BELLANCA VIKING BACK IN SERVICE

MMS is a great place to serve. There is always a variety of things happening. Some weeks are like last week when it seemed God was working on my "planning issues". Every day apprentices (and staff members alike) are learning and growing in maintenance, communication and personal skills. This week, Andy (from England) began his 30 month apprenticeship program. We are partnering with MAF-International in Andy's training. Today, the annual was completed on the Bellanca Viking owned by I-Care Ministries. This plane is used as a transportation tool while Pastor and Mrs Williams lead Leadership Training and Development courses for developing churches in Mexico and the US. Through the gifts of our personal support teams, we were able to work on this aircraft at no labor charge to I-Care Ministries (saving them several hundred dollars in repair costs that can now be channelled back into their ministry).

DON'T YOU LOVE A BARGAIN

Looking back over last week's blogs, I realized I had a common theme (change in plans). It must have been a "learning curve" week for me. It's the end of the day. Payroll is finished. Federal reports are filed. Here is the "rest of the story" on last week's "change of plans/printer saga". Because of the delays, I was able to do a little further research (for rebates, etc), gather a few more coupons, pick up ink cartridges we could no longer use and a folder with a year's worth of receipts - now I was ready to "deal". Dennis went along for a "couples night out" and trip to the office supply store. By the time I was done, the store manager was laughing, I was able to return to MMS with a $179 printer for $89 and we had an additional $160 in credit on MMS' account. My patient husband even stayed to help set up the printer at MMS while I reprogrammed some of the receipting program "set-up" to accept the new print format. I must admit - I love a good bargain!

GOING IN CIRCLES

Like these two furry friends, it seemed like I was going around in circles today. A problem with the bank transfer program, a 2 hour meeting, a problem with a rebate website, the fax machine - it seemed I was never going to get the things done that I had planned for today. It was time to re-organize my priorities. I do accounting. I rely on consistancy to achieve results. I almost always have a "plan" in place. Changing my plan is not easy for me. Yet, today was a day of change. In my frustration, I was reminded of Proverbs 16:9, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." My "to do list" didn't get completed, but many good things were accomplished at MMS today. The Lord determined "the steps" and that's what I desire in my life.

NOTHING LIKE A "SNOW DAY"

I had plans for the day. I made them yesterday afternoon (right before the headache and upset stomach set in for last night and today). I made plans to be "out of the office" and "on the road" to find a printer for our receipting department at MMS. That may not sound very exciting, but I was looking forward to the change in schedule. Instead, I spent the morning recuperating and the late part of the afternoon doing household and barn chores. I must admit, it felt great to be outside with the dogs and horses, play in the snow for awhile, and just enjoy getting away from technology. Thank you Lord for your much better plan. I'm glad my original plan "fell through".

MAGNETO 500 HOUR INSPECTION

Everyone is happy that physical inventory is done and work has resumed on airplanes. I'm happy to have all the inventory changes made in the computer, 2008 books closed, 2008 files replaced with 2009 files, receipting program achived and updated for 2009, tax reports, 1099's and W-2's done. With a "sigh of relief" we are back in the normal day-to-day operating mode. Several have been out of the hangar, falling victim to the "stomach flu" virus that is going around. Dennis took a break from paperwork to lend a hand with the Pfeiffer Aztec annual inspection. Here Dennis is instructing and overseeing Gertjan on a 500 hour magneto inspection. The magneto must be "torn down", parts inspected and perhaps replaced, tolerance levels checked. They were having a great time together when I stopped in to take this photo and as I watched Gertjan measure the "tolerance level" smiles broke out as the magneto was "right on". One more day meeting training goals, serving others while inspecting their airplane that will continue to be used in evangelism, and an opportunity to return to God the skills He has given us to use for His kingdom. To God be the glory.

TIME TO TAKE INVENTORY

The beginning of a new year brings lots of resolutions and is a time to reflect on the past (you might call it "taking inventory of our lives"). At MMS, on our first day back from Christmas break, we take inventory of all the parts that are kept in stock to work on airplanes. The guys would rather be working on the planes, but even these details are important to the daily activity at MMS. Sunday was our oldest grandson's birthday. We spent mid-Nov to Jan 4 doing a lot of travel with Thanksgiving, a speaking engagement, birthdays and Christmas. It's a time to reflect on the blessings we have as we spend extra time with family. May your 2008 reflections and 2009 resolutions cause you to rejoice in God's presence in every area of your life.