Hosanna Restoration Church

So, it was 25 below zero when I got up this morning. We had already decided to be safe and warm and stay home and worship the Lord. By the way, I really do not like to do that. You could surely live without me writing but I need to share about this new life, in hopes it will help you with your New Year. The truth is, I get to tell many more people about how wonderful God is from my computer than in the church, but there is something so wonderful about worshipping together with our church family and pouring out our hearts to God. Well thank you helping get over it and letting this into your mail box or face book.
A man asked me last night if God had given me a word for 2018. A lot of people get those I guess. To be honest I really do not ask God for a word for the year. Perhaps I need start a blog and ask God and then write about it. Mostly my word is the same one every year. That word is Jesus. He also asked if I made any resolutions. I guess it would always be that I want to know Jesus more. I am not trying to be some Holy man, I just find Him to be the answer to all things and if I know Him more it will be grand year!
I ramble on. For some reason, my tractor is not starting. That could be frustrating, but I find I have peace. Then another not so wonderful thing happened: my four-wheeler with the snow blade would not start either. But again I could live with that even if was now down to a shovel to handle the snow. Ah, but then I remembered I have an old snow blower and last year I discovered I could plug an electric chord into it and it would power start and off I went. It was a bit cold, but I got it done. Then it snowed again! It is so nice to be able to thank the Lord and have peace. He really does give us a new life.
Today is our wedding anniversary. Forty-one years of life together. The first seven years were without Jesus and I thank God we made it through. Surely He was helping when we were paying no attention. Now all we have to do is pay attention to keep it smooth; just another benefit of this new life.
Is everything always perfect in this new life? No, there are challenges and disappointments, but the truth is, I mostly do not remember them. If I do, it is because I have a memory of the amazing things God has done to see us through. I can truly say that it seems the very worst things that have taken place have in one way or another become my greatest revelations of God and this new life. I am even beginning to feel ok about not being able to have church today just thinking about how He makes everything better.
No doubt you are glad to know that this is not a letter telling you this is your last chance to give and help Hosanna. I get a lot of those letters and well to be honest I have to pray for a good attitude when they come. I have never been a great fund raiser, but I am always impressed with God’s ability to supply our needs. I am not saying anything bad about those letters; it is probably me who needs to grow more accepting. I do give to some of them, but not till next year. Is that bad?
Honestly, I am frequently slow to plug in to all the benefits of this new life and each time God kindly reveals a new one. I pray for you all that this New Year finds you plugging in and discovering greater and great things with God and that you along with me learn how to really enjoy Him in every way every day. After all, He is new and more wonderful every day. Have a great year and a great life.