Happy Thanksgiving!

I can't believe Thanksgiving is upon us. Once we come to Jarod's birthday in September, it seems like the rest of the year races down hill! I realized today that is has been two weeks since I posted last. We have been busy, as usual. But it's been a good busy.

Russ and I took off to the Pastor's Conference and State Convention in Pensacola a few weeks ago. Yes - we drove right into Hurricane Ida. A little wind and rain - but we survived it just fine! It was my first time attending something like this and I will have to say, I was quite apprehensive. I do not enjoy all the politics, but there is a new resurgence in the Baptist Convention of a Great Commission Task Force and Russ felt we needed to be there to support it. It wound up being a wonderfully encouraging time for me. They had an entire seminar specifically for Pastor's wives and it was so nice to be able to listen to great speakers and soak up God's word. The worship was awesome! We were even able to attend a concert on the last evening with NewSong, Blue Tree and Rush of Fools.

As I have stepped back into my role as Pastor's Wife and Church Secretary, because I am having to commute back and forth, I feel like I just focus on "doing the next thing". That is not bad in and of itself, but I don't want to get so caught up in the "next thing" that I miss a ministry opportunity that could be right in front of me. I am asking God to continue to give me a love and passion for the people here at Ocean Park and also for the lost in the community. It will be easier when we actually live here - but God isn't ready for that just yet. So, I need to be more aware of the people and situations around me.

We have had two different people look at our house in the last two weeks, but nothing has come of it. So, we continue to drive. Is it horrible to ask God to wait until after Christmas to rent our house? Russ laughs at me - I am ready and willing to move. But the thought of putting all the Christmas decorations up, only to take them down to put them up again! Ugh! It's exhausting just thinking about it. I just don't want to move a Christmas Tree. But, if that what God brings about, I will comply - it just won't be fun.

Anne had her Thanksgiving Feast at Pre-K this past Friday. She was so cute dressed as a little Pilgrim. Of course, I forgot my camera. Bummer.

We leave on Tuesday afternoon to go down to Marcia and Jeff's in New Port Richey for Thanksgiving. Anne's been telling everyone she's "going to her Sasha's for Thanksgiving." The kids are so excited. We are too. Seems the Lord allows us to be able to get out of town about once a month and the break is always appreciated. Besides - this means I get some of my traditional food for Thanksgiving! Russ misses out on his Southern stuff - but we will be with his family for Christmas.

Thanks for your continued prayers. We will keep you posted as always. We pray that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We all have so very much to be thankful for.