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.

ETHAN TURNS 9

Every Thursday morning from 10:00 to noon, I am in a planning/evaluating meeting at MMS. Last week, some of the discussion focused on setting priorites and the idea that we may each have different priorities based on our backgrounds, goals, age, etc. What effect do these differences have on MMS as a whole? I think all of us at MMS would list God as his/her number one priority. For us, family is second. Sometimes that involves more traveling than we would do otherwise but we figure the grandkids are only going to be young once and while we have the opportunity to be a part of their lives we are going to rejoice in those times and make the effort to "be there" for them. Yesterday was one of those times. Adam's middle child, Ethan, turned 9. His goal is to be "just like his dad". Adam is a good role model, a son to be proud of, and we're glad Ethan wants to "follow in his footsteps". That brings me back to our number one priority, our relationship with God. Abba Father, mold me in such a way that I, too, become "just like Dad".

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

It's easy to almost lose Christmas in the midst of the busyness of the holiday. This past weekend we were able to join Adam's family for their children's Christmas program in the morning and Rachel's family for their evening program. Both kids live 2 hours from us and about 1 hour from each other so lots of driving was involved. But, it was worth it. Both had wonderful Christmas programs, pointing to Jesus' birth making possible the forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Levi, Ethan and Anna's program was very simple and made me think of the simplicity of that first night when Mary and Joseph found "no room in the Inn". With animals of my own, I can easily imagine Jesus born in a manger with the donkey and any other animals that may have been present. I really enjoy being in a stable, but as a mother of two, I don't think I would want to give birth there. God's values seem so different than mine. Scripture is so full of Christ's life of servanthood and simplicity. In the busyness of this season, I intend to take some time out to simply listen to His voice.

HOLIDAY BLESSINGS

The past few weeks have been hectic (you are probably feeling the same way now that the holiday season is upon us). We enjoyed having our family in Coshocton for Thanksgiving. A special "treat" was the addition of two of their long-term friends from the days Rachel and Adam lived in Coshocton. So much fun to have everyone here. The weekend found us in The Plains, OH giving MMS presentations at 3 church services. What a great group of people. The very next day, one of the members of that congregation surprised us with a visit to MMS (he drove 2 hours so he could see this ministry in action). Visitors are always welcome, and it is always a "joy" to see them realizing the full-scope of the MMS ministry. Yesterday, I sent out our December ministry Newsletter and finished Christmas shopping for the grandkids. Now, it's back to the "normal" workdays, with Dennis in the hangar and me working on MMS bills and budgets. I've been online filing a tax return, recorded receipts into the accounting program, paid bills, and now it is time to begin working on the budget. Perhaps now I can even get back into the routine of publishing this blog :-)