Some News and a "For Amanda"

First of all, I was given an assignment by

Amanda

... and I wanted to share that it was completed... just pre-birthday.

This past weekend, a friend and I went to see Brennan Manning, one of my VERY FAVORITE author's, speak in a town near here. I've ALWAYS wanted to hear Brennan speak and I was so excited to see that he would be within an hour's drive. My Dad and his friend were kind enough to watch the kidlet, and my friend's husband took her kiddos, and we dashed off for the evening. And it was WONDERFUL. If you ever need to know that God really likes you, and Brennan is speaking near you--GO SEE HIM (or else pick up one of his books!). He was as quiet and unassuming in appearance as I imagined, but much more forceful and dramatic of a speaker than I thought he would be. I came away feeling like I could be ok with people again... And over all just feeling refreshed, and happy, and challenged.

I also had a Mom moment--singing "Amazing Grace" at the end (which at first I thought was going to be kind of cheesy), I couldn't hold back the tears. I sang that to Mom quite a bit her last few days and all I could see was that room... Then thinking about it, I realized that Mom never thought she was 'good enough' for God. I would share what I believe about grace with her and she would shake her head and say, "I still don't think I'll make the cut.' Before she died, she was at peace with God stuff, but I still don't think she felt she was 'good enough.' The last few days I've just smiled knowing that now she knows fully... She is in the fullness of glory with Abba... and she knows that she never needed to be 'good enough.' It was enough to simply be His.

I've also gotten out a bit this week for fun things. So... Do I pass, Amanda? ;)

Now for the news:

The time is approaching when my husband will be home. I still speak in terms of month(s) plurral. But things are closing in. And best of all, as of today, we officially have a house to move into when we head back to the Northwest! I haven't missed base a bit, but I miss having 'our home.' I miss our friends. I miss my mountains, and my ocean... And I miss my life being MY LIFE.

The light at the end of the tunnel keeps getting brighter bit by bit by bit.