Join me at Do Not Depart today where I’m sharing a vlog about Living with Confidence as part of our Unshakeable Faith study.

I think the best thing I cooked this week happened on Sunday. I put a pork loin roast (on sale) in the crockpot on low. I sprinkled it with salt and pepper and added about 2 T. of minced garlic. I cooked it all night … the dog was beside himself from the aroma … and so was Jeff!  Alas, it wasn’t until after church that I shredded the meat, drained the juices, and added Hickory Honey BBQ sauce (also on sale).  They loved it … yes, the dog AND Jeff.  We ate it as BBQ sandwiches and made awesome BBQ wraps for lunches Monday and Tuesday. We still have some left, and it’s going to make for an easy meal tonight!

I’m all about cooking efficiency right now, because one week from today, I leave for a speaking ministry ROMANIA! I have the pleasure of returning to Sibiu, Romania to teach a women’s conference for the second time. I will be spending time with a group of women leaders and pastors’ wives, and I will be teaching through the book of Galatians. Oh, it is really good stuff, this book of Galatians! It’s foundational for being a follower of Christ. Have you ever studied it?

Your prayers would be a great gift to me. And, by the way, thanks so much to all those who have lifted up prayers for Compassion children and have even taken time to post a name on our virtual Prayer Wall. I want to invite more of you to add a child’s name to the “wall” through Saturday. I’ll announce the winner of our Thirty-One Bag on Sunday. I really believe that God hears us when we pray, and He answers.

Yesterday our Bible study group focused on how empty our influence is if we skip abiding in Christ and rush ahead to just “do good.” When we know our Father intimately, fruit naturally grows. I appreciate your prayers for fruit in Romania. Please pray for:

1. A safe journey for me and my traveling and ministering partner and friend, Tara
2. Energy and strength to teach with a clear mind and strong voice (Pray for miraculously short jet lag!)
3. Did I say a strong voice? I’ll be teaching 10 sessions of about an hour and a half each.
4. Cultural insight and understanding to make teaching applicable
5. Fellowship and friendship with the sweet women who are coming
6. Accurate teaching of this amazing book of the Bible. It’s deep and rich. I need God’s guidance of my tongue
7. Sweet time with the Lord this week as I just spend time with Him in preparation
8. Understanding for me and for Tara to minister to each woman individually, according to her needs
9. Smooth partnership for my partner-translator, Gratziela
10. As always, pray for my sweet family at home while I’m away

Some favorite fall recipes

• 5 Treat Trail Mix
• Pumpkin Dip
• Pumpkin Muffins