Today is my birthday—a gentle reminder that time never stands still. With each passing year comes a renewed sense of urgency, a holy nudge, that God’s call on my life (just like every Christian’s) is still the same: go and make disciples.

That’s why I keep showing up to trainings and reading lots of books year after year—to keep the community fire burning, to know our Triune God more deeply and to make Him known. Because if I’m honest, it all leaks. Daily responsibilities pile up, passion can wane, the fire settles into a simmer, and these days I think a little more about napping than I did ten years ago. Turns out, building in recovery time isn’t just for Olympic athletes.

Just in the last month, I’ve seen beautiful new ways the Lord is making Himself known that I’ve gotten to be on the front lines to see His actions, hear His voice, and play in His sandbox.

Lifewise Academy Cherokee launched in mid January with 24 students, and only three weeks later the numbers continue to rise as we welcomed nearly 40 first through third graders. Each Thursday morning, during their “specials” time, we transport children in a big red bus from the largest elementary school in Cherokee County, where I live, to a nearby local church to learn the Bible. Only by the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit are doors continuing to open for Christian education to take place during the public school day. Oh the new Jesus friends I’ve met who come together each week to plan, pray, and present the Bible!

Lifewise Academy is a U.S. nonprofit organization that provides Bible education to public school students during the school day under “released time” laws. Founded in 2018 by former Ohio State football player Joel Penton, it operates as a Christian ministry offering off-campus classes with parental permission and private funding. In a neighboring county where I serve, we’ve partnered with another church to host a free community viewing of the documentary of Off School Property to keep sharing the LifeWise story on March 1st. If you love history and how we got where we are in culture and education, you’ll be fascinated. I’m the bus teacher! God is on the move.

Another joy-filled pivot came through one of our incredible teachers, Robin Glover, who was leading an art class at the county art station for adults with disabilities. When that season ended, she brought the vision to our local church. Now, once a month, we welcome adults (ages 12+) with disabilities for a student-inspired art class. Not only did her original students follow her, but new students from our side of the county joined in too. With the help of our high school interns, the Lord is opening doors to love others in the name of Jesus—just as He always intended.

Looking ahead, the R3 Gathering for Christian educators serving in second- and third-chair leadership is happening March 13–14 in Albany, Georgia, at Camp Kirksey. For those of us in the Methodist faith tradition the past decade has been a refining fire. Now it’s time to move forward—actively and fully—spreading scriptural holiness through our local churches. This Thursday evening-through-late afternoon Friday gathering will focus on relationships and refreshing the Wesleyan traditions in the ruts, roots, and rhythms of ministry with children and families across North and South Georgia. There won’t be a exhibit hall, but there will be Jesus folk who are serving in the trenches, in community, at this incredible time in Christian history. I’d love to meet you there. Allison Vandenbergh is setting an incredible table for our time together.

And this week? Mr. Bob and I and I were supposed to be somewhere else, but plans change; we pivoted to spend time with the fabulous family we prayed for. This morning I’m meeting our beautiful daughter-in-love and Grand G at Home Depot to invest in some living green goodness to get a jump on spring. Then I’m headed for an early lunch and an afternoon movie with the big grands followed by dinner out with my honey. All after time with the Lord, remembering He is good and I am His.

Where is the Lord of the universe making Himself known in your world today?

“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Acts 2:28