I used to have a favorite verse. It was Jeremiah 29:11. "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." I just wrote that off the top of my head, so it could be wrong. But, its something similar. I say "used to" because when i came to seminary, the "oh so sweet" Dr. Arbino helped me to become cynical. Anyway, Dr. Arbino tells us that we should look at the audience that God is speaking to, and be careful not to assume he is speaking directly to us in the current day. Yes, we can make application, but the intended audience was not me. WHAT???!!! I know, I did actually used to think the bible was fully speaking directly to me, and that it could answer anything I ever wanted to know. Well, here I sit, Mrs. Cynical. Recently, Jason and I have applied to become "missionaries" well, actually church planters. We were denied on ONE accusation. Drinking. Not even one drop is allowed for the last 12 months. I'm not complaining about the decision, I'm sort of sad that we judge. If I could tell you one person that I think would be the best pastor in the whole world, it would be my husband. I've always thought it. And its not just because he is my husband. Then, I look at other people around, and I think "how did that happen?" Again, my judgement. I've always said that the Lord will take care of us, and there is WAY more to this story, I'm just sad for early judgements that are made. How do you know when the Lord is speaking to you?? I KNOW i've heard him before, and I'm pretty sure i heard him this time, but maybe i am wrong. May we never be judgemental, and strive to always KNOW what the Lord wants of us. We still plan to go, just in a different form.