I recently read a story that said one of the reasons the Titanic sank so quickly was because of the rivets. You know, the millions of tiny pieces of metal that held the ship together. Apparently, when the Titanic hit the iceberg, whole sheets of metal came apart because the rivets were substandard. This allowed water into the compartments too quickly and doomed the ship.
 
Tori and I are about to head south to Galveston to lead a mission trip for AIM. Prior to a mission trip, we always have to be careful of how we handle things at home. For some reason, it is much easier to get into an argument, say something really stupid, or to get your feelings hurt in the week before a mission trip than at any other time.
 
I have always said that we are especially vulnerable to attack from the enemy (Christianese for Satan) right before a trip. While I still believe this to be true, this morning I was given a slightly different view...
 
When I'm stressed, for whatever the reason, all the little inconsistencies and problems in my life suddenly come to the front. Things that I've been able to ignore, put on hold, or postpone are now pressing problems that can't be put off any longer. In other words, my junk comes back to haunt me; I can't hide from it. Maybe next time, if I don't have so many loose ends to tie up, things won't be quite as stressful. It's radical, I know.
 
Have said all that, Tori and I are going on a mission trip and Carla and Kaylie are staying home. Please remember us in your prayers this next week. We'll be meeting a group from Wyoming and a family from Virginia in Galveston. I'll be updating regularly here. Sorry I've been gone for so long. I hope you missed me. :)