As you can probably see from my last blog post, I haven't been blogging too much. It's primarily because I've been spending the last few weeks doing my best to increase my "Margin" in my life. Those that attended service with us last Sunday will understand what I mean by "Margin". I guess I should probably bring everyone else in on it too. "Margin" is a message that I got from another pastor but just had to share because of it's importance. Basically it is "having more of something than is necessary". Whether that means having EXTRA time in your day for family or things you enjoy, or having EXTRA money to be able to help others, give to the Lord or something else.

So anyway, I've been really working at my TIME margin in my life which means cutting off things that are not at the top of my priority list and focusing on those things that are the most important. Which of course is God and my family. So I've basically stopped "tweeting" (which I really never got that into anyway), and cut back on time on things like Facebook and blogging.

Having said all of that, there is absolutely one thing that I ALWAYS HAVE TIME FOR. And that is that I just need to PRAISE GOD.

For the last few weeks, God has blessed us in ways that can only be attributed to God. We have seen a steady flow of new faces each week. I have received so many phone calls and had conversations with so many people who all are sharing the same types of things. They are hurting and just want some place that they can find some peace. Some place where they can be in the presence of the Lord.

Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I know that I have definitely been in the presence of the Lord. It is so awesome to see God work and to watch God speak into the lives of people around us. It is so encouraging to see smiles on faces that were hurting. Precious Heavenly Father, may it never stop!

More than anything, I am just praying that I stay out of the Lord's way. It is SO MUCH BETTER when God is the one in control and is the one leading things. I've tried most of my life to be the one in control and then wonder why things are such a mess. But when God is in control, it is such a load off. Of course that doesn't mean that there won't be storms. But then again, God is in control of that too.

Anyway, it may be another few weeks before I post again, I really don't know. But I do know that when an opportunity presents itself to just say THANK YOU GOD, I really need to take it. With everything happening recently, I just give all praise and glory to God, for without Him, nothing would be.

If you are in the Bitterroot or Missoula Valley, and are looking for a church to visit, it would be an honor and a privilege to have you join us.

May you all get to a place in your life where you place your life fully and complete in the hands of your Heavenly Father.

Steve