Balloon Fest

Outings: The Hospitality House took a fun trip to Luxembourg to see a hot air balloon festival.  There were about 40 balloons in a competition with all the “fest” trappings: bratwurst, crepes, ice cream, face painting and games for the kids, etc.  It was on a lake, so we took a paddle boat out for a great view.  I was able to spend some good quality time with 2 women and rode with a couple I knew from Japan, so that was really fun.  It was a nice break from studying. 

Ministry:  We finished our 8 week Ruth study and are now watching Bruce Wilkinson’s “A Life God Rewards” DVD in preparation for our Fall study on Matthew’s Parables of the Kingdom.  It’s been very convicting about living in light of eternity, investing and storing up there and not here, and that what we do here impacts our life there.  It’s certainly made Heaven more real, and as a result, I was able to share the “good news” last week.  I’m working hard on creating our Fall study, but I’ve also had more time to spend one-on-one with ladies, and I’m enjoying that.  I’ve had some great conversations and meaningful times of speaking Scripture into issues in their lives. 

Teaching: The House is studying men and women of the Bible this Fall, and I’ve been asked to teach on 2 different women.  There’s so many godly women in Scripture, it’s a challenge to narrow it down!  I’ve also been asked to teach at our Fall PWOC Europe Conference in November.  Please pray with me for clear direction of what God would have me teach for each one.  I’m unsure at this point.  One of the young women in my study was also asked to teach for the first time.  She’s asked for my help in preparing for that, so pray for wisdom as I seek to guide her.

Praise God that the woman in our study I asked you to pray for gave birth to her first son who was over 9 pounds!  Both are fine, and I hope to see them tomorrow.  I’m taking an early birthday trip Aug. 27-29 to fly to Poland for the first time with one of the ladies in my study.  I’d appreciate your prayers for that and good fellowship as I get to know her better.