Welcome back!

It has been awhile since I last posted. Many things have occurred since then. Life is still good as well as you know God is still good!

Family: Please pray as I try to find a way to interact without bringing in my moral compass. I am the only the Christian in my family still. My nephews and nieces have chosen the secular lifestyle. I am not happy about that, but I do know life is about choices. They have to make their own decisions and I was so hopeing that it would be the Christian lifestyle. Those who think others influence the kids more than parents, I have a story to prove you wrong. Please pray! Holidays are difficult. I find myself wanting to limit the amount of time I am around due to what I perceive failure on my part to influence. I know I am harder on myself. I just don't know what to do as we go forward. They are my family, and that's all I have. Again, please pray!

Life: I am content somewhat to where I am. I have had some debates internally about the present and the future. "If you keep doing what you doing, you're gonna get what you get" I think somebody said that. In less than 2 years I will be turning 40. How did this happen? I can not believe it. I remember people reaching 40 and thinking they are old! Now, I am approaching that age. I do enjoy what I do. I have matured in some ways regarding my career. In Education, I have found the only way for me to survive is to be more passive. This might be in every profession, but when you are good at something, your boss will want to come and mess it up for whatever reason. If you go along with it, you will survive. If you resist, you might be looking for something else to do. I have never been fired. I do push the norm wherever I am. I just can't believe I will be turning 39 in January.

Church: I have found another unique congregation to work with since coming back to Atlanta. East Cobb Church of Christ. They love me and I love them. One day I need to post about all the different churches I have worked with over the years. This is a small church of about 300. Ray Hawkins is the preacher. I count him as my long lost brother. He is a counselor and does a great job in the pulpit. As in a lot of churches, they(we) need to express our appreciation for all the things he does and continue to do for the church and the kingdom. I have come to realize that not every church can handle a Terry Davis. I have found another one that loves me for being me. This is very important to me as I try to give 150%. Some days, I think about going back into full time. This church has helped me see that could be part of God's plan.

Work: Yesterday, I received a gift from the JH faculty. They have the last two years included me in the Administration gift. I am always humbled by the inclusion and overwhelmed by the encouraging notes that comes with the gift. They have no idea how much I appreciate hearing those encouraging words. I often say actions speak louder than words. I have to make an exception here, because I treasure each and every word expressed. I don't know why, but believe or not, I cry when I read these words. I am a person that want to get it right. I am learning that I do have a vision of what that is, and you better get out of my way. My prayer is that people see that my heart is for these kids. I don't want to be another adult to fail them. Junior High to me are the special years. They need a guide to help them thru it. I pray that I can continue to be that guide.

Spiritual: I know I can't say this has been the best year spiritually. I have struggle with family, work, and just life. I am renewed each with as I lead worship knowing that I am just a sinner. I am trying my best to do it right. My faith in God has never been stronger. My trusting God for his will in my life has never been weaker. GOD HAS TO BE IN CONTROL. I have to give it all. Sometimes, I think my foot in the boat and in the water. I need to jump freely and trust God will take care of all my concerns. Please pray! I look to 2010 with the idea all will be better. 2009 was not fine, but ok. I look to God to make the next year a better year.

Terry