Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:1-2
This past Saturday Paul celebrated his one year anniversary from being released from the hospital after his cancer surgeries. At that time, he was able to do very little other than to be in bed or recline in a chair. He had little or no appetite. Little by little he began to gain strength and was able to begin walking for a short period of time in the house. By the end of January he was able to be completely off pain medication and was beginning to gain strength. Along with this he slowly regained his appetite and was able to take longer walks outside.
God's grace certainly has been evident throughout this past year as he has renewed Paul's strength to be able to navigate the busy months of 2012. During this time, we have made four trips to Georgia
and six trips to Kentucky. With helping prepare for the wedding and reception of our daughter Rebecca in Georgia and planning a tea in Michigan for the couple, it made a very full and active summer. Now, our son Roger is moving to California to take another position with Nestle so we are lending him a hand as he makes the transition from Lexington, KY to Modesto, CA. God continues to give Paul strength to help with these changes that impact our family. It is unbelievable the way Paul has improved over these months.
We know of others who are going through health issues at this time and want to encourage them to put their trust in the Lord to see them through. When Paul came home from the hospital, he wasn't sure he would ever feel good again. But, it has been incredible to see what he has been able to do
all because of the strength the Lord has given him. We pray that those who are going through a difficult time right now with their health will be able to look back a year from now and see the faithfulness of the Lord in their lives.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
A Different Kind of Give and Take
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
Last Thursday we were ringing bells for the Salvation Army at the Walmart in Adrian. It was an eye opening experience in that the vast majority of people walked in and out of the store without donating to the ministry of the Salvation Army. However, it was encouraging to see a number of parents who would give their children money to put in the red kettle. They were impressing upon their children the importance of giving to others. At one point, there was a cute little dark headed and dark complected girl who could barely reach the top of the kettle to deposit her money, but the expression on her face reflected the spirit of giving. Capturing that moment would make a great poster for the Salvation Army with the title, "Teaching to Give".
On the other side of the experience of giving was one of taking. About half way through our time of ringing the bells, a gentleman came out of the store with several bags full of clothes and various items. In a split second, a teenage boy walked up to the man and grabbed as many of the parcels as he could, leaving some scattered on the pavement, and immediately ran before anyone could respond. The shocked gentleman made a feeble effort to pursue the assailant but to no avail. The police were called to the scene but too late to apprehend the perpetrator. This was all done in broad daylight.
Obviously there is a great contrast in the two examples. Who do you think is going to be the most blessed: those who gave or the one who took?
The very next day we left for Kentucky to help our son Roger prepare for a move to California where he has accepted another position with Nestle. This transition will be an adjustment, but we are excited about the opportunities that await him. His last day for work in Kentucky is December 28th, and he begins his new position in Modesto, CA on January 7th.
As you prepare for Christmas may your hearts be filled with much joy and peace, and may all your red kettles be filled to the full.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Last Thursday we were ringing bells for the Salvation Army at the Walmart in Adrian. It was an eye opening experience in that the vast majority of people walked in and out of the store without donating to the ministry of the Salvation Army. However, it was encouraging to see a number of parents who would give their children money to put in the red kettle. They were impressing upon their children the importance of giving to others. At one point, there was a cute little dark headed and dark complected girl who could barely reach the top of the kettle to deposit her money, but the expression on her face reflected the spirit of giving. Capturing that moment would make a great poster for the Salvation Army with the title, "Teaching to Give".
On the other side of the experience of giving was one of taking. About half way through our time of ringing the bells, a gentleman came out of the store with several bags full of clothes and various items. In a split second, a teenage boy walked up to the man and grabbed as many of the parcels as he could, leaving some scattered on the pavement, and immediately ran before anyone could respond. The shocked gentleman made a feeble effort to pursue the assailant but to no avail. The police were called to the scene but too late to apprehend the perpetrator. This was all done in broad daylight.
Obviously there is a great contrast in the two examples. Who do you think is going to be the most blessed: those who gave or the one who took?
The very next day we left for Kentucky to help our son Roger prepare for a move to California where he has accepted another position with Nestle. This transition will be an adjustment, but we are excited about the opportunities that await him. His last day for work in Kentucky is December 28th, and he begins his new position in Modesto, CA on January 7th.
As you prepare for Christmas may your hearts be filled with much joy and peace, and may all your red kettles be filled to the full.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
The Advent season is upon us and many are preparing for Christmas. Family traditions are being continued and some are being started. Just this week, we have been made aware of two young families who are making their plans for the celebration of Christ's birth. Both of these focused on how they would handle the giving of gifts.
One family chose to give their children only three gifts modeling after the wise men giving of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each child would receive one gift of great value, another of practical value, and a third that would enrich them mentally such as a book. Then, they would determine as a family how they would give to those in need, which allowed the children to think about others rather than what they are going to receive.
Another family talked to their children about beginning their Christmas tradition, and the subject got around to giving to others rather than themselves. In the process, they got out a World Vision catalog to see if there is something that they might want to do as a family through that ministry. After much contemplation, they chose to provide five fruit trees to a needy family in a foreign country. Once they decided what they were going to do, they asked their two children what part they wanted to play in providing these trees. The younger one said he had a dollar that he was willing to give, which was about all he had. The older was willing to not only give from his savings but challenged the family to provide ten fruit trees rather than five. In order to fund the trees, they got busy and collected as many aluminum cans as they could get so thy could take them to recycling and receive a small amount to put towards the trees.
Upon returning from the recycle, the money was placed on the kitchen counter, and the father challenged the children to think about how they could supplement the funds they had already raised.
Immediately each child dashed to the piggy bank in their room and brought back some or all of their savings to provide for these trees.
How exciting it is to see families working to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of giving to others instead of the commercial Christmas of self that is promoted by the world.
Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothed you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go and visit you?"
The King will reply, "I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:37-40
As we celebrate the birth of Emmanuel, God with us, may His presence and peace with you.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul,Gail, Patsy, and Penny
The Advent season is upon us and many are preparing for Christmas. Family traditions are being continued and some are being started. Just this week, we have been made aware of two young families who are making their plans for the celebration of Christ's birth. Both of these focused on how they would handle the giving of gifts.
One family chose to give their children only three gifts modeling after the wise men giving of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each child would receive one gift of great value, another of practical value, and a third that would enrich them mentally such as a book. Then, they would determine as a family how they would give to those in need, which allowed the children to think about others rather than what they are going to receive.
Another family talked to their children about beginning their Christmas tradition, and the subject got around to giving to others rather than themselves. In the process, they got out a World Vision catalog to see if there is something that they might want to do as a family through that ministry. After much contemplation, they chose to provide five fruit trees to a needy family in a foreign country. Once they decided what they were going to do, they asked their two children what part they wanted to play in providing these trees. The younger one said he had a dollar that he was willing to give, which was about all he had. The older was willing to not only give from his savings but challenged the family to provide ten fruit trees rather than five. In order to fund the trees, they got busy and collected as many aluminum cans as they could get so thy could take them to recycling and receive a small amount to put towards the trees.
Upon returning from the recycle, the money was placed on the kitchen counter, and the father challenged the children to think about how they could supplement the funds they had already raised.
Immediately each child dashed to the piggy bank in their room and brought back some or all of their savings to provide for these trees.
How exciting it is to see families working to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of giving to others instead of the commercial Christmas of self that is promoted by the world.
Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothed you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go and visit you?"
The King will reply, "I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:37-40
As we celebrate the birth of Emmanuel, God with us, may His presence and peace with you.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul,Gail, Patsy, and Penny
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