When I joined the team of Peniel in October of 2013, I had no idea how radically my life would be changed.  I felt at the time, and still believe, that God placed me here.  At last, I would be able to give back something to those affected by the devastation of addiction!

But, oh… God had so much more in mind…  After being in the work force for almost 40 years, God in his infinite wisdom, had chosen to place me here, at Peniel, a place where I would be given the opportunity to observe, learn and grow…

I would learn so much each day and God was smiling!

I have learned that you can come into work slightly under the weather, and pray and God will give you strength to get through the day.  Call off sick?  I don’t think so.

I see that God will use those women who have no children to love and provide for his precious little babies.  This education on foster care has been invaluable to me.

I’ve learned that it’s totally, “not OK” for my husband to walk ahead of me and yes, you will open the car door for me now.

I have learned that the celebration of Communion is so much more than holding up a loaf of bread.  It is a time of repentance, coming before the Lord, in all your mess and saying, “forgive me. I am so sorry Lord…”

I now share with as many people as I can the adage, “do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do” and even have my husband sharing it as well!

I see the strength of mothers with little ones at daycare, who inspire me in such a tremendous, marvelous way!  YOU CAN DO BOTH and do it successfully and unto the LORD!

I know what it is to share a prayer concern and have someone say at that very moment, “let’s pray about it right now.”  Oh, what a blessing.

For the first time in my life, I’ve learned the importance of being “teachable”.  This was challenging at first but I know that God doesn’t want us to remain stagnant in ANY area of our life.  HE has strategically placed people in our lives to help take us to the next higher level for His glory.

I have come to see the importance of addressing someone properly.  “Yes sir,” and “Yes Ma’am” go a long way in the public sector.  Sometimes it is received with an odd look, but you know, “it’s the right thing to do.”

I have learned that you hold your head high IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.  Walk as a mighty, strong Woman of God.  There is no shame or condemnation.  Carry yourself with all the authority that the Lord God has given you and never look back!

Daily I have the privilege of seeing God’s miraculous, healing touch as he restores the hurting, the lost, the wounded.  I get to see the transformation as they develop into all that God has called them to be.

While most people anxiously await retirement, I see folks in that season of their lives embarking on parenthood, again “because it’s the right thing to do.”  I see tremendous leaders on the front lines every day continuing to do what God has called them to do.  It’s just that simple.

“When God stops using me, then I worry.”   Just another wonderful nugget that I literally just received from one of my Peniel family…

A job?  No, this is an assignment.  Here I am Lord… thanks for sending me.