Showing posts with label New Year. Show all posts

As we stand on the brink of a new year, it is time to now think about where we shall go. Should we make plans? There are many who would say we should not presume on God and making plans does that. I say, there are things that we can look forward to without neglecting God in our lives. No resolutions this year, just expectations. And so here are a few of the things I have calendared to see happen in 2013:

• Following God in the paths that He has chosen for me.
• Becoming more like Jesus each new day of the new year.
• Moving forward in the process of adoption - we even have our initial home study visit scheduled within the first week of the new year! 
• Watching more evidence of growth in the First Baptist Church of Mulberry Grove.
• Burning the Renovation Note on the first Sunday in 2013.
• Spring Revival in March as a partnership with my Alma Mater, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Vacation Bible School in July - Colossal Coaster World!
• Yet to be planned missions adventures.
• And of course end of year events like our annual Christmas Eve service.
• Moving forward in the adoption process. We hope to reach the travel point to bring home our new child at some point during 2013 - We ask all of our friends, family, and faithful acquaintances to pray that God will open the right doors at just the right time for this to happen.
• and finally, one of the big milestones that I plan on seeing this year: 50!

• The year started on Sunday, so I spent day one of 2012 in worship with my church family. Even better, I had the privilege of helping my youngest child give the first biggest testimony of her faith in Jesus--Baptism (on Day 1!).  
• We got started in earnest on the process of overseas adoption. Discussions started last Christmas season, and we actually got our applications on the go in early 2012.
• I was able to accompany a group from World Hope Ministries International (World Hope Bible Institute) and Houston Northwest Church on a mission trip to Kenya in June. Over 300 pastors and church leaders were trained in "Old Testament Survey" and "Biblical Faith" and at the end of our two weeks at two separate locations I witnessed a sea of Kenyans making commitments to Christ even though our outdoor venue was a bit soggy from afternoon rains all week.
• Our church experienced some exciting times including our normal Spring Revival, Summer Vacation Bible School, and our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service. December even saw us pay off our Renovation Loan - we will be celebrating on the first Sunday in January at 6:00 p.m. with a ham & bean dinner accompanied by note burning. You're invited to join us if you're in our area and don't have church commitments of your own.

Happy New Year to all my faithful readers(s).

For 2012, I suggest that we all determine to do something worthwhile--and you guessed it, I have a suggestion for how we might do that.

Let's make 2012 the year that we live for Jesus. For some that means we must actually let Jesus invade our lives. For others who are already followers of Christ, it means giving control back to Him. If we would simply connect with Christ, consult His wisdom, and correct our actions to what He commands 2012 will be the Best Year Ever!

Let's make it so!

I just want to wish you a happy 2010!

May the Blesser bless you with all the blessings that He has for you this year.

Happy 2009, everyone!

As all of you, I am looking forward to an eventful year. Mulberry Grove is growing on us. We daily discover how much like the Crimean village it is . . . without the language hassles.

The kids will grow, and we will become better parents (because we're planning to learn from our mistakes rather than repeat them).

Happy Days to everyone, the Lord Bless and Keep you.

As we close the curtain on 2006 and look into the future that is 2007, may your days be long and prosperous. What will you be doing to make this new one a banner year? What stands out as the cream of the past year's crop? What "old" things will you be leaving behind? What "new" ones do you hope to take their place?

I declare that 2007 - by virtue of the fact that it is "007" - is The Year of Bond. Therefore, vote for your favorite Bond.


Sean Connery

Roger Moore

George Lazenby

Timothy Dalton



Pierce Brosnan

Daniel Craig

The old parody of the hymn went, "I am dissolved no longer to linger . . ." The hymn itself was pretty good:

I am resolved no longer to linger
Charmed by the world's delights.
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.

I will hasten, hasten to Him
Hasten so glad and free.
Jesus, greatest, highest
I will come to Thee.

Are we resolved? With the new year looming over us, many people will be resolving. Will you? What will your resolution be? Will you resolve something trivial, something demanding, or something lasting? If I get the chance to make some, I'll be posting my New Year's Resolutions in a day or two.