Fresh Start for a Writer's Heart

I confess.....I am addicted to journals. There is nothing that gets me pumped up like an office supply store - the paper, the pens, the folders, the sticky notes, the blank pages screaming of possibilities. And having a new journal is like the crack cocaine of my habit. The fresh, clean pages just waiting to get started. I do have one small issue - I have about 20 journals that are about 1/4th of the way full. I get bored, or discouraged at my inconsistency. When I am in this funk, I will wander into a book store and suddenly I see them from across the crowded room - they are calling to me. The smell of the pages is intoxicating. The thoughts of the great things I could write if only I had this journal consume me. Ta heck with great literature, I'm gettin' me a book with nuthin' in it! Before I know it, cha ching! I own a new journal. Geesh - what is up with that? The honest truth is that my thoughts come so quickly that a handwritten journal is not very practical. I have tried to keep one using Word but haven't been consistent with that - eventually craving the handwritten touch and tactile sensation of writing in a journal.
I'm sick. Sick I tell you!

Whom Shall I Send

We have some friends whom the Lord has called to serve Him on the mission field in Chad (that's Africa for those of you who may not already know). They are currently immersed in language studies, but recently took their first survey trip with their team to the town where they will live and serve. Steven has started an incredible photo journal at SmugMug. It has been so fascinating. I put the feed on my Google Reader and have been delighted that he has posted something every single day, and have been so moved to pray for their ministry, their family including five small children, their team and the country God has etched on their hearts. If you have a heart for missions at all, please do not miss this awesome opportunity to peek into what God is doing. There are pictures of the difficult lives they will be living when they make it to Chad permanently, mixed with humor, and sentiments that will move you to tears. Please pray for my friends, the McKenzies, that God would use them in a might way.