One of the common interests I shared with BJ as I grew up was toy cars, they consumed much of my time as I played with them by the hour, day and week. I can't say if he would have developed that interest on his own or notbut the fact that I bought him scores of little cars didn't allow him the option of at least thinking about them as the collection took up more and more space.

On one gift-giving occasion BJ finally said to me "Uncle Brad, you sure enjoy giving me cars don't you?" It stopped me in my tracks mentally and made me stop and think each time thereafter when I was looking at the Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars hanging on the store rack. Was I looking for him or for myself? Was I buying him something that he wanted or something I wanted him to desire because I wanted that commonality with him?

In much the same way I have struggled at times with knowing or seperating the Lord's will from my own. Do I want to do something because it is what He wants of orfor me or because I want it to be His will for me? How much am I projecting my own desires (or fears) into what I "feel" he wants of me?

These aren't always easy questions to answer. It is important though that we do the best we can with the gifts we have been given, no matter how we serve Him. Our focus should be on the serving, not the accomplishment because it is He who does the work through us of we will only let Him.

Our family must thank Angela Ganote and Fox 59 for conducting and running the follow-up interview with Brent and Deanna and the sensitive way in which it was done. In this time when "good" news seems hard to find we all must be grateful for journalists who are willing to do stories that many do not see as politically correct - without editing out references to our Lord Jesus Christ. What a perfect example of using the gifts God has given.

Please be praying for Whitney as she has not been feeling well the past couple of weeks. In fact we need to be praying for the health and well-being of the entire team as they prepare for the trip to North Africa.

In Christ,

Brad

P.S. I will try to update you with information on the trip as I receive it. During this time of training the Brent and the team have very long, intense days in preparation and little opportunity to call. I can tell you that they are all tired but very excited about this opportunity and are looking forward to arriving in N. Africa.

Thank you Marti for giving the web information.