Tom left Chattanooga last Thursday morning and arrived here in time for dinner that evening! As a token of my love and "welcome home honey," I made his favorite comfort foods: meatloaf and his mom's recipe for macaroni & cheese.

It has been wonderful having Tom close. Friday it snowed all day and he worked from the office here at home. Normally his talking on the phone and "doing business from home" would be a huge distraction for me in my own work, but sharing the space with him on Friday was wonderful! Even though we had to go in separate cars this morning because he was teaching the new comers class during third service, it was wonderful sitting together in church, singing together and listening to the word of God together! He came home with a bad cold and cough but even these sounds (especially at night) don't bother me. They are a wonderful reminder that he's here - next to me. Yes, absence has made the heart grow fonder!

I thank God for Tom and these moments we have together. God has given to me the awesome privilege of being Tom's wife. God has declared me Tom's helper suitable. WOW! I acknowledge that only God knows how I can be a help and only God can give me the ability to be a helper. Amen? But, I am so grateful for the opportunity to try and keep trying! I've learned so much from Tom. God has gifted him with leadership skills and abilities and with a deep and genuine love for people. It's a beautiful thing to watch! This makes the times we are apart a little easier because I know he's doing what God has created him to do and he's doing it for God's glory. For almost 7 years, I prayed that God would (1) Put Tom in a place where he could wake up every morning knowing that he was created for that moment. That, with every fiber of his being, he would understand that God had used all of his life experiences to bring him to that very moment and that God had created him to accomplish the work set before him; (2) Find male friends who loved God's Word, were passionate and committed to the study of God's Word and who would challenge him in his faith and hold him accountable; and (3) Be given more time to study the Word of God inductively.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine God would call him to Precept Ministries - the inductive Bible study people. Honestly, how can I even take credit for the prayers prayed? God surely put them on my heart knowing what He was going to do. Tom's loving his new job. And this, blesses my heart. It will also warm my heart while we are apart during the winter days to come.

Thank you God for Tom. Fill him to the fullness of You! Strengthen, empower and enable him to further Your kingdom. Continue to give him a passion and a hunger for your Word, a love for your people, and a willingness to lead forward for Your great name sake and glory- no matter what. All glory, honor and praise to You. In Jesus Name - Amen!