There is not much going on in the life of Mary Ann Lapenta Stout. Much less than ever before actually, on the surface. The year 2011 held many changes toward stillness for me. Let's review:
1) My first year being a wife. Thought I would be a natural. this is true about 11% of the time.
2) I am no longer working in a church ministry position.
3) Many of my closest relationships are now challenged with more miles between us.
4) A music project I was putting quite a bit of hope in, didn't work out.
5) Not hearing much clear direction from God on where to go and what to do.
Do do do do do- my very favorite thing to qualify and identify myself as a productive person of faith and influence. *exhausting*.
To be still, to abide. This is something I have been struggling, no, THRASHING against. I have spent more energy in confusion and discouragement fighting this simple and gracious invitation than simply yielding and trusting the Potter's hand. I know, I know. Cliche' much? But this is really what has been my little 2011 legacy.
I felt impressed to blog about my seemingly nothingness, and open it up to you as my friends, for input or just honest accountability.
So here are a few things that ARE going on.
1) I am (re) reading a book by Dallas Willard entitled "Hearing God."
2) I am going to a Women's retreat (which I signed up for kicking and screaming about. "God, I don't WANT new friends. I don't want to bond by the fireside with more people who don't even know me." But the them of the weekend is "Listening", which is something I really need to focus on.)
3) I am running in a life-goal race in couple of weeks.
4) Brian and I are praying for direction on some things, including wanting and praying to have a miniature little person of our own.
So this is my re-entry blog into bloggers land.
