Bountiful Blessings!

First of all, Happy Thanksgiving to each of you. I hope you had a happy and blessed day spent with those you love. We have so much to be thankful for. A roof over our heads, food to eat, clothes to wear, a vehicle to drive, a means of heating & cooling our homes, and the list goes on and on. We have been blessed with families near and dear to our hearts; not only biological families but a family of brothers and sisters-in-Christ. I encourage everyone to take a moment and think of all the blessings we have and how fortunate we are to live in a country where we are free to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Many folks this holiday season will be without the warmth of a home, a job, or good nutritious food to eat. Families will have loved ones far away from home as he or she serves in our Armed Forces. Please remember them in your prayers (as I am sure you already do).

This year has certainly been a roller coaster of sorts for me. I was promoted to Business Manager at work back in April and it has been quite the challenge. I am thankful though that God has blessed me with the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I hope and pray each day that I will do the best job I can and will manage as effectively as I can. Unfortunately, it hasn't been easy. There have been bumps and turns along the way that have required extra patience and energy. There have been times when I wonder if I did the right thing by accepting the position. Never the less, if those who elected me person for the job, I am sure they had enough confidence in me to do so. I just hope I don't disappoint them or God. It is also especially challenging in that I do have a quick temper at times, I tend to over-analyze everything and am a perfectionist to a certain degree. It takes some "adjusting" of the thought process to accept that not everyone does every task the same. If God intended for us to all be just alike, He wouldn't have created us the way He has.

There are times when it feels as though everyone is pulling in all different directions and there isn't enough of me to go around. Unfortunately, due to the stress involved with the situation (as with any job) and "retreating" unto myself, some things have gone lacking. One thing being my attendance in church. That should be a top priority and I am sad to say that over the past months, it has not been. I still read my daily devotion and don't intend to stop doing so. I need to be back in church so it can help me keep a better frame of mind. Please pray for me that God will grant me the peace, patience and understanding to do my job and that it doesn't take a toll on my health. Please pray for me in that I will soon return to His house to worship with His children.

In other news (and as this blog isn't meant for me to unload my personal problems), we have a few activities taking place within the next week. Remember to mark the dates on your calendar so you don't miss out on anything!

The youth will be sponsoring a chili/baked potato luncheon this Sunday, Nov. 25th immediately following the morning worship service. Donations are being accepted and are greatly appreciated!

The deacons are asking for our help in meeting the church goal of $60,000.00 for a new church bus. We currently have $25,675.12 (as of Nov. 11th's bulletin). Please give as God leads you in contributing to this need.

The annual North Town Parade/Tree Lighting will be held this Sunday, Nov. 25th. The parade is scheduled to begin at 4pm. The tree lighting will begin at 5pm (with fireworks after the tree lighting). Evening worship services at our church have been cancelled so that everyone is able to attend the parade and tree lighting. Come out and enjoy this time of fun and fellowship with others in our community!

Anyone wishing to place flowers in the church in honor or in memory of, is welcome to do so. If you are interested, please write your name on the flower calendar located on the bulletin board by the counting room.

I imagine the youth will continue their annual Christmas card delivery. The time will soon arrive that cards will need to be addressed and stamped for delivery by the post office as well as for delivery at church. Help support our youth with this inexpensive way to have cards delivered to those in our church. The cost of delivering each card has been $0.25 in years gone by. I imagine it will be the same this year. When I have more concrete information pertaining to this, I will be sure to post it here!

I believe that covers all I have for now. If I have overlooked anything, please let me know. My email address is: nricha4903@hotmail.com.

Until next time, take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)