Steve and Casey Cretsinger Experiencing Tribal Missions in Guinea, W. Africa 
Steve is gone most of this week working in another village to build a porch on our friends house. He was pretty excited about getting out there as he and his crew loaded up the work and trailer to start their trek out there. Can’t forget anything for the job – no Lowe’s or Home Depot to run out to. I wish I could say that I was as excited to be being left on my own. My boys know how to wear me out – actually, it’s a combination of a whole lot of things that wear me out, boys included in that. There are nights when I lay awake in bed for hours just thinking about things. It must be heredity because I know my mom does the same thing – or maybe it’s just a general “mom” thing that we do. Are my thoughts rambling as much as I think they are? This is exactly what I do at night – one thought leads to thinking about something else, to something else and before I know it – hours have gone by.  There is a lot to think about these days…issues with the kids, issues in ministry, family stuff back home, our travels home this summer…lots of different things. My sister sent me an email yesterday telling me that her New Years resolution was to do away with worry – hmmm, sensing a family pattern???
Putting Ephraim to bed last night he said “I keep forgetting how to be nice. You have to tell me a hundred times! Tell me not to be rude.” I told him that God is always listening and he can ask God for help anytime he needs it. Isn’t it funny how you hear yourself telling your kids the exact things that you need to remember from time to time? With so much on our plate, so many things needing attention and so much drama to our lives – it’s a needed reminder that God has already told me “a hundred times” exactly what He wants me to do with all my cares and worries. Thank goodness for the conversations with kids that keep us on our toes!
