"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."  John 3:8 (NIV)

My calendar was full.  I wasn't planning on going, but then the boss said that I had to go.  I didn't want to.  However, I kept my mouth shut and went.  When I got home that night I journaled about the day.  It was one of the most inspiring and memorable days of my life.  I couldn't have imagined the people that I met.  Their stories intersected with my story and my life will never be the same.

I am learning to go with the Wind...wherever it pleases.

Here is a link to a little note that I sent out to the TCIS staff on the first day of school.

Download First Day of School Aug 2010

"God brings His purposes to pass in spite of all men may do, and often through what they do, and He will utilize the very things which look as if they were going dead against their fulfillment; God goes steadily on and involves us in the fulfillment."

                         -Oswald Chambers in Our Portrait in Genesis

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

                         -The Apostle Paul in Romans 8:28 (NIV)

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

                         -Joseph in Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

In spite of, or rather in the midst of, what you see around you--God is working.  Turn down the volume of the blaring 24 hour news channel and look away from the shock and awe of the newspaper headlines.

Look to God.  Read His word.  Listen to His Holy Spirit.  He is working out His amazing, loving and grace-filled plan of redemption in the midst of it all.  And He is using you and me to bring it about.