Summer brings a kind of nostalgia for me.  I begin to mentally travel back to my childhood in Texas and Oklahoma.  That, of course, was in the "caveman days" according to my children.  Big grin!!  I remember playing outside all day long.  The sun was hot but the air was somehow life-giving even though sultry at times.  It was such fun to just be a child and have no worries or cares.  My life was managed by others, my parents, teachers and other family members.

Now I am "all grown up" and am responsible for myself.  I have decisions to make that will effect the rest of my life and that is sometimes very scary.  Suppose I make the wrong decision?  Suppose I fail in an effort that I really thought was the right choiec?  Who is responsible then?  ME!!  Yes, I am responsible for all my decsions.  If I don't take care of my responsibilities at home and at church then they are left undone.

We are planning some new things for St. Barnabas' to begin this Fall.  They will require church members to accept responsitility for their success.  I am hoping that many of you who receive this newsletter will respond with a big "YES!!!" saying that you want to help St. Barnabas' grow.  It would be wonderful if I received e-mails from you volunteering for service!  This would mean that the Holy Spirit truly lives within you and that you are listening to God's call to you to help spread God's Kingdom to the Deaf Community.  That is the way God intended.  Jesus said he would not leave the disciples (meaning us, too) without help and a Comforter.  To whom do you "listen" when you are making decisions?  Jesus said that we are to "become as little children" meaning "listen to God and follow God's leading" as we did as children with our parents family and teachers .

I am looking forward to our new ideas and work in the Fall.

May God's peace and the power if the Holy Spirit fill you today and always
is my prayer,

Barbara+