This is the first time in weeks that I have had the chance to do any blogging. Between my Dad's passing, leaving for a previously planned sabbatical several days later, and the lack of internet access, there has been no sign of life from me. My heart is still beating some days with more gusto than others.

I have been astounded with God's mercy, grace and the intricate way his plans for my life have unfolded these past 24 days. God knew that the days of my Dad's life were numbered and that on June 26th Dad left this life for life eternal with the Lord. At the same time, nine months ago as we were planning our two month sabbatical, God planned it so that Dad's death and our leaving would dovetail perfectly.

The thought of leaving Dad, knowing how close to death he was, was excruciating. I didn't know how I was going to get on the plane. But the creator of the universe had been weaving a plan unknown to me. To be quite frank, I was about to explode worrying about Dad, trying to get things in order legally if he was to pass while we were away, and get us ready for our trip. Never before in my life have I experienced such a severe physical reaction to stress as I did toward the end of June. Amazingly, the day after Dad's service, which was wonderful, all that stress just fell off. God once again bathing me in his grace.

There is so much more to write about but the time constraints of using an Internet cafe where they charge by the minute, prohibit me from writing more. However, I must conclude with this...things are changing in me. I can sense the movement of the Spirit of God in a fresh way.

Please pray for us as we travel (we are in Scotland) and for Jimmy and I to dive deeper and deeper in our times with the Lord.