Lessons for Life.

I received this in an e-mail today and liked it so much I wanted to share it with you.

First, change your eating habits, be wise; educate yourself about good nutrition.

Second, be clear about where you want to go. Set specific goals, and have a plan and a timetable for reaching them. Don't be controlled by mindless routine.

Third, instead of ignoring your problems, resolve them. Act before they become chronic and start sapping your energy.

Fourth, don't 'veg' on TV. Too much television dulls you mentally and lulls you into lethargy, 'But they that wait upon the Lord... renew their strength...' (Isaiah 40:31KJV).

Fifth, if you're overloaded, don't take on more. Don't say yes out of a sense of guilt, false responsibility or the need to be needed.

Sixth, take a break. When did you last take time to get away? A change of pace and fresh scenery are great battery-chargers.

Seventh, get to bed earlier. When you burn the candle at both ends, you are the one who burns out. You say, 'But I'm doing it for the Lord.' Notice what the Lord says, 'It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late... for so He gives His beloved sleep' (Psalm 127:2 NKJV).

back home and a friends wedding

Hi everyone. I miss you all. I made it back here on Tuesday afternoon. It was really good to be home. My dog was really happy to have me home again. Nicole picked me up at the airport and brought me home. When we arrived several of my friends were there. It was good to see them all. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends both here and back home in the States. You are all a blessing to me.

Last week was very busy and I had a wedding to attend yesterday. I guess the cultural sensitivity was good for me at this event. The wedding was scheduled at 11:30 but didn't start until almost 1pm because the bride didn't get to the church until then. They had the legal wedding and the engagement party in the morning and she didn't have enough time to get ready. Then after the service we went to the reception about 3:30 and shortly after was served starters. It was a large buffet of meats, salads, shrimp and other assorted foods. (I thought it was the whole meal). After that there was dancing and (very loud) music. Then the bride and groom received the guests then more dancing I was getting ready to leave and then the cutting of the cake ceremony happened. There was a 20 min speech about the cutting of the cake (sorry but I didn't understand the language) then they cut the cake. But it wasn't served at this time. Again I was ready to leave, but no now the main meal was served. Then more singing and dancing. Finally I was really tired (still had some jet lag) so I left however when I was leaving I saw they were getting ready to serve dessert (not the cake yet). I skipped that and started the long hour drive home. I got home about 8pm very tired.

Finished training ready to return

Last Friday I finished the training in Colorado. During this time I learned how to better deal with different cultures values and traditions. We went to some really hard places talking about losses in our lives. I went back to when I was sick as a child and not able to play with the other kids. I never really thought about how that effected me. That was just the starting point. I'm really glad the organization talked me into taking the classes. I also met 13 couples and 11 singles all ready to enter the mission field. I know these will be lasting relationships I will never forget.

Now I am in New York visiting my long time friend Anne-Marie. We have two weeks where we will travel up the coast to CT, MA and ME. I will return to Madagascar on September 7.

All my one time support for this trip came in and I can't thank God and you all for your faithfulness and support for this ministry in Madagascar. One family made a donation for school fees for 5 children. When I return I plan to put this to good use and get them enrolled . Please pray God will show me the children that need this the most. If you would like to be a monthly supporter for the Madagascar ministry you can go to www.WorldVenture.com and look for my name and make a donation.