Encouragement!

Life in ministry can be difficult and discouraging.

But lately, we have been so encouraged.

Desiring God's Pastor's Conference encouraged us.

Brian, Aidan, and I traveled to Minneapolis earlier this week so that Brian could attend this conference.

Brian was refreshed by the words from the speakers and received encouragement from other pastors.

I was refreshed simply by being in the city, walking the Skyway, drinking Starbucks, and browsing in all the stores.

Aidan, well, he wasn't refreshed.  He didn't sleep well and next time will be with his grandparents! ;)

My plan is to listen to some of the conference lectures this week as I houseclean.

You can find the talks here.

Meeting with a friend encouraged me.

A Garner friend who I hadn't sat down and talked to in months drove to Burnsville to shop with me during the conference (yay, Dad, for watching Aidan so I could shop!).  

 I was so encouraged by what the LORD is teaching her and how she is growing her in faith and knowledge of Him.  Love her so much!

Aidan dropping his morning nap has encouraged me.

 I am now planning a "Mommies" group for Thursday mornings.  

There are about seven mommies that are coming for food and fellowship each Thursday beginning February 9.  Besides playing and fellowshipping, we will be studying Shepherding a Child's Heart together.  Please pray for this sweet time - that we may be encouraged in our friendships, faith, and parenting.

Garner friendships have encouraged me.

The LORD has been so faithful - we are seeing some fruit in our ministry here!  

The couples that came to our  Christmas party expressed an interest in meeting on a monthly basis.  We are planning to meet again on February 19 to discuss what our "Young Couples Fellowship" will look like.

In fact, I need to make the evite today.  I am an evite queen - it is so fun to make them!

Being done with my Zion Women's Fellowship talk has encouraged me.

I spoke to a group of older ladies at church on Thursday about holiness.

I am not a fan of public speaking and was shooting myself for agreeing to do this back in August.

But I am thankful it is over and for the ways in which the LORD got me through it!

I am thankful for this season of encouragement.  God is good and knows just what we need.