Reality Check with Ann Downing...

My parents taught me about being quick to give but to use good judgment and wisdom in who to give to and making sure I give for the right reasons. I’ve been truly blessed these past few days by true givers.  Typically January is a slow month for traveling ministries like Downing Ministries.  This month has been especially challenging in that one weekend had only one booking and this past weekend just didn’t book at all.  Having seen the major snowstorm that blew through late last week, we wouldn’t likely have been able to fulfill dates if they had scheduled.  I’ve been hesitant to do a “plea” as such for help, somehow feeling that God had this and could work far better than I could.  I want to report, as I do the happy dance, that “giving folks” have started doing just that…GIVING out of their hearts to Downing Ministries.  To make the happy dance last longer, let me say that most of these gifts are from some folks I KNOW don’t have it to give in ...

I'm not all that great a planner.  I LOVE when a plan exists, I just sometimes wait too long to begin making one.  I know this will likely cause frustration when I have to cram and cram to get things done in time, but I do it anyway. My Daddy never had that problem.  As a farmer, you can bet he was a planner!  From sunrise to sunset, rain or shine, my Daddy planned.  He planned cotton planting time and when he would set out the onions, cabbage, radishes, English peas, Irish potatoes, etc.  Even in the winter, many times I've heard him say he set out cabbage in January's icy ground.  He knew that if the cabbage was going to produce effectively, it HAD to be set out very early in order for the "heading out" process to begin while the weather was still cool.  Apparently, cabbage loves cool weather, and his planning gave them exactly what they needed... when they needed it. I guess I ought to think more about Daddy's philosophy when it comes to pl...

Yes, a new year is here!  I'm glad to welcome 2016! Looking back over 2015, of course I'd like to redo some things, but isn't that the way it is?  Don't we spend a lot of time reliving what we now see more clearly and have a better perspective on? It seems to me that those moments we'd like to redo are usually the ones that have taught us the most. If I have any advice for you (and me) this year, it's that we pray more that our choices and decisions will be made according to His will.  Regret, after all, only zaps our energy and creativity.  Who needs that?!? I'm believing for a 2016 that would allow us to be cautious and trusting yet also live in confidence that His grace still looks on us with love and conviction that will always help us... help us live in His freedom.