The Biggest Praise report I have is in when the Lord brought Brenda into my life. The day we met I was sitting outside my apartment playing my quitar and singing praises to the Lord, she had just moved to Oregon, and didn't really know anyone. and I didn't believe I was ever to be married again, I was in what I call my Paul phase. I thought it would just be me and God, Preaching the Gospel and making disciples. LOL I really didn't think (up to that point anyway) that I would ever have a wife. That night the Lord began talking to me, and I knew that Brenda and I would be together. however!!!!! The Lord also let me know that I was not to ask her out or in anyway show interest in her outside of being there to help her find the fellowship she had been looking for. (She had been going to church with her sister but she was wanting a Church home with more excitement and fire for the Lord.) So I asked one of the ladies that was on my ministry team to meet with her, and to invite her to Church. (it is so much easier to have at least one person you know when you walk into a new church.) that weekend I was going with some friends to a petra concert, and I could tell that Brenda really wanted me to invite her although she didnt say so. and Boy did I want to spend time with her. never the less I remembered whatthe Lord had told me, and I did not ask her out. That Night..... I was so frustrated I began to ask God, "God You told me we were going to be together, and I believe you but God if I cant ask her out... if I cant even show any signs of interest... How? How God???? it was the next day that she came up... nervous... She asked me if sometime I would like to get together, and maybe take the kids somewhere? I said that sounded like fun. and in Immbarassment she ran down the stairs. (She had never asked a man out before.) I was so happy, still I thought ok if she is really from you... So I decided the first time we went out I would take her to the nursing home I ministered at. she asked "so what do you want to do?" so I thought to myself aha! I got her. I want go visit sme people in the nursing home I said. She looked at me kind of surprised. but said ok when we got there. The love she showed toward those people, the people I also had so much love for. was so real. so genuine. not trying to impress me, but a real Loving merciful caring God kind of Love. and my heart was so much more in Love with her. well, That was how we met,and it has been great ever since. God could not of brought me a better wife. I Thank Him So Much For Her..... Brenda I Love You.....

-- Mike (mikeorton@webtv.net), May 27, 1998