Happy NEW YEAR!

Can you believe 2013 is already here? I think one of the best things about a new year is that you get to reflect on the past year and look forward to the coming year. God truly has been merciful, gracious, long-suffering and loving to me, even though I do not deserve it.

The blessings he bestows upon me daily are innumerable and many times, unfortunately, I can easily take these blessings for granted.

There are many blessings I could mention, but here are a few of my top favorites:

1) God's love
2) My salvation
3) My husband - his love, humor and servant's heart
4) My family - their love
5) My church and her faithfulness
6) My friends - their kindness
7) My pastors - their guidance and direction
8) My Ministries - a vessel that is able to be used of the Lord
9) My house - a place to come home to
10) My husband's job - provision
11) My dog - faithfulness
12) My health - 'nuff said

Although I do not know what is in store for my family and I in 2013, I do know that "he(Jesus)hath done all things well."

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

As I enter into 2013, I pray that I remain faithful to the Lord, and his work, as I wait for his return. Lord, come quickly.

May 2013 be filled with blessings, lessons and love from above!

Basket Full of Blessings

Well we are only five days into November and God has already filled my basket full of blessings:

1) I got to vote! To vote is an honour and priveledge that every American should recognize and DO! So make sure you make it to the polls tomorrow! Don't miss out on the opportunity to let your voice be heard.

2) My car has been making some strange, unidentifiable noises lately. So when I took it in for its regular oil change, I asked the service department to give the car a look over. PTL! They couldn't find anything amiss. So whatever noises I've been hearing... are either in my mind, or I'll just have to wait for whatever it is, to break. :)

3) After a month of R&R, Pastor Sargent is back in the pulpit! PTL!! God gave him two wonderful messages yesterday that were such a blessing to my soul.

In the morning he taught on the feeding of the 5,000, out of the Gospel of John. Briefly, he mentioned 3 types of people in this miracle: the multitude, the twelve disciples and the lad. Jesus saw the multitude as sheep without a shephard, the twelve saw them as a problem and the lad was willing to give his all to the Lord.

Our church just came out of a Missions Conference and Pastor challenged us using this miracle. There are roughly 7 billion people in the world today, with 42% that have yet been reached for Christ. What is our attitude towards them? Will we give of ourselves? Of our wealth so they can hear the good news?

The evening message was on How to Take a Stand for Christ. Pastor preached from Daniel 1:1-21. He clearly showed what Daniel and his three friends went through as they were deported from Jerusalem to Babylon and then to be mentally and spiritually manipulated/brainwashed. Thankfully, Daniel had purposed in his heart to take a stand for Christ, he had prepared his heart diligently while in Jerusalem, by praying and reading God's Word. So when the trials came later, he was prepared to take a stand without being demanding or obnoxious.

His results can work for us too: God will honour our life in this world if we purpose to take a stand for him. God will use us in this world; especially, if we are in his Word, seeking his face daily, praying and memorizing scriptures. We will impact others and people will know who to turn to in time of need.

As the month goes on I am sure there will be many more blessings to report. What praises or blessings can you share that God has bestowed upon you recently?

October Highlight

October flew in as fast as it is flying out. I will have to say the highlight for October was my church's 2012 Missions Conference. Bible Baptist Church flew in Brother Bernardo from the PI to be this years guest speaker. He was such a tremendous blessing, a powerful reader of the Word and shared his personal salvation testimony!

What was amazing about his testimony is that he was saved through the ministry of Evangelist Wayne Walley many, many years ago. His first hand account of how the Lord used Brother Walley, and his mom, to bring him to the Lord was extremely fascinating. When a church sends out a missionary they hear of those who get saved, but very rarely do they get to meet someone that was led to the Lord through the work of their missionary.

You can tell how much Brother Bernardo loves the Lord and loves his Pastor, Brother Walley. I am so glad God called the Walley's to the PI, and am very glad that God saw fit to have BBCOH be their sending church.

I know one day, whether it be here on the earth or in heaven, I will meet more folks who have been led to the Lord by Brother Walley and Brother Bernardo. It truly will be an exciting day!

His testimony and love for the Lord was truly a blessing to my soul.

Fender Bender

If you have a FB account than you probably already know that Steve was in an accident yesterday. Every day before Steve leaves for work I say, "be careful honey, there are a lot of crazies on the road". To which he usually replies in a jovial manner, "I know, I am one of them."

Sometimes we take for granted all the blessings God bestows upon us, and his protection is a blessing we almost expect daily. However, we never know once our loved one walks out the door, if that will be the last time we see them.

Steve travels almost an hour and a half, one way, to work five days a week and has been doing so for almost four years now. I just can't help but praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy. Truly, I am thankful for the hedge of protection God surrounds Steve with on a daily basis. Thank you Lord for the reminder!

March 2012 Overview

Wow! Where did the month of March go? It seems like just a few days ago when I turned the calendar over from February. Well, I am glad to report another month full of blessings.

Blessing #1: I was given a few days off of work and I must say it definitely helped me physically. Over the last several weeks I was experience numbness from my forehead to the middle of my head. I guess there is a lot to say about a little R&R!

Blessing #2: I got sick, but now I am well. Thank you Lord!

Blessing #3: My secret prayer sister was a blessing to me and my family. Thank you for the treats Katie!

Blessing #4: A lady donated her baby grand piano to our church! It is a beautiful piano and one the church body is thankful for. An answer to pray indeed!

Blessing #5: We got to experience the Island County Convention. It was organized very well, even though it was a long, drawn out day. Steve was voted in as a delegate to go to the Washington State Convention on June 1st.

Blessing #6: I got to sing a special with Tess, who graciously agreed to partner with me since Steve came down ill. Thank you Tess!

Blessing #7: Steve and I were invited over to the McDowell's, with the Schenck's, for a BBQ dinner and fellowship. Believe it or not, I tried Elk for the first time and I liked it (way better than any deer meat I have ever had)! Kami also served chocolate pie and Matt Jr's out of this world cheesecake - both were so very yummy. The evening concluded in a couple rounds of "Shoot". I am glad to report that the girls took a round and the boys took a round - so all was good in the end.

Blessing #8: Pastor is doing a series in the book of the Revelation and the messages so far have been enlightening and very exciting. Heaven sounds like a wonderful place and our pea brain can't even begin to fully imagine its beauty and God's glory!

Blessing #9: I have a LOVING husband who puts up with all of my quirks, and an AWESOME God who loves me, despite me.

Blessing #10: I have the greatest dog EVER!

Thank you Lord for all of the blessings you have bestowed upon my family and me this month. More than we deserve.