Have been in the midst of some fairly major planning lately.  There are lots of things coming up that I have to be prepared for, and it would be easy to let it all overwhelm me, but to be honest I have to praise God for all the great opportunities to do what He created me to do.  With camps coming up, more D-Nows, Teaching at MY OWN CHURCH!!! YIPPEEE!!  There is just lots to do.  I can honestly say though… I could not be happier.  When you find yourself in the middle of doing what God designed you for, there is amazing joy.  I am not saying that it will always be easy, and that it cannot overwhelm a person, but it is still amazing.  For me, it is one of the greatest things God uses to confirm His will in my life- if I can still feel abundant joy in the midst of mayhem and a little chaos.

While in Barnwell, SC this weekend, I visited an old friend who is most likely in his final earthly days due to lymphoma.  I had not seen him in 8-9 months and it was staggering to see the tole the disease had taken on his body.  I say body only, because his spirit was completely healthy.  While sitting with a man who, barring a miracle, is in his last days, I saw not just a glimmer of joy, but blinding joy.  Of course, there was sadness there, but the overall impression was peace and joy.  See, my friend knows God well.  He was a servant unlike any I have ever seen.  He also knows that his suffering can and will be used to the Glory of God.  This fact is satisfying for him.

How amazing is that?  To be dying a painful death with satisfaction!  I have yet to see fully the lessons God is teaching ME through this.