I must confess that, as I pen this article, I am exhaling a significant sigh of relief over having come through four very busy months. We started in September with the opening of the schools, NVBS and GSBC. We moved into our Pastors’ Conference in September, Missions Conference in October, and a Ladies’ Conference in December. At the writing of this article, I have just finished speaking at our first Educators’ Convention. While I praise the Lord for all of these events, I am eager to have a couple of months’ reprieve.

We are, with great anticipation, awaiting the arrival of our fifth grandchild at the end of this month or first of February. At this point in time, we are grateful for the extra weeks since Tabitha delivered Riley prematurely; he spent his first two weeks of life in the NICU at Good Samaritan Hospital. Hudson Jack Fanara will be a sweet blessing to our family. Although Tabitha and Chris haven’t given him the middle name of Jack, that is what Nana already calls him. You can cast your vote by e-mailing the church. J I think it goes well with Riley Jackson, don’t you agree??!!

Our graduate, Bro. Jason Azzarello, attended our seminar, and I mentioned to him today that I had to get home to write this article. He replied, “Why don’t you write what you just taught?” Since February is the month in which we speak of hearts and love, I replied, “Thanks, Jason, I think I will.” Desirous of giving credit where credit is due, if this article speaks to your heart, I thank you; if it doesn’t mean much to you, thank Jason Azzarello for the idea!

I spoke to the educators on the subject of “Leading with Heart.” Our hearts are vital organs; in fact, we couldn’t exist without them. Having the right heart is of utmost importance as we serve the King of kings. Following is a brief outline of what I shared at the seminar today:

1. Have a Sanctified Heart
Develop a pure heart where sin is confessed daily and a holy life is your desire.

2. Have a Servant’s Heart
Being a servant isn’t lowly; it is the ultimate measure of greatness.

3. Have a Submissive Heart
While we stutter and cringe at the word submission, remember that “Submission
doesn’t bring you bondage; it brings you freedom!”

4. Have a Sacrificial Heart
• What can I do for someone else?
• Whom can I serve today?
• Give of yourself to build someone else.

Life has its ups and downs, but what matters most just might be “matters of the heart.”

Have a wonderful February, and let the people in your life know that you love them.

Cindie Trieber has served the people of our ministry for more than three decades as the Pastor’s Wife. She teaches in the college and is a godly mother and “Nana."
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