What an interesting first quarter to a very interesting year! 2011 is the Year of Opportunity, and just a quick recap of some of the opportunities that have been afforded me this first quarter:

* Spent time with Laura and her family as we witnessed her mom’s transition from life to death. It was the most intimate thing I’ve ever been a part of, and I thank Laura and her family for letting me be a part of this awesome moment for them.

* Received the second half of my 2008 tax audit bill (the state portion for $3100). This has been an interesting distraction, but a true reminder to me to trust God. The IRS bill was paid in full, but this one I will have to make payments; thus incurring interest and penalties. However, the upside is God is still in control!

* Unveiled my new community forum for Nonprofit Connectors. Several years ago I started Nonprofit Connectors, a consulting business to assist individuals/groups wanting to start a nonprofit organization by doing all the paperwork. I had a vision for this business that it would be a place that connected people, and now that vision has come to fruition. Be sure to check it out! The website has changed, and the logo has been given a facelift!

* Spent a week of quality time with my friend Thea! Thea and I were best friends in high school, through college, and most of life! We had a difference of opinion that broke up our friendship for 13 years. But God has shown me great grace and mercy by renewing our friendship. Sadly it was over Thea’s mom’s death that we reconnected (miss you Ret); but happily we’ve reconnected. God is so very gracious.

* Spending quality time with Ryan’s mom! I’ve loved Ryan’s parents from the beginning, and when his dad passed (February 1, 2011), it was a sad day. However, we rejoiced because we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that his dad was a born again believer! 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 reminds us to rejoice in a believer’s death!

* Then the best opportunity this year has afforded me (thus far), was spending an entire weekend getting to know my husband deeper and better! We attended our first, ever in 13 years, marriage workshop put on by our church, Capitol Hill Baptist Church. We talked about things we haven’t discussed since pre-martial counseling. So, it was like a kiss from God to spend this time with my husband getting to know him all over again. We’ve even decided to read a book together, “A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers” by D. A. Carson, and then we’ll have book discussions.

Looking back on this first quarter, I’m excited about what God will do with the next quarter!