A backwards life

Today - drove 2 hours to Jacksonville where the Polsleys and I did the meeting. Drove through snow, but it was worth it. Being with the Shiels family was fun. Getting an hour to talk about Latvia during Sunday School was excellent!
This week - ACCR (Annual command consultation and review) with a great team from THQ. As most of the details are part of my responsibility, there was potential for lots of stress but people were praying and I was stress-free! I was a little concerned when my Bible reading before the review started included Sheba getting his head cut off in 2 Samuel and ended with Matthew's account of the crucifixion of Jesus. I'll leave that for you to discern for me. The stress-free and flexible tone continued even when we had an ice storm, closed the office for all but us and a few hardy people and the restaurant we were using for dinner closed. My goal for the review was that we (DHQ team) would get a clearer picture of our division's health and in what direction we need to head. I believe that happened. Plus, some good friends were part of the THQ team and I enjoyed spending time with them, too. It's a huge project to prepare for and I can't say I'm sorry it's over for this year.
Last weekend - took Maria and Megan to the territorial young adult conference, REGeneration in Chicago. I went to a couple of the meetings, mostly to see people (!) but also because Commissioner Christine MacMillan was a speaker. She is exceptional and I would love to get involved in her work (Social Justice). I spent the rest of the time with good friends - Harfoots and Jordans. A nice weekend and some strong, challenging words at REGen. Maybe I'll write about that later.
Weekend before that - the Diaz/Polsley team went to the Joplin corps (see pictures below) which included a weekend with Maria in Branson. That is a cross-cultural experience! Very country and very commercial. A family Las Vegas. Everyone should go there once! And if you come to visit me, I'll send you down (and maybe I'll go too!)
THE FUTURE - tomorrow Maria leaves for California where she'll be for about 3 weeks. Tuesday I leave for the Holy Land, followed by 10 days in the UK. Honestly, my brain and emotions have been so focused on ACCR and other work that I haven't really prepared myself. I do know that there are some amazing spiritual experiences waiting for me, plus a great time with friends. I probably won't post while I'm away, so expect a long one in about a month!

Zoo and Branson photos

february08

Words coming later. For now, enjoy the pictures!

Since my last post so much has happened. I'm beginning to remember how tiring being an American officer can be. I need to learn how to live without being overwhelmed. I think I'm doing better than I did pre-Latvia. Not overreacting (much), trying to keep priorities in order, being flexible when crises (real or imagined) happen. What I haven't managed to do is to find time for myself; for prayer and meditation, reading and fellowship. All that to say, here's what's been happening:

• We started a new leadership training plan called "Vital Signs Development Days." The first one went really well. We focused on evangelism and outreach. We had several corps participate, all of them with a team of some sort. We have only 2 more planned for the year, but based on the first we may add a few.
• Officers' Councils were great. Commissioners Baillie preached like I remember them when we were together at the training school - passionately, purposefully and soundly biblical. I could have listened for days. These few days did allow for some good fellowship, too. The Lord is providing a few key friends to keep me sane.
• Maria and I went to the zoo. It was one of the beautiful almost-spring days. I like the St. Louis zoo - they appear to be very concerned about their animals and they have my favorites - giraffes!
• Last weekend we started divisional music school. I have just a small part, teaching a leadership class. It was the first time I've been around a lot of youth in the division. It will be fun to get to know them better.
• After that the Polsley girls joined Maria and I in an attempt to do some sightseeing. We weren't very successful at finding places to go, but in spite of that we had a fun day. I wonder why they want to be around someone old like me, but they didn't seem to mind.
• Sunday we went to Euclid and stayed for their Super Bowl tailgate lunch. MMMMMMM - bbq prepared by the Men's Club. But I'm ahead of myself. This was the first Sunday I felt free to participate in the Sunday School discussion. This is a unique adult class. I can't really describe it, but it is fun. And I joined in at last and seemed to be accepted. The worship service was inspiring - especially Janice's sermon. She loves preaching to this congregation and it shows. So, then we ate and sat around for a while talking. Again, this was the first time I really felt like a member of the 'family'. They even put some extra ribs and chicken aside for us to take home. I thank the Lord for directing me to the Euclid corps.

I've been reading a book for months called "More than Equals - Racial Healing for the Sake of the Gospel." Finally, I finished. It took a while because I could only absorb a few pages at a time. I highly recommend it if you are involved in any kind of cross-cultural relationship, no matter your race/color/ethnicity. It is specifically about blacks and whites. But, several of the themes made me think about the Latvian/Russian issues. It ends with this statement "the real story is not about us, or even about race, but about God and His grace." This is an important theme in my life right now. Grace and humility - how many times have you heard me say or write "It's not about me." That's a lesson I continually need to learn and God continues to provide ways to teach me. I'd be happy to loan the book to you, but suggest you get your own copy so you can make some notes and highlights.

Much more to write but you've probably had enough. Tomorrow Maria and I are off to Branson! There should be lots of stories on Monday.

A few pictures to enjoy from my holiday with family and a few other things.

dec07january08

dec07january08