Happy New Year!

Life here is blessed as usual.  God has been working, and He is amazing.

I am looking forward to 2008 and can't wait to see what it brings.

Specifically, I know that God has brought me to this time and place for a reason, and that He's going to do great things.  As usual, I'd like to stay out of the spotlight, but I'd love to see what He will do through me for other people.

The Master's Academy is still the big vision, but it's in His hands.  I think the opening is still years away, but that He wants me to be preparing right now.  He is refining my character.  He is giving me more experience that I'll need before we open.  He is introducing me to people who will contribute.  He is showing me examples of success.

I'll be getting more practice in grant writing this year.  Fundraising was never a goal of mine, but I know now that I'll need to find many funding sources for the Master's Academy to be what God wants it to be.  I also need to let others share in His work.

I should keep a journal of the people I meet who may be influential for the birth and/or growth of The Master's Academy.  God is the designer of my schedule and my circumstances, so "coincidences" are His gifts.

Back to family, I'll stick with colors for now, as I'm not sure how public this will be.  So, if you know me, you can ask who's who.  Black is in the process of changing jobs.  Red is enjoying his job, where he's looking forward to a promotion.  He's also looking at colleges, but that's on the back burner while he rehearses for the play, studies for his tough courses, and gets conditioned for soccer season.  Purple is defining her priorities, which is really cool to see.  I think we should all do that sometimes...  Blue is still learning boundaries, but he's growing in his ability to see what I'm asking, as I'm getting better at listening to his concerns.  Pink is doing much better now that her room is manageable, and her schedule is written down.  Imagine that!  Yellow is enjoying her unscheduled time, and I'm trying not to mess that up.  Spending time with her is still a joy.  Reminds me how much I miss the rest...

Enjoy the new year.  Talk to God about what He sees for you this year.  Memorize one Scripture verse  Read the Bible to see what it says about God.  Honor your parents and your spouse.  Love your children--with boundaries but without exasperating them.  Journal to see how God is working in your life and around you.  Follow where He is already working.  Share your blessings.  He came to give you (YOU!) life, and have it to the full!  So live the life He wants for you.