Dear Kristy,

Whoa! You have gone heavy on me. But what a blessing it is to see the fruit of many prayers and labor. We have been down a long journey so far and seeing all the twists and turns come to a straight path for a while is humbling.

There is no one more suited for the role you are holding at your church. Just think how God has gifted you for such a time as this. Being where your children are and being able to serve in a role that affects them is a blessing. Knowing you and your gifts I am certain your church will be blessed as well. How cool that there is a Desiring God for Kids!! It reminds me of that time when Journey Church just started. We were in the old SeArk Boat building. Remember using the children’s material that was by Beth Moore? I think it was Jesus, the One and Only. I found the folder the other day and was reminded of one of the lessons where we had to bring food from that time. The kids were so interested. They didn’t think it was as good as the donuts! But hey, we tried!!

It is funny we are on the same page now a days. I am humbled by what is taking place in our ministry as well. I stand in awe of where we are and what God is doing. I don’t want to brag or sound preoccupied with numbers. I wish I could describe how I see God working by just the overwhelming sense of gratefulness and humility. We started two services at Northstar Church yesterday. We have been planning for this for months. Last week we were packed. Chairs had to be set up along the walls. That was a great encouragement for the leaders to know we were making the right decision in going to two services. Then yesterday the first service was full and the second service was packed much like it was last week. It was amazing. There are several who want to follow in the Lord in believer’s baptism and we know of one who gave their life to Christ. The neatest part for me, other than what I just mentioned, is the people who come to Northstar. I swear I feel like I am in a small little world. There are so many different types of people: young, old, American, International, undergraduate, graduate. One couple is from Brazil. He translates the sermon in a whisper to his wife. I sat by them one Sunday and I literally had chills on my arms from listening to him. It was amazing!!

I have to admit I fight not living like a Prairie Dog. We have those in NM where I grew up. They live in holes in the ground. They peek out to make sure there are not any coyotes around waiting for their next meal. Then once they sense everything is safe they take off running and jumping and playing with other prairie dogs who have deemed it safe as well. In an instant though they can be back safely in there den. Their little head perks up and their cute little eyes scan the horizon. If there is any harm detected at all they zip right in to the closest hole, fast as lighting. What is interesting in NM is that there are Burrowing Owls. They are small owls who share the dogs tunnels. They are usually there beside a mound of dirt bobbing up and down and turning there head back and forth. They are calm and alert, enjoying their time out on the range. They hardly move when a prairie dog comes racing by them to take cover.

I know you wanted a life science lesson today. I say all that to say that I know that there is an enemy at hand in my life much like the coyote.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. I Peter 5:8

There were many times in my life I know I have been attacked. So I am a little prairie dog-like. I am skiddish and don’t always enjoy all that God has given me. I am cautious when times are plentiful. I can not forget the times in my life when times were rough.

I know that God is faithful and my protector. I know that full well.

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

But I want to be burrow owl-like when things are going good. Confident that God will protect me. Unmoved by the hint of danger because I am sure of His protection and strength.

There is much to be learned from dogs and owls. I love how God teaches us and molds us. And He loves us whether we are owl-like or dog-like. PTL!!

It is the first day of school today! The kids were up early and excited about their day. If only that would last all year, but that’s neither here nor there!

Humbled,

Carolyn

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