Tonight...

Ministry isn't always easy, because you're engaging in life with people. And life isn't easy.

Sometimes wounded people wound you, because they think you're in leadership, so, therefore you must be strong. Or maybe they just think you're more likely to forgive.

Sometimes people don't believe in what you're doing - and you have to love them anyway.

Sometimes people don't like you (or your husband lol) and you get to love them anyway.

Sometimes you've given all you have, and so have your kids, and it's still not enough.

Some nights you look into the face of God and say, "Love, I think you picked the wrong girl. I'm not tough enough for this."

And then you have tonights... :)

Tonight I had the privilege of worshiping with people who were singing out to God so loudly I could hear them over the instruments.

Tonight I got to listen to 4 people testify about how Jesus has changed their lives. And I thought about the craigslist ad that had brought the couple who invited the couple who posted another ad that brought in another guy. 3 of them were baptized tonight, and that young man is ravaging the BSU campus for Jesus and loving people like I can't believe.

Tonight I looked around a room at so many people who are giving God another chance because of so many others in that same room who are trying to live in love.

Tonight I witnessed my baby being held by a precious teen girl who feels God is calling her to children's ministry - and I thought, THIS is WHY!

Tonight I observed my two-year-old getting drenched as one of the guys built a snowman in the fresh falling powder - and I thought, THIS is family!

Tonight I watched my six-year-old witnessing others' coming up out of the water - a symbol of new life, a new creation - and I thought, THIS IS WORTH IT!

Tonight I was romanced by the Savior of my soul - a romance I don't deserve, yet he lavishes it on me.

Tomorrow might be painful. Tomorrow may bring struggle. Tomorrow, you may wonder.

But TONIGHT~ 

Tonight is why we're called, and why we step out in faith.

Thanks for tonight, Jesus.

Galatians 6:9-10