Last weekend our church had a party. We ate together and then had a sort of talent show. It ended with a slide show of the year's events and people. I was struck by how much has happened here in one year. We have grown in size and in committment. We have reached out to those in our neighborhood, community, and farther. It was good to be reminded. Last week I spent a day at the ER with a friend. She is a widow and her young daughter had fainted. She didn't want to be alone. I am so glad I could be there with them. Once again I saw the blessing of God in community. The holiday season can be very tiresome and stressful. I try hard for it not to be, but it does get that way. I make a lot of our gifts and that takes effort. In order to get things done and still be available to my family, I will not be writing until after the holidays.

God came to my house on Tuesday evening. His name was Bobby. Our oil furnace wasn't working and, because of a recommendation from an energy conservationist, we started getting estimates on replacing the system. It would include new duct work, which might also include cutting through plaster ceilings, rewiring the house, changing the housing of the heating/cooling system, and who knows what else they would find. The estimates started at $4500 and went upward of $7000. I was weary, sick, frustrated, and depressed. We can't afford a big thing like that and it was looking like I would have to go back to teaching school. I don't want to do that. I love being with my children and caring for others' children as well. I like the freedom that it provides, and the ability to help people when others can't because of work schedules. Then Bobby came to our rescue. He was recommended by a friend as a very honest guy who can fix anything fixable. He came to give us an estimate, but was very reluctant to do that. He asked why did we think we needed a new one? I gave him the spiel about the energy conservationist and he told me that he could fix it. Bobby had the part in his truck and fixed it in about 10 minutes. The blessing of Bobby's ability to fix the furnace for $118 is not why I say God visited us, though that was surely a blessing from God. After Bobby finished the repair, he came inside and sat down at the kitchen table to visit. What repairman does that!? He began to question me about why we are here and why did I think God brought us here. He discussed our decision to homeschool and encouraged me in that effort. He reassured me that God is watching over us and that He is taking care of it all, if only I will trust Him. He talked of men serving and ministering in many ways other than preaching, and encouraged me that Matt's ministry might be organization or training leaders ( which is what he is best at without my saying a word about it). He encouraged me and renewed my faith. In a time when the world begins again to wonder at the liklihood of God coming in the form of a poor carpenter, it is nearly as remarkable that he also comes in the form of a southern-drawling, good-old-boy plumber. Thank you Bobby for listening to the Holy Spirit's voice. And thank you God for letting him share your message with me.