Hurray, I'm Certified

It was a month of the most intense studying I think I've ever done. I was so bone-tired for the week following the course that I could hardly drag myself out of bed each day. So, if you are wondering if I'm relieved it's over, I can assure you that I am. Was it worth it? I hope so! God knows the answer to that better than I do because He knows the future and knows when and where I will be able to put this knew knowledge to good use. I have a couple of open invitations already, so I don't doubt that the day is coming when God will have me pull this tool from my bag and use it.

Thank you so much for your prayers for me as I studied TESOL; through them God sustained me, through them I was able to finish victoriously. And once again I want to express my deep gratitude to those of you who gave financially so that this certification could become a reality. May God reward you for your generosity.

Last week we had our staff retreat at Bigfork, attended the Silver Valley pastor's fellowship meeting at Shoshone Base Camp then took the weekend to run up and visit John & Kim and the kids. What fun! This fall all three will be in school (Zach in 2nd grade, Deanna in 1st and Jacinda two days a week in kindergarten). Daniel is now officially a Fleming but it may take a few months (or more, who knows) before he will be released to join his anxiously awaiting family in Canada.

I'd like to ask you to please pray for my (Doris) Dad (Alfred). He has been in the hospital for the past two weeks with health issues, and on September 15 he is scheduled to undergo a pretty major back surgery to relieve the pain in his hips and legs.

Also, I want to ask for your prayer support as I prepare to speak at a ladies retreat in Portland, Oregon the weekend of September 18-20. Those of you who know me best know that speaking in front of groups is not my strong suite, but I believe God has called me to do it. It's times like this that Jesus comforts me with his words: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." And so, just as Paul did, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me.