Favorite Things

Thanks to everyone who has read and smiled and commented and celebrated with us over the upcoming birth of Smith Baby I!   I say "1" because Becky and I fully expect this great event to reoccur at some point in the future!

A "blog family" is an amazing gift!  I must admit that I truly enjoy staying in touch with you through this venue.  Telling funny stories, rehearsing family miracles, commenting on the generalities of life........  It's one my favorite things to do.

This afternoon I leave for Jacksonville, FL to participate in another of my favorite things.

I'm going to take part as a speaker for a women's conference.  INSPIRE is a great gathering of ladies from central FL headed by my friend Sandy Phinazee.  I'm so excited to join them again this year!

Last Sunday, I was honored to be the guest speaker for a church in our area that is predominantly Hispanic.  Fortunately, everyone there was bi-lingual.  (Sure wish I'd payed better attention when Mrs. Register was trying to teach me Spanish.  "Donde es el bano?"  Was my great take-away phrase from that year!  Sigh!)

Next week, Kristin and I will fly to Springfield, MO.  We've been invited to spend three days on the campus of Central Bible College as part of their highlight of women in ministry.

Kristin and I will each address different classes as guest speakers (one of which we'll team teach).  On Thursday night, we meet with a group of young women studying for ministry.  Then on Friday, I have the privilege of speaking for their chapel service!

I can't tell you what an honor this is.  And to share it with my own daughter just multiplies the joy!

When the girls were in high school, they took turns traveling with me.  At that time, they usually sang for the conference or church.  Now, here Kristin is with eleven years of ministry experience under her belt, ready to share with other young women!  My cup runneth over!

Next month, I travel to Mississippi to speak for another women's conference. 

And right now, I'm in the middle of leading a Bible study at GGC on Wednesday nights.  When we finally got home last night, Frank gave me a hug and whispered, "Good job tonight, Honey!"  That's the affirmation I MOST appreciate.

You see, sharing about God's goodness really is one of my most favorite things to do.

Whether through writing for Embrace the Grace, traveling to preach, or leading Bible study in my own home church.  But the truth is - none of you live with me!

(I know, English teacher friends, it should be none of you lives with me.  Just indulge me a moment, okay?)

Frank spends some part of almost every single day with me.

He lives with the good and the bad.  He held my head when I was sick in the middle of Monday night.  He listens when the teapot of my emotions boils over.  He knows my true self better than anyone else on earth.

So if he can sit in Bible study listening to me teach, come home with the real me, give me a hug and say Good Job?

Well, that's absolutely my favorite thing!