I have been neglecting this blog for a couple days–not on purpose, but because Kathy and I have flown to Oklahoma City visiting our daughter and her family.  We left very early Saturday morning for the airport and so my routine has not been the same and won’t be for a week.  I will try to be consistent now as this week continues.

My daughter Amber had asked a few weeks ago if I’d give my testimony to their church’s Celebrate Recovery group when I came.  Last night was the opportunity to do this.  I had given it a year ago while here also.  All of that was months before I’d started this blog and only about 6 weeks after my book had been published.  Their group has grown considerably and my surrender has increased in this past year.  It was telling for me to be able to stand before people I mostly don’t know and give a second testimony.  I found myself less nervous than normal and able to give the testimony of God’s work in me with the assurance that I’m doing so on assignment for God rather than just exposing myself to these folks.

It is difficult for me to write while here.  I find myself in a different mode.  Yet, in this mode the more difficult thing is hearing God’s tender voice.  At home it seems easier as I’m comfortable and the surroundings are very familiar.  Here, their computer sits openly in the family room and I feel “watched”.

The one thing I’d like to share however this morning is the part last night in the small group with the men after my testimony.  I told how I have recently begun to journal to God and how that has strengthened my confidence and surrender to Him.  Almost all of the guys seemed to relate to this.  One of them even said he journals daily and he was going to start doing so to God.  I didn’t realize how many of us men struggle with a similar esteem issue with our God.  He has certainly been breaking the chains of belief I’ve had all these years.  For this I am most grateful.

I have a list of things to do while here with my daughter.  The big one is to disassemble much of their deck.  They are going to be redoing some landscaping which requires a retaining wall being redone.  It ties to their deck which has to go.  I don’t think I can damage something that will be taken out anyway so this projects seems like a fun one for me.  I’ll give you an update later!