Enjoyable time with my parents.

Mom and dad came out last Wednesday and stayed on through Sunday afternoon. I got home late Wednesday due to having praise team practice and when we got in, Richard had made a fire in our pit outside and we roasted hot dogs and marshmellows. Thursday we drove over to Woodford Reserve. That was a really terrific place. The bourbon making process is very fascinating. Once finished there we took mom and dad to the Liquor Barn, a place they were very intrigued with. From there we went to Malone's. Everyone had a great dinner but me. My steak was so undercooked, but my meal was free. I've never gone in there and spent less than fifty bucks. Dad and Richard decided to order the chocolate cake. Little did they know it would be so big. It was incredibly funny, but so disgusting all at the same time. Friday we took some back roads up to Owenton to go to Elk's Creek Winery. Wow, it's so beautiful up there! They also have a B&B up there that Richard wants to spend a night at. I do have to say it's gorgeous. After that we headed into Frankfort and ate at La Fiesta Grande. Yummy! I was really impressed. Saturday morning, after having eaten a lot of food that my body has not been used to eating for quite some time, I wasn't feeling so hot, but I was singing that evening and life does go on. Things went okay Saturday night, but Sunday morning second service, for me personally, was very uplifting and I really needed it. The last month has been pretty rough from a spiritual perspective. We sang a song called God of the City. At one point Dwayne (a guy I sing with) wanted us to stop singing and just let the congregation sing. I love that. It was very moving and very worshipful. Then the next song was a song I was leading, called the More I Seek You, another terrific song in which I proceeded to sing while crying. It happens:) There is not much that is more wonderful to see than the spirit moving through people with music. There are those that want to get on the praise teams or knock Nell Anne because it's a "production" and not really praise and worship music, but you know what? We are packing the church, people are giving their lives to Christ and being baptized. I don't for one moment claim that that is because of the music, but I do say it is a part of it and I'm so happy to serve in that capacity. And I'm so thankful to those that are willing to give of their time and put so much hard work into, because it is a lot of hard work and dedication. I for one felt the Lord's presence yesterday morning and it was just wonderful:)

Mexico trip

I've spent the last two weeks in turmoil over whether or not to allow Isabella to go to Mexico for a missions trip. I mean, it's a MISSIONS trip, I should have faith and let her go. But tonight, I just lost it. I've not been sleeping, I've been angry at God for not giving me a diffinitive answer and I need to remind myself that He never does:) But tonight I saw a story done on tv talking about spring breakers and how they should not go and I just broke down. Believe me, I know this isn't the typical spring break trip, that wasnt it. I guess what was talked about just reiterated what I already knew. I'm not a crier but tonight, wow. I think I sobbed for a good fifteen minutes. And now at 2 in the morning, I'm exhausted, yet feel like I've gotten my answer. I had decided that Richard, Isabella and I would go to the Sunday meeting and I don't think I will. I need to call Andrew and talk with him. I've spent the last two weeks worried about what everyone would think of my decision, regardless of what it was. My family would be angry with me for allowing her to go, Andrew would think I wasn't having enough faith... but you know, what they all think does not matter. The Lord gave me this precious child to care for. She's my responsibility. I may home school her, but I'm not so strict that I don't allow her to do things. She goes on her trips, Summer in the Sun... There are 5 adults going and 30 kids, I believe. I went to Arizona with the same number and there wasn't risk like going to Mexico and I was scared to death. I remember not being able to find a couple of girls in my group that I was responsible for and I just about freaked out. Even though they were a few feet from me:) All I know is, that it hit me tonight that this child is mine. If I choose to not let her go, that is my decision and I just have this feeling she isn't supposed to go. That does not mean anything bad is going to happen to those that do go. I will undoubtedly pray a blood covering over all that are going and pray for an amazing growth period, especially for those that think they are going on a vacation:) There are many! I want to be proven wrong that nothing will go wrong, because I have many that are going on this trip that mean so much to me and that I love dearly. I'm also praying that during that time that Isabella is home, that the Lord will use her in an amazing way. It's actually exciting to see what He has in store:)