved by grace, we are imperfect and we do not get everything correct all the time. However, we walk with our God and we seek to correct each other in love when we are wrong. We seek the righteousness of our Lord through prayer before embarking on missions in His name. We are a Church of forgiveness but we expect everyone to learn from his or her mistakes. We continue in prayer that God will lead us and guide us and keep us in our ministries. We have faith that as long as Christ is with us, no man can be against us.
Ministry Programs
Abundant Life Ministries will have several programs in place to assist the physical person and the spiritual person. First, we will have our ministries divided in a way that makes the Pastor, preachers, and deacons very approachable. Instead of a triangle or pyramid, our leaders will be based on a circular model with all members of the church on the circle. No one person will be higher than the other however, the Pastor as undershepherd will have the last say in all pertinent matters. Thus, all preachers and Deacons will be just as responsible as lay ministry leaders. To achieve this type of equality and understanding, we expect that we will have to teach our leaders not only how to lead but what it means to be a leader. Our leaders will know that they will be expected to lead by doing, not just saying.
After preparing our leaders for ministry, we will explore their spiritual gifts. We want to know what God has placed in our leaders and try to place them in areas that we know they are good in. We are not foolish enough to think that everyone will be provided for each ministry as needed. We understand that God works in His own time and we may need to grow in some areas before embarking on others. However, we do know some of the ministries the Lord is leading us to and we will continue in prayer about these ministries until someone is raised up to lead them.
In the Church, we would like to have 3 over arcing ministries—Men’s, Women’s, and Children/Young Adults. In the Community, we would like to have a back to school/back to work program for dropouts and welfare recipients, a computer literacy program for all ages, a soup kitchen or some sort of cafeteria for the homeless, a home or nursing home visitation program for the sick, and a drug counseling program.
Ideally, our Men’s, Women’s, and Yong Adult ministries would overlap with the community ministries? How so? We would like and we expect that members of the Church’s ministries would take an active role in the community ministries. For instance, members of the Men’s Ministry could be involved in a mentoring program for young minority males growing up in steadily worsening conditions. With men from all walks of life, varying pasts, and positive futures, these Men of Valor could provide critical leadership and support to fatherless households or households where both parents work long hours just to keep the bills paid and provide some meager comforts for the children. Our Women’s Ministry could start a soup kitchen or an elder care facility where seniors who don’t want or need to go into a nursing home but whose bodies will not allow them much travel outside of the community, could come and be fed spiritually and engage in senior activities that keeps their minds and spirits fresh. Our Young Adults could control a computer literacy and job training program where high school dropouts could learn how to write cover letters and resumes, could acquire basic computer skills in programs such as Microsoft Office and the Internet, and fellowship with other young adults and even children about their goals, dreams and aspirations.
By no means, are we suggesting that the Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s/Young Adult ministries function as entities separate from the community and each other. In fact, we encourage cooperation on every level—between genders and age groups. We do realize, however, that gender recognizes gender and age recognizes age. The examples given were simply demonstrations of what could be.
We see these ministries as being critical to a community on the edge. We are seeking to provide a safe haven for those who are tired of the endless cycle of violence, drugs, poverty, and crime. We would like all of our ministries to be involved in after school programs dealing with conflict resolution. If we can prevent violence before it has started, our job is more than halfway complete.
We would like to eventually open a Christian school from day care age to 12th grade. We would like to educate students academically, on life issues, and on spiritual matters. This, of course, is some years down the line but we never want to lose focus of our goal—a community that recognizes God, loves God, and is about God’s mission.
Expectations
We recognize that starting such an ambitious ministry is not something that will happen overnight. We understand that it takes time to grow leaders, that there will be obstacles, that Satan is NOT pleased, and that everyone will not be as committed and dedicated to the Vision as we are.
However, we also know that God is a sustainer of those who diligently serve Him. He has placed this Vision on the Pastor’s heart and He will continue to provide for us.
With that, we are not expecting overnight growth. We know true growth takes place over time. If we can get and sustain 50 faithful, dedicated members and leaders in the first 3 years, we have reached an attainable goal. If we start with a few small ministries with support to the community (Vacation Bible School, Thanksgiving platters for the needy, visiting the sick, visiting the inmates, cleaning city blocks, etc.) and let the community know that we are here for them, we will have achieved our first goal.
Within 5-10 years, we believe that growth will expand rapidly. Once the community is aware that the same people who live and work in the community are also active in keeping it afloat, and then we expect a big change. We expect more members, more people willing to work, and more people willing to keep their community alive. Also, as we align ourselves with other churches and/or denominations, we will become active in foreign missions. We will also become a voice for the unheard in a nation of loud speakers.
We see the long-range future of Abundant Life ministries as a very positive one. We believe we can and WILL make a difference in this community. We know that with fervent prayer, obedience, and seeking the will of God, He will not only grow this church but will become a serious presence in this community. Amen.
My Vision for a Holistic Church
Brief Overview for Abundant Life Ministries
If God were to call me to start a holistic church, I truly believe he would call me to start one in an urban area—probably Philadelphia, Wilmington, or Baltimore. The church would be an area on the decline. An area not typically thought of as a ghetto but one that is quickly going in that direction. Why would my church be here? Why not start in an economically depressed area or an affluent suburban area? It has been my experience, growing up in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia that the people who need a church the most, the people who would benefit both spiritually and physically, are those who think they have arrived but are really on the verge of being left behind.
The holistic church of my vision would act as a safety net for a community quickly becoming disenfranchised. The church would also act as a trampoline, springing those who fell back onto their feet. This church would preach the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Kingdom now and to come, and also offer services for the community and those who may need some assistance becoming a productive member of the community. The church would play an important role in education, conflict resolution, politics, and services without dictating what government should or could do about any of these. Ideally, the church would have well trained leaders familiar with, if not raised in, the community it serves. These leaders would be ordained by God first, and picked by the Pastor second. The leaders will be teachers as well as preachers, having spiritual and natural gifts ready to serve the community. The leaders would be associate ministers, deacons, ministry leaders, educators and maybe a politician (the last is optional). This church would be a pillar in the community, as churches used to be, but not overly concerned with self-satisfaction (large congregations), politics, or social club ministries.
Theological and Biblical Foundations
In John 10:10, Christ says “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” This would be the biblical foundation for Abundant Life Ministries. A community who has lost or is losing hope needs this promise of a more abundant life. The disenfranchised need to know that there is life beyond the thief’s stealing, killing, and destroying. A community of downtrodden, a community falling from grace doesn’t just need the promise, they need a more abundant life.
Supporting this promise of a more abundant [full] life, our ministry would incorporate the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), faith (Hebrews 11:1), and works (James 2:14 – 20).
Theologically, the ministry will demonstrate that to have a more abundant life, we as Christians must heed the Great Commission. It is our duty and call to go out and make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Holy Trinity. Our first works will always be about Christ. We want to be like Him, teach Him, and preach Him. Our foundation will be the Protestant Bible. We will hang on the words of Christ as the true Messiah, the only Messiah, who came to save us from a world of sin by dying on the Cross and rising on the 3rd day. We will preach the Resurrection as the fulfillment of Old Testament Law and Prophecy. We will not be ashamed of the Good News of the Kingdom.
Building upon the Great Commission, we will also teach that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). “ With the knowledge that Christ is risen and alive and that we have the Holy Spirit with us as comforter and guide, we realize that without faith we can accomplish nothing. Knowing that Christ is risen is one thing, believing in it is another. By acknowledging our belief in Him, by having faith in the unseen, we proclaim that we can achieve a more abundant life without having physical proof. By believing in the risen Saviour, we are saying that we wholeheartedly believe in the Holy Scriptures. We believe the Bible to be the true Word of our living God and we believe in the promises that the Lord made to us.
Last, we believe that “faith without works is dead.” Since we have been called out among people to be a light unto this world, since we are the new chosen people to spread the Gospel across the planet, since we believe in the risen Saviour, since we testify to the truthfulness of the Scriptures, we must live a life that demonstrates our faith in Christ. This life is not one of private faith. This life is not one of faith only on Sundays. No, this life is one of a faith that is demonstrated day in and day out, every day of the year.
How do we go about demonstrating this faith? Aside from preaching and teaching the Word, we are people called to make a true difference in this World. We believe that as Christians, we have a duty to the poor, the sick, the widows and orphans, the disadvantaged, the disenfranchised, the elderly, the handicapped, all those who are unable to help themselves or have been persecuted in some way, shape, or form. As ambassadors for Christ, we think it not robbery to go into the hospitals and prisons, the nursing homes and schools, the courts and the streets and preaching a Gospel of not only peace and love but of vigilance and action. We want to make every possible effort to assure that everyone who comes in contact with Abundant Life Ministries has the opportunity to live this life. Does this mean being irresponsible with our resources? Not at all. This encompasses being wise master stewards over all that God has blessed us with. This means moving out of our comfort zone and into a world that could ridicule, persecute, and destroy us. This means feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, visiting the sick, transporting the elderly, and teaching the young. This means that as members of Abundant Life Ministries, we want to make absolutely sure that God has had a chance to work on the entire person—their spirit, their mind, their soul, their emotions, their finances, their egos, their lifestyles. This is our holistic ministry.
Last, we want to just reiterate that we want to follow Christ’s model of teaching and preaching. We want to tend to the person’s physical needs as well as their spiritual needs. We want to make the Gospel clear and concise enough that the youngest child can understand it. We want it pertinent enough that the oldest adult can relate to it. And we want everyone who is part of our congregation in any way to live the life that God wants them to live and to live it to the fullest.
We will not deceive anyone into thinking our ministry is easy or always fun. Indeed, the ministry is always work and always a work in progress. We want everyone to know that as sinners saved by grace, we are imperfect and we do not get everything correct all the time. However, we walk with our God and we seek to correct each other in love when we are wrong. We seek the righteousness of our Lord through prayer before embarking on missions in His name. We are a Church of forgiveness but we expect everyone to learn from his or her mistakes. We continue in prayer that God will lead us and guide us and keep us in our ministries. We have faith that as long as Christ is with us, no man can be against us.
Ministry Programs
Abundant Life Ministries will have several programs in place to assist the physical person and the spiritual person. First, we will have our ministries divided in a way that makes the Pastor, preachers, and deacons very approachable. Instead of a triangle or pyramid, our leaders will be based on a circular model with all members of the church on the circle. No one person will be higher than the other however, the Pastor as undershepherd will have the last say in all pertinent matters. Thus, all preachers and Deacons will be just as responsible as lay ministry leaders. To achieve this type of equality and understanding, we expect that we will have to teach our leaders not only how to lead but what it means to be a leader. Our leaders will know that they will be expected to lead by doing, not just saying.
After preparing our leaders for ministry, we will explore their spiritual gifts. We want to know what God has placed in our leaders and try to place them in areas that we know they are good in. We are not foolish enough to think that everyone will be provided for each ministry as needed. We understand that God works in His own time and we may need to grow in some areas before embarking on others. However, we do know some of the ministries the Lord is leading us to and we will continue in prayer about these ministries until someone is raised up to lead them.
In the Church, we would like to have 3 over arcing ministries—Men’s, Women’s, and Children/Young Adults. In the Community, we would like to have a back to school/back to work program for dropouts and welfare recipients, a computer literacy program for all ages, a soup kitchen or some sort of cafeteria for the homeless, a home or nursing home visitation program for the sick, and a drug counseling program.
Ideally, our Men’s, Women’s, and Yong Adult ministries would overlap with the community ministries? How so? We would like and we expect that members of the Church’s ministries would take an active role in the community ministries. For instance, members of the Men’s Ministry could be involved in a mentoring program for young minority males growing up in steadily worsening conditions. With men from all walks of life, varying pasts, and positive futures, these Men of Valor could provide critical leadership and support to fatherless households or households where both parents work long hours just to keep the bills paid and provide some meager comforts for the children. Our Women’s Ministry could start a soup kitchen or an elder care facility where seniors who don’t want or need to go into a nursing home but whose bodies will not allow them much travel outside of the community, could come and be fed spiritually and engage in senior activities that keeps their minds and spirits fresh. Our Young Adults could control a computer literacy and job training program where high school dropouts could learn how to write cover letters and resumes, could acquire basic computer skills in programs such as Microsoft Office and the Internet, and fellowship with other young adults and even children about their goals, dreams and aspirations.
By no means, are we suggesting that the Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s/Young Adult ministries function as entities separate from the community and each other. In fact, we encourage cooperation on every level—between genders and age groups. We do realize, however, that gender recognizes gender and age recognizes age. The examples given were simply demonstrations of what could be.
We see these ministries as being critical to a community on the edge. We are seeking to provide a safe haven for those who are tired of the endless cycle of violence, drugs, poverty, and crime. We would like all of our ministries to be involved in after school programs dealing with conflict resolution. If we can prevent violence before it has started, our job is more than halfway complete.
We would like to eventually open a Christian school from day care age to 12th grade. We would like to educate students academically, on life issues, and on spiritual matters. This, of course, is some years down the line but we never want to lose focus of our goal—a community that recognizes God, loves God, and is about God’s mission.
Expectations
We recognize that starting such an ambitious ministry is not something that will happen overnight. We understand that it takes time to grow leaders, that there will be obstacles, that Satan is NOT pleased, and that everyone will not be as committed and dedicated to the Vision as we are.
However, we also know that God is a sustainer of those who diligently serve Him. He has placed this Vision on the Pastor’s heart and He will continue to provide for us.
With that, we are not expecting overnight growth. We know true growth takes place over time. If we can get and sustain 50 faithful, dedicated members and leaders in the first 3 years, we have reached an attainable goal. If we start with a few small ministries with support to the community (Vacation Bible School, Thanksgiving platters for the needy, visiting the sick, visiting the inmates, cleaning city blocks, etc.) and let the community know that we are here for them, we will have achieved our first goal.
Within 5-10 years, we believe that growth will expand rapidly. Once the community is aware that the same people who live and work in the community are also active in keeping it afloat, and then we expect a big change. We expect more members, more people willing to work, and more people willing to keep their community alive. Also, as we align ourselves with other churches and/or denominations, we will become active in foreign missions. We will also become a voice for the unheard in a nation of loud speakers.
We see the long-range future of Abundant Life ministries as a very positive one. We believe we can and WILL make a difference in this community. We know that with fervent prayer, obedience, and seeking the will of God, He will not only grow this church but will become a serious presence in this community. Amen.
From Jehst's 'Underworld Epics'
pancakes and eggs - sunny side down
Closed Published by Wasteland Drifter June 28th, 2006 in Uncategorized.
My wife and I went to see this movie today. Very interesting. If I could write a screenplay, this would be it. It would be more urban but yes, this would be it. I liked the overall premise of the story. Sure, it's improbable but it's a true love story. Chance meetings, coincidences, and not being able to see each other but still falling in love. Sandra Bullock had the perfect line when she said "it's kind of a long distance relationship." Don't I know it! But it was cute. A good date movie.
Other things going on... not a whole lot. But my responsibilities as a preacher and assistant are increasing. I'm enjoying it. Taking it all in. At times, it's a little overwhelming and a little amazing. If I ever had any doubts about God, they're gone now. I'm doing things I would have never imagined and people are listening. REALLY listening. These are things I would not have conceieved a few short years ago. God is so real in my life. Sometimes, it's nothing short of phenomenal. My baby boy was born two weeks ago. He's doing well. All is good but please keep me in prayer. I still need prayer.
Other things going on... not a whole lot. But my responsibilities as a preacher and assistant are increasing. I'm enjoying it. Taking it all in. At times, it's a little overwhelming and a little amazing. If I ever had any doubts about God, they're gone now. I'm doing things I would have never imagined and people are listening. REALLY listening. These are things I would not have conceieved a few short years ago. God is so real in my life. Sometimes, it's nothing short of phenomenal. My baby boy was born two weeks ago. He's doing well. All is good but please keep me in prayer. I still need prayer.
videos have come a long way
Closed Published by a cacophony of thought June 23rd, 2006 in Uncategorized.but thank jeebus that these still exist
‘Just Hangin Out’ – Main Source
‘Clean up Man’ – Willie D (extra credit if you can tell me what Sublime song uses this same sample)
‘Just to Get a Rep’ – Gang Starr
‘Back to the Grill Again’ – MC Serch feat. Ace Lover, Chubb Rock, Nas
reason #4080 why the World Cup is incredible
Closed Published by Wasteland Drifter June 18th, 2006 in Uncategorized.Fans lose trousers to gain entry
Football’s governing body has explained why up to 1,000 Dutch fans watched a World Cup tie wearing no trousers.
Around 1,000 fans arrived for the Ivory Coast tie in their traditional bright orange trousers – but bearing the logo and name of a Dutch brewery.
To protect the rights of the official beer they were denied entry, so the male fans promptly removed the trousers and watched the game in underpants.
Fifa said an attempt at an “ambush” publicity campaign was not allowed.
Fifteen major companies have paid up to $50m (£27m) each for the right to be official partners at this World Cup.
The American firm Anheuser Busch, which makes Budweiser, won the exclusive right to promote and sell its beverage in the stadiums and other venues.
There has been a wider resentment in Germany that a US brewery has the exclusive rights in a country which prides itself on the quality of its beer and has very strict laws governing its composition.
Oh goodness, it feels good to be back on the ground. After a harrowing week of craziness which included the birth of my son, going to New Hampshire and Baltimore for work, and preaching a Father's Day message, I find myself catching my breath at work. Oh the irony. That is where I am now, work. But this day was a good day. There is alot going on, as usual, I see no end in sight. I may take a few days off at the end of the summer because I think I will definitely need it by then.
Nothing more has occured over the past two weeks than those things I have mentinoed in the previous blogs, but today I preached (last minute) at our Father's day/Men's Day breakfast. I preached on Joshua 24:14 and 15. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." It was short, to the point, and I got the message across. Which pleases me. I like when I can get God's message across to His people without going through theatrics. I was so exhausted, too. I've only been home 24 hours. I love these remotes but whoa, it's exhausting.
Last, my Pastor has asked me to help her on some things which, I believe and she believes, will further my ministry and my responsibilities in the church. I am excited about it, my wife is anxious, understandably, but she is supportive. Wow, my life. Sometimes, I am just thoroughly amazed at what the Lord has done with me, through me, for me. God is definitely good.
Nothing more has occured over the past two weeks than those things I have mentinoed in the previous blogs, but today I preached (last minute) at our Father's day/Men's Day breakfast. I preached on Joshua 24:14 and 15. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." It was short, to the point, and I got the message across. Which pleases me. I like when I can get God's message across to His people without going through theatrics. I was so exhausted, too. I've only been home 24 hours. I love these remotes but whoa, it's exhausting.
Last, my Pastor has asked me to help her on some things which, I believe and she believes, will further my ministry and my responsibilities in the church. I am excited about it, my wife is anxious, understandably, but she is supportive. Wow, my life. Sometimes, I am just thoroughly amazed at what the Lord has done with me, through me, for me. God is definitely good.
