I think we all struggle to differing degrees with this, Janis. And most especially when life starts getting crazy is when we want to hang on the most to something stable that we can control. But nothing on earth qualifies for that. ha. “Relinquishing all to his plan”–yes, that’s the best idea for all of us. Thanks.

I’ve got a feeling you’re the same kind of pastor, Laura. Would love to sit under your ministry in real life sometime…

I’m right there beside you, Amy. I’ve been known to shed real tears when my Outlook calendar went down with all my beautiful plans. (Which God did restore, in his merciful grace! {smile}) Thankfully he keeps working with us anyway.

Our posts complement each other. 🙂 Detours that are sent by God are beautiful indeed. Thanks, Nancy.

Yes, it was awesome to see our pastor actually embrace what was happening and encourage it. I loved watching him run over to hand his microphone to different people. I was as equally encouraged by his willingness as I was by the others who were speaking.

Too often I’ve seen leaders become intimidated in these kinds of impromptu situations, as if things were about to “get out of hand” and we were all about to slide down that “slippery slope” to chaos. But where the Spirit leads, we’re safe to follow.

Welcome home! Look forward to hearing more about Guatemala from you and the team.

I’m a planner too so I know what you mean. Every day I have my little to-do schedule and I want to work it. Learning to hold those plans loosely can be the hardest thing for me.

“…but His grace is enough”–I thank God for that!

Yep. Often you see groups gather at one extreme or the other–either very rigid or else minimal structure. And people can be comfortable at either extreme, I suppose. It’s hard to find that right balance. But when we do hit it, it’s a sweet spot!