It's been awhile

I have been so busy lately, that I haven't had much time to write anything.  I just wanted to take a few minutes to give thanks to the Lord for bringing us into another year.  I have been so blessed that I couldn't even begin to tell you all the wonderful things that the Lord did for me in 2004.  But I am certainly looking forward to a blessed and exciting 2005.  Already this year at church we have seen one soul saved that we have been praying for for a long time.  I am anxious to see more of the same! 

 

Everyone always makes New Year's Resolutions at the beginning of a year.  Most of the time they are things like "I'm going to quit smoking" or "I'm going to lose weight".  This year, my only "resolution" is that I want to do more for God.  Sometimes it seems like there is so much going on, between church and choir practice and the rest home ministry and bible study, not to mention the church website and my website, it seems like I can hardly get everything done.  But God always makes a way and I still have time to spare.  So I want to do even more.  I want to find new and interesting ways to reach people and bless them.  I can think back to about 4 years ago and how miserable I was, not being in the will of God, and how very few people took the time to tell me that they loved me and that Jesus loves me.  Even in the condition I was in, God still loved me.  There were times I needed to hear that.  And I know that right this very minute there are people in that very same shape that I was once in, and they need someone to show them love.  I want to be the one to show them that I love them and God does too!  I may not have a lot of money I can give others or even a lot of time that I can give.  But I could always give someone love.  That's the miraculous thing about love:  no matter how much you give, you can never seem to run out!  And when I think of how much love God has given to me, I think it's only fair that I give some of that to others. 

 

I firmly believe that God put each and every one of us here for a purpose.  And I have heard some people say "Well, I just don't know what my purpose is."  People tend to think that because they can't preach or sing or teach, then they can't do anything for God.  But that is just not true.  Sometimes, the smallest things go overlooked, because they seem too simple.  Maybe just giving someone an encouraging word is exactly what God put you here for!  And that is something that ANYONE can do. 

 

So I hope that while each of you are making your New Year's Resolutions, you resolve to be more for the Lord.  It's easier than quitting smoking or losing weight, and the benefits you get are a lot greater!! 

 

Much love to all of you!  Until next time, be blessed....

 

Love,

Stephanie