This past weekend I had the opportunity to lead the worship at the Dallas Theological Seminary Wives’ Spring Retreat (March 30 – April 1). I was asked to lead the worship when their original person found out she was unable to attend the retreat. I had about two weeks to prepare, and I spent much of my free time choosing music and practicing playing the piano and singing at the same time. Josh was a great help during the week before the retreat. He did all my PowerPoint presentation slides as well as communicated with board members about details concerning the retreat. AND he did a great job taking care of Becca while I was away!

The retreat went well. I appreciate all those who prayed for me during my time there, as I was nervous about leading the worship.  I used the following songs during our three worship sessions: Come Thou Fount, Come Christians Join to Sing, God Moves in a Mysterious Way, I Run to Christ, A Triune Prayer, You Never Change, Behold Our God, O God my Joy, The Power of the Cross. The two songs we sang at each service were God Moves in a Mysterious Way and A Triune Prayer (to close each session). I especially wanted the worship sessions to focus on the ways God is working in our lives even when it’s hard to see His hand in the process.

It was a special treat for me to be surrounded by so many women whose husbands are training for the ministry. Our situations are similar – wives who have come from many different states to support their husbands as they prepare for the ministry. But they have a strong support system and the availability of faculty wives to mentor them.  It made me a little envious of seminary wives and the community they have together. I especially enjoyed talking with the faculty wives and being in the presence of older women.

My dad is a Dallas Theological Seminary grad, and two of the faculty wives remembered my parents. The most surprising was Mrs. Toussaint. When she heard my father’s name she told me that she thought her husband really enjoyed my father as a student. I was a bit skeptical that a lady in her mid 80’s would remember my father’s name or that her husband was fond of my dad. However she went on to tell me that my parents were on the east coast and then named the exact city (Piscataway) where their first pastorate was. Wow – I hope my memory is that good when I’m in my 80’s!

As of yesterday, we are 2 months away from Little Brother’s due date. I’m now on the every other week doctor’s visit schedule. Tuesday we had another ultrasound just to check on things. All looks well. Little Brother weighs 3lbs & 5oz. and is 15.5in long. His head is down and very low. I’m feeling great (though a nap is needed to maintain this feeling as the day goes on) and am enjoying this new experience.

Photo Story: Josh’s Birthday (pt. 1). Arlington experienced a tornado on Josh’s birthday, which (due to the rain) ruined my cookout plans for Josh’s meal. We had our Tuesday salad instead and are going to do the cookout later this week. Josh didn’t want a cake this year and asked for banana splits instead – enjoyed by all.