Sunday, November 16, 2008, Nashville, TN, 5:58 a.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

It's me, Louisiana.  I am sorry if I haven't written in here a while, what with between working, church business, taking care of my growing family/husband/parents, and whatnot.  Add to this, getting ready for our retreat, which is this Friday (evening) and Saturday (all day). 

Hope you understand.

Our church is having a Cleansing Stream retreat; it's our second one.  The first one was last year; Bill and I took the required classes, did the required "homework", and went to the retreat, which was what all the homework/classes were for.  It was beyond awesome!!

Now this year, some of the children (Johnathon, Ronee', Gemini, Deborah, Michael, Richard, Janica, Porter, Camey, Tammi, Michelle, Megan, Barbara, and Starlight Melody) are participating; they started a children/teen program to go along with the adult program; lots of kids/teens are attending.  It is similar to the adult program, and at the retreat, all will be together as one.  I only hope they get as much out of it as we did.

I know some of the children are going through things in their lives, and it breaks my heart to see the pain/suffering they're experiencing.  Maybe this will help them get rid of the "junk" that's been holding them back from growing as Christians; Lord knows, they need a break!

God has some mighty plans in store for my kids; nothing would make me happiest than to see them set free of the bondages/chains that have held them back for so long!

We are looking forward to the retreat; it's our second one, and God is going to be moving, moving in a mighty way; I am looking forward to seeing lives changed, people healed, people delivered!  There will be anointed worship, the reading of God's word, and powerful revelation that will open up a lot of eyes/minds in ways that you couldn't possibly even DREAM of! 

Other than the approaching CS retreat, our church has been involved in feeding the veterans last week (that was a howling success); now we have Thanksgiving staring at our faces, and of course, the ongoing practice sessions for the upcoming Christmas Cantata, which is going to be held the second week in December.  This is one of our busiest times.  Then in the spring, our spring session of CS will take place, as will our production of Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames.  (We didn't have it this year due to constraints and other issues.)

Lots of activity for Christ Community Assembly of God!  Whee!! LOL

I am doing well, as is my family.  We are just looking forward to the retreat, staying busy.  Bill has been working his butt off at Wal*Mart (that he got this weekend off is nothing short of a miracle! LOL), and my kids who work have been staying busy at their jobs, too.  Ronee' got her driver's license this past week, and she has managed to stay from wrecking Bill's VW Bug.  LOL  (She's a good driver; we are proud of her!)

The kids have managed to stay healthy, which is a huge answer to prayer; every day, I pray to God to keep them from getting sick, and I ask Him to cover them with His protection and healing power.  I pray it continues.

Right now with the Cantata, Thanksgiving, CS coming up, that would be the last thing I need:  a bunch of sick kids, or worse, kids in the hospital!!

Weather here has gotten very cold; they're calling for below normal temps and snowy/cold conditions this winter for this area.  I believe it too; my Cajun blood is turning into ice, and it's not even the end of November yet!! BRRRR!!

I dread the onslaught of winter; I can never get warm enough!! LOL

This makes me glad I don't live in Alaska!! LOL

Tomorrow night, we're taking my father out for supper.  We're going to Golden Corral.  Golden Corrals across our nation are holding a "Military Appreciation Night"; all veterans (with proper IDs) will be fed free meals while their spouses/girl- or boy- friends have to pay.  Which means my daddy eats for free while his wife (as well as us) pay for our meals.  It is going to be a wonderful time!  We are looking forward to it!

Work has been going well:  slow some days, busy on others.  Yesterday,  I had two patients, both in the MICU.  Both are (relatively) stable; I pray this continues, and I pray I don't get called in to work like I was last Sunday; missed church.  (I do that sometimes.) 

Well, the children are rising, and hubby-dear has been up since four; he took care of the twins' bottles/diapers at four this morning.  He was nice enough to let me sleep until just a while ago; that was right neighborly of him! :)  He is so considerate; I am glad I married him!  I married a good'un!  :) 

I will write in here again, probably after the retreat (a week from now, Saturday evening at the earliest).  I will be chock full of news, so be expecting a great report!  Until later, this is your friend, Louisiana, signing off; take care and God bless you mightily!

~In His most precious, holy Name, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May. :D