Counting The Blessings Of 2008

The LORD has blessed me through my wife.

That is easy for us:  Our son went to Iraq and returned and just this month finished his 4 year tour with the USMC and is back in the US safe and sound.

A new job in a new town, great church, great new school for the kids, less driving, closer to family!

The Lord preserved my parents’ lives and has kept me employed.  “Go home to your friends and(L) tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” (Mark 5:19)

I can say ditto and amen to both in #4, I’d add onto my list incremental healing in several areas of brokenness which I’m also very thankful.

my wonderful family, dear friends, the best co-workers in the whole wide world, my precious church, and the wisdom of Judge Randy Bellows.

I consider it a blessing that the following events in 2008 did not destroy us:
1. Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, which left us with 22 people and no electricity or gas for weeks.
2.  The decision by my Credit card accounts (BOA and Chase) to raise all my interest rates to 28.99% because we were late making payments during this hurricane outage. (they have not relented one bit).
3. The sudden illness and death of my mother-in-law on September 20th. (God Rest Her Soul)
4. The decision by my bank (CapitalOne, if you are wondering) to pay my mortgage THREE times in 17 days through online banking and then blame it on ME (resulted in over 50 x $35 NSF charges of which they covered 3)
5. The heart-wrenching decisions my wife and I faced to leave TEC.
6. The many, many opportunities to embrace victimhood in the last 12 months (of which I think we managed to avoid most).

So you see, I’m not exactly going to be sorry to see 2008 go.  Not at all.  Too much stacked against me, I was starting to feel a bit like Job!  Anybody up there make a bet about me??  Quit it!!!!

God Bless You all and KTF!...mrb

Mike I have never experienced a year just like yours, but there have been years I was really glad to leave!  I salute yourcourage and your faithfulness, we too have been jumped on by bankers and credit cards for no apparent reason, but it just makes me want to pay them off and be done with them!  Be of stout heart and cheery muind.  Kow that this, too, shall pass away.

While I have many blessings, I would like to offer a thank you to the writers and commentators of Standfirm…What a gift…May God grant us all a holy and joyous New Year, and may His blessing be upon us…Thanks for the gift of your collective faith and words. God bless! You have all truly been, and continue to be, a blessing! Van Windsor+

I don’t know if my computer could hold them all.  08 had many threats and risks most of which never came to pass and the rest were ovecome.  I am now out two years without a recurrence of cancer that was removed.  Our family is all in good health and we have all come closer together.  Many major projects were completed which had me stressed out.  It is always good to recount our blessings especilly each night before bed.  I have no problem remembering the worries and fretting and whining items though!  Blessings to all.  09 is going to be great.

God’s grace has blanketed us this last day of the year.  My husband suffered a recurrence of cancer in September and the prognosis was not heartening: a 30%-50% chance that the chemotherapy regimen would work at all on the two significant masses.
Today, we received the report from the comparative Pet scan and to quote his oncologist the results were “fantastic”. Both masses were eradicated and no sign of cancer elsewhere in his body.
It is hard to describe the depth of gratitude for God’s mercy; one can not put into words the awe that one feels towards our Savior at a time like this for the hundreds of prayers that have been raised throughout our community for my husband that have been answered.  We accept this gift with humbleness and faithfulness.

Where do I start?

God has blessed me, my wife and my child with good health. All our parents are alive and generally in very good health. My daughter continues to excel in a very exclusive school that we’re still able to afford (!). My sister had her first child - baby and family are all healthy and moved into a nice new house in a great neighborhood.

My church continues to be a pretty good spiritual home, all around.

Deer season has been very, very bountiful.

This site continues to grow in membership and traffic. Sarah and I haven’t killed each other yet, although I haven’t heard from David in a while.

The blessings will continue to flood into my head as the night goes on, but I’ll be shooting fireworks with my wife and daughter, and talking to them about the year that was and the year to come, so this is probably the last you’ll hear from me for a couple of days. Off to the woods for some camping and hunting in what looks to be some spectacular Mississippi winter weather!

I thank God for my wife, who is the heart and soul of our family.  She urges each of us to be better persons and to strive to be holier.  What a blessing she is!

I am thankful that my son just got accepted to his “safe” college choice, after a checkered high school career.  I am thankful that sex and drugs were not part of his life these past years.

I am thankful my daughters are beautiful and holy and navigating teendom with wit and insight.

Oh, and I still have a job, even if the paychecks are occasionally late. 

Of course, safety and health are important, but are not the end all.  Jesus is still Lord, whether I am rich or poor, sick or healthy.  The prize of eternal life is still the same.  It’s just human nature to want to be comfortable.

My blessings this year:
1.  My wonderful wife.  She is, next to Jesus, the best thing ever to happen to me.  We celebrated 21 wonderful years of marriage in Sebtember.
2.  My daughter and son.  Elizabeth went through two surgeries this year on her feet.  Both ended up better than we hoped for.
3.  My church family.
4.  My Bishop - James Stanton.
5.  My job with Perot Systems.
6.  The fact that I live in the worst country on earth - except for all the others.
7.  The opportunity to learn and share with the bloggers and commenters here and other places around the world.
8.  My family’s trip to Washington D.C. list past summer.
9.  The opportunity to minister in prison, at work, and in my parish family.
10.  My extended family
11.  The call to serve as God’s Deacon.

Above all, the grace to make it through one more year with life and health intact and the chance to grow closer to God during the turmoil that TEC has put itself in.
YBIC,
Phil Snyder

I’m thankful that: A year ago today I had a two hour lunch with my old friend, brother in Christ and mentor in Farmers Branch. We explored what Christ might be calling us to do together. . . and I ‘m thankful for +Bill in my life for over 15 years.

Bev has been cancer free for over a year.

Seeing my mother in her SC nursing home three times and my son/dil twice in12 months, and visiting my Asbury home and family after 20 years away.

Spending part of our 25th Wedding Anniversary Day writing my formal request for a letter dimissory to the Church of Kenya and placing myself under the oversight of +of Bishop Atwood. Spending the rest of the celebration at Angel Fire, Gabriel’s and the Chef’s Table.

Great fellowship with the gathered clergy and spouses at Ridgecrest NC and then Dec 3rd in Wheaton. I’ll hear the sound of that shofar until Gabriel’s trumpet drowns it out.

Filmore+ and Sandy Strunk and the People of God named All Saint’s, Charlotte.

Knowing that thousands of you have not bowed your knee to the false gods that surround us and that you praye for us as we pray for you. 

The sunsets over the Rio Grande and the sunrises over the Manzanos that God sends to remind us what rainbows might look like if it rained . . .

Finding a challenge in following God that’s refired me as I’m
. . . still ridin’ for the brand.

p.s. anyone know where He’s placed that 1.4 M that site with buildings et al is priced for?

It is interesting how many have expressed remission from cancer.  Just heard that the doctor that removed my cancer two years ago suddenly died, and just a few hours after his father died.  Very sad.  He was much younger than I.  He had left TEC three years ago and went to a baptist church.  He leaves a strong wife and sons. 
    Also, it is interesting to see how many are thankful for faithful wives who are true helpmates.  Fifty years ago in college and on an afternoon mission trip to a nursing home I first met the girl that I instantly knew I had to marry.  Two years later we were married in the church where I was the youth director and music leader.  Our recessional was the hymn, “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us.”  He truly has. 
    This reminds me of my greatest blessing besides being saved.  What a Savior and Friend.  To God be the Glory.

2008 was better than 2007

...my dh of 23 years—I love you so much more now—how could I have known?
..for our wonderful dds—tweens and teens are great!
...to see my parents back in church after so many years.  God is indeed good.
...for our home and our jobs.
...for all here at SF—I cannot give thanks enough for all of you.

Our lives are shot through with so many mercies, I don’t know where to begin.  I am grateful that my children have spent ten years growing up in a small town.  They have such strong bonds with their friends.

The immense privilege of my first year of ordained ministry - they pay me to tell people about Jesus!

The disappointment of not being able to go to GAFCON. More than made up for by the joyous reason for not being able to go - my boss here at church being invited himself.

Personally, our weekly bible study group that meets in our home. I had never expected such joys of ministry. They are all very dear to Jacqui and I.

The wonderful news that we are expecting Ouldlet #3. Noah Ould is scheduled to be delivered by c-section on 22 Jan.

RE: “Sarah and I haven’t killed each other yet . . . “

I prefer slow torture over a quick and easy death for you, Greg.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but urgent prayers are needed for Sudan.  Read the bottom of the post here.  Thank you, dear intercessors.

As the African proverb says, “God is good—- all the time”  For me 2008 started out not looking very good, but looking back, God truly was good all the time.

1.  A blessing in disguise,—-a few parishioners who opposed realignment forced my ouster as rector of the parish I had served for 10 years.  But thanks to the wisdom and the pastoral care of my two bishops and other colleagues and friends, within three months I was appointed to a new parish which is completely united in the direction the majority of our diocese has chosen to go, is larger and has more staff and is spirit-filled and spirit-led.

2.  A true blessing—-  my wife Gale and I celebraed our 35th wedding anniversary in November.  Next to Jesus she is the best thing that ever happened to me. 

3.  We have been blessed with two healthy and happy children.  Both are grown and now on their own. 

4.  I was blessed and privileged to serve on the Standing Cmte of the Diocese of Pittsburgh these past four years and in this past rather historic year to serve as President.  It was truly an honor to help lead our diocese through to misguided deposition of Bishop Duncan through the convention to realign with the Southern Cone and to see +Bob re-elected as Diocesan.     

5.  Despite Bishop Duncan being labeled “Yertle the Turtle” by the potentate of the rump diocese and despite the clergy and lay leadership being derided as being nothing but lemmings by him as well, I am so blessed by being part of a diocese whose leaders have the visionary leadership and courage to step into a new and bright future outside of The Episcopal Organization.

I’m thankful for good work.

A family that has made it through yet more Horrible Adventures, alive and kicking. 
; > )

Experiencing the outdoors in various ways, including the very cold and windy night in my tarp.

Several new opportunities for interest groups and fellow activity acquaintances.

A faithful dog and cat, slumbering together now.  Brand slowly inches his way closer to Charmer the cat—a picture of the Millenium to come.

I am so thankful for all the blessings God has given me and my family.
1. I know God loves me with all that I am.
2. Our church teaches the Bible “no holds barred”.  They have loved my family through thick and thin.
3. At 44, I am still active and healthy.
4. I have a great job with a team of people who are ethical as well as being high achievers.
5. My three teenagers are wonderful (well, as far as teenagers go…).
6. After two divorces and a bankruptcy from them I am able to make ends meet and have a wonderful, Godly girlfriend.  God is a God of second (and third?) chances. 
7. My mom passed 6 years ago, but my dad moved close and helps with the boys.  I am so thankful for his help and his love.
8. Our Small Group from church is an extended family that loves and supports each other.  They have been there for my family.

Thank you Jesus for the blessings of this life; and thank you for becoming sin so we are washed clean and can be with the Father for all eternity.

The Lord continued his patient, merciful digging and tending with me in a very challenging 2008.  I give thanks for who He is…

and for those who have ministered his love and help in amazing ways that really kept our family going…

for the people of Good Shepherd, Sioux Falls…

for the brave witness by Good Shepherd and our AAC South Dakota chapter at Diocesan Convention here.  Even though our resolutions were defeated, we outed some of the secrecy and I give thanks that the Diocese of Dallas passed versions of what we produced, and TEC ultimately admitted some of the wasteful lawsuit spending…

Our kid played on the Lincoln High, Sioux Falls state champion football team.  Lincoln’s first time taking the title since in 70s and done as an underdog in every playoff game…

God bless you all in this New Year.

2008 was a remarkably busy, good year for me but a few things stand out.  I had 2 reunions: one with cousins from my dad’s huge family and one 50 years after high school graduation.  Both were blessings both in location and relations. 
I was gifted with a tour of Israel in November.  What a treat!  I had wanted to go there for years and this year my husband (more about him later) urged me to do it.  What a spiritual boost.  What a lesson about the people of God!  It was wonderful.
One week after I returned I had ankle surgery (I HOBBLED all over Israel but was NEVER the last one on the bus!) The surgery was successful, the rehabbing is long and boring (no walking for six weeks) but the gift I received was almost unmeasurable.  This was the greatest gift this year: My husband became my care giver, providing for my needs with grace, affection, compassion, good humor.  I saw the Jesus through the servant’s heart of a man I have known and loved for nearly 59 years. 
Jerry was my greatest gift this year.  Thanks, God!

Diagnosed with Type II diabetes very early in 2008, I have been blessed with a restoration of health and can now control my blood sugar without medication.  Sometimes it takes hard work to make a miracle!

To all you cancer survivors, and families thereof, my heartiest congratulations and my prayers for continued blessings and grace from God to you in your times of trial. 

I am living proof of his mercy in that, now, let’s see, 24 years, 7 months, and about 13 days past Osteo-sarcoma of the right femur.  AND I shot a 95 at LSU’s University Club course on Tuesday, which for me is a good day (especially since I’ve never seen the course before!).

God Bless You all, and KTF!!!...mrb

Blessings?  So many this year I can’t name them all:
1)  St. Andrews has a new home, we are together, growing and GLOWING in the Lord.
2)  Was blessed to serve on TWO Kairos weekends this year, plus Leaders’ School and Rectors’ School for Via de Cristo.
3)  At 71 years, I’m still able to handle my full time job… and that I HAVE that job!
4)  The vestry at St. Andrews is visioning what we want to be and do for the Lord, and it’s happening and exciting!
5)  Grandson who had plenty of emotional problems graduated from high school and is studying electronics repair and carrying a B+ average, and is motivated!
6)  Grandson who was failing everything had a report card with nothing lower than a C!
7)  Acquired a new Siamese fuzzy friend in mid-year who is teaching my previous paranoid Siamese how to be a house cat… and it’s working!
8)  I’m not wealthy, but I have “enough” and a little to share with others.
9)  I bought a new computer this year (old one died) and it’s paid for!
With health, work, ministries, places to serve and places to sit at the feet of Jesus, 2008 was a big blessing.  Only a few “hanging” issues for which prayers are still being offered.  God has been good to me.

P.S.  Told you I’d forget some:

11. and 12.  Both my reunion group and Disciple Group are healthing and keeping me on track with my commitments—and correcting me when I’m not.