Well, I preached (doesn't it seem like there should be a word like proch) yesterday and it seem to go very well. I have had a lot of positive comments and good affirmations. I got a little nervous at first, but then I just settled into what I love to do. Talk to people. It was really, pretty incredible actually. Not my message, but how it felt to depend on God and really seek to speak in a way that was honoring to him. I felt closer to God this week! Over all it was a really great experience and I get to do it again at the end of April!
The other major thing in the Torkelson's life is looking into buying a house some day. We have been looking around to see what's out there, but this just seems to be a kind of scary, exciting thing. I mean, from our perspective this is an enormous decision and we are a little freaked to say the least. Anyway, we have had fun dreaming and looking, but every time we sort of talk seriously about a house, we don't know how people ever afford to go through with it. Pray that we would have wisdom and patience. Pray that God would give us peace with our decision when the time and place are right. We really do seek to honor God even with this decision in our lives. See, we really want a house that we can invite people into and love on them. This is a ministry house of sorts. Not bad investment, either, but we want a place to do good ministry. Anywho, thanks for all the encouragement yesterday and we pray that you are all well and are all taking your baby steps. We are trying to!!!

You know when everyone around you starts talking about something, so you start thinking about how that relates to you, but then you don't say anything because you don't want to be a copy cat. Well, I am going to say something at the risk of being a copy cat. I have said this often, but I don't think I can say often enough. I am incredibly blessed to have my wife Mesha. I have had a couple of hard weeks of ministry and school lately and through it all my wife has blessed me richly. It is only this week and maybe this moment that I realized what a blessing she has been. See, every time I have a hard week or two coming, I warn her that I will be busy. This is my way of saying, "I love you dearly, but leave me alone." The last two weeks she has done anything, but leave me alone. She talked to me when I was trying to study and wore me down until I would commit a night each week to just being with her. Until now, I saw this as unsupportive and bothersome, but I realized something today. It is all in how you look at things. Some men would give everything they had to get that kind of attention from their wives. Some men have lost their wives because of the very attitude I have had in my busy times this past year and a half. My wife, however, has continued to be interested in me and love me. She has chosen to adapt to the situation and still get what she needs from me. She has chosen to serve me by letting her needs be known clearly. I think I finally get it. She loves me too much to just go away when I am busy. For that I thank you Mesha. Like the other men, who have recently blogged about their wives, I just want to say that I don't deserve what I have been given in terms of a wife. Mesha is a living, walking, breathing symbol of God's incredible love and grace in my life. May you all recognize the blessings in your life. If that blessing is a person...let them know!

I made it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I finished my quarter last night, now its on to preaching and the next quarter. It doesn't ever stop, but it does feel good to mark the completion of at least a segment of school.
Also, wanted to let everyone know that my father is doing well. There were no problems with his surgery, so he was home the same day he had it (friday.) Thanks for your prayers, everything should be all good!!!
I had a great weekend with my students and was inspired by the worship and speaker. Blessings!

I am leaving for Duluth today for a retreat with the students. I am really pumped. This will be a great time to hang with my middle schoolers. Pray for my wife as she will be missing me....I hope! I will miss her too, but I will be with lots of people to distract me.
Also, my father found out this week that he has a tumor (non-cancerous) and is actually having it removed right now. Please pray for his recovery, especially because he is prone to blood-clots. Thanks everyone. God Bless.

I made it through the first week. Research paper done....15 page paper and final test to go!!!! Mesha didn't lose her husband after all. I have learned how to make time for her even with stress! Now to keep that up!

Sorry, don't have time to really post, but wanted to give a short update. I am in the last two weeks of the quarter, which means crunch time!!!! Please pray that I can be wise in my scheduling and pray for Mesha, as she is virtually without a husband for two weeks! Blessings on all.