2012 in Review and a look at 2013.

 

This site is primarily for family, friends,

and whoever cares to read about my journey in Christ

Sort of like an open diary.

 

 

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:6–7

  

2012 - WOW! What a year! I can't really say I'll miss it as it was a year of trials and valleys for the most part.  As always, even in that God was at work in my life (see scripture above).  AMEN FOR THAT!

Today, I am going to briefly go through a couple areas of my life,

and then go through the last year nationally (and some world events),

and then have some closing words in "my" look at 2013.

My prayer is that you will continue to lift up me, my family and this ministry (www.goproclaim.com) AND that something in what I share, especially from scripture, will speak to your heart.

Let's get started!

 

The last few months have been pretty much a continuation of previous months, so I won't get into much detail except for my year in cycling and new church plant possibility.

 

As for my cycling: That has been one of my most exciting adventures and allowed me much quiet time to think things through, and talk to the Lord and have Him speak to me (through the Bible and in my heart). 

Here is the breakdown of my year in cycling:

It started with a goal of 1250 miles by year end, but to my surprise it ended with cycling a total of 3,223 miles. It involved one crash/injury in May, of which I am 90-95% healed (except the colder weather has brought out much more pain in the injured joints). I also was able to do my first charity ride in July for Cystic Fibrosis raising $415.  That was my cycling highlight (raising money and doing this ride).

 

We were heavily involved in "House Church Movement" in 2011, and it was a good time, but didn't at all convince me against the "institutional church" as some (many) in that movement believe.  It did show me that my personal desire (with I believe the Lord's leading) is to have a church with as little overhead as possible, and to do much for the kingdom with a smaller group (zero desire for a mega church), but as always, to build on the Bible and not the ways of man (how ever good they may seem).  Thus, I started, "The Gathering" and a new blog at:
 http://thegatheringnc.wordpress.com/ with the theme "Small church with a big vision."  As such, we have been meeting with some couples at our house and at their homes.  It is sort of like a pre-church launch as we seek God for 2013 and the possibility of pastoring again.  I do feel I am pastoring in my calling even though I don't have a "congregation" to speak of. 

So, those are the two biggest highlights that stand out to me for 2012.
Note: I'm sure the Lord might highlight other things in my year :-)

Now, I would like to look at the year in review (nationally/worldwide). Boy, was it a crazy year for the most part!

Just a few events of 2012:

 

July 20th - 12 people are killed and 59 injured after a gunman opens fire at a Dark Knight movie premier in Aurora, Colorado. 

 

July 27 to August 12 - The 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

 

September 11th - The US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, is stormed, looted and burned down, killing five people including the US ambassador.

 

October 29th - Hurricane Sandy makes landfall in New Jersey resulting in 110 deaths and $50+ billion in damage including the New York area and other East coast states.

November 6th - Barack Obama wins the presidency again this time over Mitt Romney.

December 14th - 28 people, including 20 children, are shot to death at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  A most horrific shooting in my hometown of Newtown!

 

It is hard to date all the car bombs/fighting/wars around the world, including Syria, Israel, and Palestine to name a few. 

 

While 2012 had many tragic happenings, I know for many there were some exciting good things that happened too and for that I rejoice. I really rejoice!!!

 

Now looking into 2013 (from my perspective).

For starters, I always find it interesting that people welcome in the New Year like it won't have the trials and tragedies that the previous year brought us. 

 

Yet God's Word (Bible) says in Job 14:1 "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble" and in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that IN ME (Jesus) ye might have PEACE. In the WORLD ye shall have TRIBULATION: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world".  And there are numerous scriptures that say the same thing.  Yes, as a Christian we can have "the peace of God that passes all understanding" (Phil. 4:7).  But those without Christ do not have this hope, so year after year they keep hoping the next year will be better, but unless they come into a relationship with Christ, they will have the same emptiness, and many troubles as this year 2013 comes to an end; then again some how hope 2014 will be better, and the cycle will continues for the rest of their lives (especially that emptiness only Christ can fill).

As you now enter into the new year, I don't have to be a prophet to tell you, you will have trials and troubles, but if you have Christ in your life you can have a peace that is amazing, and you will grow through any trials thrown your way.  Like every year should be, let this be a year that you grow closer and closer to Jesus.

In His Service,

Jim

I do not count myself to have apprehended ; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.   PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14

Seeking God's Will all Summer LONG!

This site is primarily for family, friends,

and whoever cares to read about my journey in Christ
Sort of like an open diary.

This blog will cover quite a few subjects and is a little lengthy.

My shared scripture and brief thought:

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,

and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

I would like to break down 4 essentials to being God's Church:

1. Committed to Apostles Doctrine (teachings of the BIBLE) 

2. Fellowship - This was doing LIFE TOGETHER

3. Breaking of bread - Either sharing a common meal and/or Lord's Supper

4. Prayers - We need this in our modern church

What a good guideline for the newborn church of Acts and for us today!

That's my little nugget for today's blog.

Now, We'll look at various areas in my journey over the past few months.

CYCLING:

 In my last blog I mentioned hurting my arm and wrist(s) on May 17 when I feel off my bike. Well, I'm happy to report it is pretty well healed, still hurts occasionally ,and I still don't try to lift heavy stuff with it.  Then, this summer I battled with a hurting knee.  That is under control as long as I put ice on it after rides, massage it, and take a basic anti-inflammatory.

Back in the end of July I cycled 35 (34.54 miles) to help raise funds for the
Cycstic Fibrosis Foundation

I had a blast doing it through the rolling hills of Waxhaw, NC

My support for this great cause was slow coming in and then in the last 2 weeks of July it jumped up. My final amount raised was $415.00 - Praise the Lord! 

Peanut Loop - 2 miles

Also, with riding about 300+ miles most months, I have found the Greenways are great for rides and going through UNCC campus (my highlight). Then, recently I started going to the "Peanut Loop" for cycing (above).  It's a nice, safe, well lit oval ride that looks like it was made for cycling.  It is around 2 miles long and I just go around it as many times as I like. It is one of the most popular cycling spots in the north Charlotte area.

WEATHER:

The temperature has been wonderful.  Actually, I like it warm so I'm not thrilled about what the next few months is going to bring but enjoying the moment.  No heat on, no air on, just open windows when it's not too chilly.  Over a 12 month period I would rate the weather in Charlotte as an 8 out 10.  Fall and Spring I would give it a 10 out of 10.  It's just wonderful.  Trees just now starting to turn, so full Fall foliage should happen in another couple weeks.

SPIRITUALLY  

This part of my journey I'll start with this clip from "Casting Crowns" (one of my favorite Christian groups). The song is called, "Praise You in This Storm."   Pretty much tells my story at this time.  

This is the worse financial situation I have been in for the last decade.  The late 1980's and early 1990's had been a pretty bad time financially, and in every other way possible.  In that trying time, I fell a way from the Lord and ran in the wrong direction for awhile.  This time with financial struggles, family issues, and then spiritually things seeming so quiet, too quiet! I have not gone the way of the world to fill the silence, struggles, and pains.  This time is so different than my last desert exprience (in 1980's-1990's). I have really tried to keep my focus on the Lord AND I have a level of peace through it all (which doesn't mean an absence of pain, stress, etc.).  It's hard to explain it. but I'm happy I'm not in 24/7 torment.  I am also blessed with a wonderful wife (Joyce) who is going through this with me. Boy does that make a difference! Though some of it has to be just me and God, she shares in a lot; but she doesn't get to be in my personal desert and time of face to face with God, that is my responsibility.  I know God is working in these trials, I know He is faithful, and ultimately it will all work out.  But in the mean time pray for me to "be strong in the Lord", and also pray for my family and fiances.

CHURCH

We are still involved with 1-2 house church groups, and visit a local fellowship when those house groups can't meet, and we will be starting a church in our home in November.  The main thing is being where God wants you and serving God and seeing His people as church and is not a building, but the people of God under the direction and care of the Lord Jesus Christ.

GO PROCLAIM MINISTRIES 
Our website (www.goproclaim.com) is slowly evolving into a better site.  Also, we are open to ideas for a new logo (I'm working on it, but would love input).  Things have been so quiet in Go Proclaim Ministries (zero support in the past year), but I have been able to chat online with many around the world, and counsel quite a bit by e-mail, chat, messaging, and some on the phone. That has been exciting and rewarding.

Praise note: There is also a couple that I have wanted to see get married, and to do their wedding, a month or so they announced they are engaged and want me to do their wedding (August 2013), I am so excited.   

Also check out my (newer) blog "Simply and Profoundly Christian" at: http://blessedtobeachristian.wordpress.com/
And my brand new "church blog" called "The Gathering" http://thegatheringnc.wordpress.com/  
Note: Some of my blogs have different info, sometime the blogs carry some of the same materials/articles.

BibleFood Devotional  
BibleFood Devotional website (www.biblefood.org) is doing well, last month we had our highest visits for the year with 211 visits per day.  This is another site needing some updates. You can follow BibleFood devotional on our website (www.biblefood.org) and our blog (www.biblefood.blogspot.com) and our BibleFood Twitter account (www.twitter.com/jimmazzulla)

Christian Pool Players Association (CPPA) -  I play about 3 hours a month, but not a whole lot of outreach. We did meet once this summer with brothers and sisters in Christ for a night of fellowship and playing pool for 3 hours (and will be meeting again this week).  It was also good because I got a chance over that time to reacquaint myself with some of the local pool players, it was an all around good time. I would like to play in an in-house weekly tournament, but my game isn't quite what it was. Not that I care about winning, I just would like to play a somewhat respectable game.  It also gives me opportunities to build relationships with other pool players (which has been fruitful in the past).  But my main reason I'm not playing is that with the tournament fee (though relatively small considering I play non-stop for 2 1/2 - 3 hours) and gas (round trip) adds up to about $30 an event - As I stated earlier, money is super tight right now :-/

CONCLUSION

ELECTION - I'm not thrilled with our choices, but please do vote while we still have the freedom to do so.

Please pray for ministry opportunities to open soon.

Thanks all for taking an interest in my life :-)

Jim

The last 3 months were quite eventful....

This site is primarily for family, friends,

and whoever cares to read about my journey in Christ.

This blog will cover:

Cycling, Cycstic Fibrosis Ride, my spiritual walk, and more.

Scripture:
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work [God] 
in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Phil. 1:6
We'll start with cycling as much has been happening there

and I am excited to be doing my first ride for a cause.

CYCLING:

On May 17 I fell off my bike and hurt my left wrist (slightly), and did a number on my right wrist, arm, elbow and shoulder, but since then on May 20 I have been out there consistantly,
at first pretty much riding with mostly one arm. 

May 17 - Bike injury.
As of July 1, I no longer wrap my arm,
but I still use brace when riding.

Now, 6 weeks later I am still healing, but it is not really hindering my rides. I no longer
have to wrap my arm (as shown in picture above), but still wearing the brace (only while riding). 
I hope to have the brace off by my charity ride on July 21.

My cycling miles by month - November through June

I started getting into cycling in October/November. The chart above shows my miles per month (starting with 63 miles in November).  June was a record month with 327 miles for the month.  It could have been a little higher, but I had backed off from riding on the 30th due to record breaking heat.  My record miles in one trip is 29 miles. 

On July 21 I will be cycling 35 miles to help raise funds for the Cycstic Fibrosis Foundation

I'm ready to do it!  My first fund raising ride!  I have committed to raising a minimum of $150.00.

So far, I have one donation for $20.00, so I still need a minimum of $130.00 to come in by race day.

Any, and I mean any help will be appreciated :-)

Help children with Cycstic Fibrosis

My donate link: www.cff.org/LWC/JimMazzulla

 

WEATHER:

The temperature Friday broke two records: hottest for the day, eclipsing the mark of 102 set in 1945; and hottest ever in June, breaking the mark of 103 from June 27, 1954. We also had a repeat Saturday with 104!

NUTRITION

Still going strong on my nutrition, but pretty much done with weight loss as I'm steady at 150 lbs. (a loss of approx. 35 pounds).

SPIRITUALLY

CHURCH
We are still involved with 1-2 house church groups;  but as with so many groups, they (house church people) don't have it all figured out.  Lots of really good things are happening in house churches, but ultimately, whether it be house church or other type of church, the main thing is being where God wants you and serving God and His people.  As church is not a building but the people of God under the direction and care of the Lord Jesus Christ.

MINISTRY

I'm open to ministering as a pastor (small church), interim pastor, missions, teacher, etc.
I just want to serve Him in a meaningful way.

GO PROCLAIM MINISTRIES
Things have been quiet, but I have been able to chat online with many around the world, especially those in Africa.   Also, our website is slowly evolving into a better site.  Please take a look www.goproclaim.com  Also, we are open to ideas for a new logo (I'm working on it, but would love input). 

Also check out my (newer) blog "Simply and Profoundly Christian" at: http://blessedtobeachristian.wordpress.com/
BibleFood Devotional
We continue to see our website (www.biblefood.org) and blog (www.biblefood.blogspot.com) and our BibleFood Twitter account (www.twitter.com/jimmazzulla) continue to have visits and new people checking us out.  So that's all good :-)  

Christian Pool Players Association (CPPA) -  I haven't lost the joy (though rarely play) and have not lost the burden for reaching out to the pool industry. As with any outreach, you have to go where the people are. Contrary to popular opinion, people don't just come to church, and we have to go to where they are, and in my case that means pool rooms. I did miss having the opportunity in May to minister to people at the Las Vegas Pool Convention (1,000's come for that), but with work commitments and lack of funds, I could not make it this year.  I do hope to see someone will join CPPA as my right-hand man in growing this ministry into all I have envisioned.  If ANYONE has this same burden and would like to work with me, please email me or comment below.

CONCLUSION

So, here we are in what is likely to become the hottest week in Charlotte, NC history, but I will gladly take it over the 0 (zero) degree temperatures so common up north in the winters.

Please pray for ministry opportunities to open soon.

Thanks all for taking an interest in my life :-)

Jim

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/06/29/3350896/charlottes-heat-record-could-fall.html#storylink=cpy

My Journey - Spring is here!!!

This site is primarily for family, friends, 

and whoever cares to read about my journey in Christ.

Have A Jesus Blessed "Resurrection Day!"

As we "officially" celebrate Easter, I personally call it "Resurrection Day."  This day would prove whether Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or LORD!  His Resurrection showed He is indeed LORD!!!  

For more on this, see my devotion

"Lord, Liar, or Lunatic? at : www.biblefood.blogspot.com

Now to what's been happening over the past 3 months...

ME CYCLING!!!

Cycling continues.  I have only missed one week since starting to ride.  Not bad considering I thought the winter would be a problem, but it was such a mild winter, I was able to get out on my bike regularly (although it was cold a few times).

My longest ride is 19.65 miles (done on March 31) and my total miles in March is 185 miles (a record month). 

WEIGHT LOSS/NUTRITION

Weigh in:  I have lost a total of 30 lbs. and kept it off. I have changed most of my eating habits permanently. I am now working on exercise (cycling), and trying to eat more alkaline foods rather than acidic.

HOUSE CHURCH
We are now involved with 2 (sometimes 3) house church groups (two in Charlotte, one in Mooresville, and occasionally one in Huntersville).

JOB
I am still working at a local vitamin/health store. It has had its challenges - Especially battling against my memory issues and brain fog (nothing new), but at times it can be very discouraging.  And to top it off the pay is low!  Please keep praying for that right job to come along in ministry or otherwise.

MINISTRY
This has been a quiet time for ministry outside of House Church, and occasional opportunity at work.
So, I'm open to ministering as an interim pastor, missions, teacher, etc. I just want to serve Him in a meaningful way.  I recently went through Ecclesiastes, and really could relate to it.  Apart from Christ being in every aspect of your life, life really is meaningless.  Solomon had everything, but when He left the Lord out of the equation, his life (existence) was meaningless.


Christian Pool Players Association (CPPA) - I have been tempted to give up (pull the plug) on CPPA due to time required, lack of supporters, and needing a person to help take it to the next level. Plus in 2011, my playing went from fair to worse.  In the last month or so, I have been playing a little to see if it is even still in me. I haven't lost the joy for the game or the burden for the lost in the pool industry.  As with any outreach, you have to go where the people are. Contrary to popular opinion, people don't just come to church, and we have to go to where they are, and in my case that means pool rooms.  Please do pray for my game to improve enough to play a respectable game and to also (and most importantly) give me a platform to share Christ. If ANYONE has this same burden and would like to work with me, please email me or comment below.

Missions - I have also been asked by a ministry in India, who I know well, as I spent 3 weeks with them in India, to be the USA contact in helping organize groups to go on mission trips to India :-)

CONCLUSION

So, here we are at the the beginning of a wonderful warm Spring.  I am happy also for the longer days :-)
There is still some stress and breakdown with relationships with family members (not Joyce - She's the BEST).  Some do not understand some of the stands I take and feel I must take, but there again, I must live how I believe is right, and will be ultimately accountable to just one, that is God.

Please pray for me as I deal with these family issues and resulting emotional pain, and for me to be used of God in 2012.

Thanks all for taking an interest in my life :-)

Jim

My Journey ---> Nov - Dec 2011

This site is primarily for family, friends, and whoever cares to read about my journey in Christ.

I also have added a video blog right here for those who would rather see and hear me share about these last few months, see attached Video Blog:

ME CYCLING!!!

Started cycling this month and reached up to 11 miles per ride, not fast, but still an accomplishment for me and my bike. I had set a personal goal of riding my bike approximately 15 miles (from house to end of trail and home again) by January 1st.  I also have been learning there is a lot to cycling, and different types of cycling and different types of bikes.  Today, the good bikes are lighter (20 lbs. or less), mine is a heavy 21-speed bike at 34 lbs, but it is fine.

PET DIES

Julia our cockatiel died.  It may not seem like a big deal, but it ended a chapter in our lives.

WEIGHT LOSS/NUTRITION

Weigh in: By the end of November I had lost almost 25 lbs. (over the past 3 months).

THANKSGIVING

On Nov. 17th we celebrated Thanksgiving a week early with some of our family (and grandchildren).  It was nice to have them over for a visit. Thanksgiving day was therefore pretty much just another Thursday. Note: We did it a week early as Joyce had to work Thanksgiving day.

December

HOUSE CHURCH
We are now involved with 3 (sometimes a fourth) house church groups (two in Charlotte, one in Mooresville, and occasionally one in Huntersville).

NEW JOB
I started a new job at a local vitamin/health store. It has had its challenges - Especially battling against my memory issues and brain fog (nothing new). It sure makes relatively easy tasks harder :-(

It hasn't been good for my self-image as it is frustrating to forget and be in a fog.  But it's not supposed to be about self, so it's been quite a test to see myself in Christ and to also remember my life's ultimate purpose is to glorify God.

CHRISTMAS

Christmas was a quiet chill day (just me and Joyce). We didn't do gift exchanges or anything.  Besides finances being tight, I feel it is not about gifts and getting into more debt.  We celebrated Christ, not a commerialized "Xmas", and we actually do that 365 days a year.

JOYCE'S (MY WIFE) GRANDMOTHER

Joyce's Grandma passed away after a brief illness and mostly from old age at 98 years old.  At that age there was a mix of joy and sorrow - 98 years is a good long life, and she lived most of it on her own until the last 2-1/2 years. Thankfully, Joyce did get to see her in November and had a good visit with her.

CYLING

My goal by the end of December was to make my first 15 mile bike ride, which I did on December 28. My other goal for December was to ride 100 miles.  On December 31st (BTW: I wasn't feeling good at all on 30th, so good recovery), I went on a short ride 4.75 miles to make my total for December of 102 miles :-)

WEIGHT LOSS/NUTRITION
My weigh in: By the end of December I had lost approximately 28 lbs.  I was pretty happy to have lost weight through this holiday season and to be at my lowest weight in years!  Only a few more pounds and I'll be done with weight loss :-)   Then, my main focus will continue to be healthy eating and exercise (primarily cycling).

CONCLUSION
That pretty much ended the year.  A lot of good came out of the year, but it has also been a very hard year with our finances and also with some family members (not with Joyce - our marriage is blessed).  All  do not understand some of the stands I take and feel I must take, but there again, I must live how I believe is right, and will be ultimately accountable to just one, that is God.

Please pray for me as I deal with family issues and resulting emotional pain, for my health to continue to get better, and for me to be used of God in 2012.

Thanks all for taking an interest in my life :-)

Jim

Winter is here - Let me tell you about an exciting last 3 1/2 months! (part 1 of 2)

This site is primarily for family, friends, and whoever cares to read about my journey in Christ. 

Note:  If you are looking for my devotionals go to: http://www.biblefood.blogspot.com/

This blog is long, and I do hope some will still read it since I took the time to put it together.  Thanks :-)

I also have added a video blog right here for those who would rather see and hear me share about these last few months, see attached Video Blog:

As I get ready to share in this blog, I found it interesting that outside of the USA we have had the most visits here from Russia (no way! who?), Taiwan (really? who?), and Nigeria (no surprise here - lol).  I would love to know who's keeping up with my journey from Russian, Taiwan, and Nigeria :-)  Actually, anyone outside of my immediate family and friends, I would love to know who you are.

This update will be broken into two parts  as it is much longer than usual as so much has happened in  the past 4 months, but it will get you up to speed on what's happening in my journey.  This blog will cover September/October. Then, in a few days I'll blog again covering November/December.

I will share the good (mostly) and the bad and ugly some, but I won't go into too much detail since this is viewable by all, and I do want to maintain some level of privacy matters.  You can always email me directly at: biblefood@gmail.com

So here's my new update:

September

Actually, we have to briefly go back to August, as a lot of what I have to share will be connected to an event in August.  Back in August we were told by some friends to watch "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" (1 hr. 37 min. movie/documentary). 

Free on Netflix and Hulu. (http://www.hulu.com/watch/289122/fat-sick-and-nearly-dead) and then the "Food Matters" (1 hr. 17 min. movie/documentary). 

This was the start of a change to my health and weight loss.  Joyce and I watched this in mid-August and we both decided to give it a go.  In order to change our eating habits, we had to rid the house of many processed/junk foods (some of which we may have overlooked as good foods).  So, we took about 3 weeks to slowly transition away from processed and junk foods to mainly fruits and vegetables.  During that transition, I lost 2 to 5 lbs. That was a pleasant surprise! Also, we got the book "Eat to Live" b y Dr. Fuhrman. What a great book of healthy eating and cooking! Then, on September 16th we started "officially" on our juicing, raw foods, healthy homemade soups, and salad diet.  I did the "Reboot" as it is called, and Joyce mainly did the "Eat to Live".  I really don't like calling either of them a "diet".  As diets are all those things we "try" and fail at, and are often not really healthy.  What Joyce and I did was more of a lifestyle change to healthy eating. So, that began a journey that would affect us in many areas of our life, all in a positive way.   Also, as shared previously, we had an eventful September with Joyce's birthday, my birthday and our anniversary.  September was quite an exciting month.

October
What a beautiful month and weather was great too!


Autumn tree from my back porch.  Beautiful!

By the end of October, I had lost approximately 17 lbs. - how exciting!  Also, most importantly, I have noticed that I fall asleep faster.  It used to take me a couple hours, now it's usually 5-15 minutes. I am still tired a lot, but at least I'm not dragging my butt 24/7 like I used to.  I have more energy and looking forward to that continuing to be the case. In addition to that, I have seen almost all of my digestive problems disappear.  So, I'm thrilled with the improvement in my health at the end of October with noticeable positive differences, and will share more of that in my November/December blog that I will be sharing in a few days (then I'll be caught up to the current time :-) in my blog).

Also, by the grace of God and others blessing Joyce with the airfare, Joyce was able to visit her 98-year-old grandmother.  When Joyce asked her, "Do you know who I am", she answered back, "Of course I know who you are, you're Joyce."  That made Joyce feel good, and she enjoyed her visit with her Grandmother, mother, sister, brother and other family and friends :-)

For those who think life is suppose to be a bed of roses, on the not so good side our financial situation is the worse in over a decade, really stretching us to believe God during this time. Honestly, it is quite draining emotionally, as well as financially.  I really don't care about "things" much now.  I just want to pay my bills, enjoy family, and hopefully get to see more of them and more often.  Also, most important of all to me is to live a life that pleases God, which often goes contrary to people's logic.  Being a God pleaser is so much more important than being a people pleaser.

To end this blog, on the more humorous side, here is a pic of our dog Rusty sleeping, he looks like he's dead but it's just one of his favorite sleep positions.



Rusty sleeping

Glad to be able to share with you all, your prayers are always needed and appreciated.

I'll post again in a few days, until then be blessed and be a blessing!

Summer almost gone - Exciting times!

It seem so strange that I am writing as summer is coming to an end and fall is coming in (though slowly). Our temperatures for the beginning of September have been in the  low 90's, but some cooler days, I think next week is supposed to be highs in the 80's all week (nice).

So what has happened since my last blog?

Weather wise from mid June to late August, the days have been hot, 90's every day (I think we hit a 100 once or twice).  While Joyce was miserable, I was fine as long as I thought about the Northern winters. 
I would rather have 100 than zero any day!

In July:

On my sister's (Terri) birthday (July 22) was also the birthday of Miki's daughter. It was a home delivery with a mid-wife and done in a large tub of water. The baby is Isabella, Miki's first girl after 3 boys. She makes our 7th grandchild.

Here is my first picture post of my granddaughter - Isabella Violet, born July 22, 2011.
Weight 7 lbs 8 oz and 18 3/4 inches long. She is a healthy baby - PTL!
 
Brandon (Miki's middle child) had a birthday in July, too.  He's a great grandkid - He's 7!

In August:
  

August 15th went to Billy Graham Library in Charlotte (about 35 mins from our home).
  

August 22 - Joyce and I went to Justus Apple Orchard. Took a little drive up to Hendersonville to pick apples and blackberries! Fun day!

On August 27th - We have been in Charlotte for over a year now. Really felt part of my ministry here would be Campus ministry to college students, so I was delighted when a friend asked me to come to the first meeting of http://intlcampusconnections.com/   We had approx. 35-45 students from 10 foreign countries: Philippines, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Netherlands, India, Sweden. It was an exciting time for me with having a heart for University students and for missions.

As we go into September:

Today, we went to Jim and Jan's 50th Annivesary, they live in South Carolina (one hour away). We used to go to the same church in Woodstock, GA, until 2005 (when I took the pastorate in Pennsylvania).

Other thing coming in September:
Joyce's birthday is tommorow she'll be ____. You'll have to ask her, I ain't telling.

Then, my birthday on the 16th. Where have all the years gone!!!

Our anniversary is on the 25th, and I love Joyce more with each new day (we're lifers).

So September should be a busy month :-)

That's all the highlights I'll share in this blog.  
As always, we've had trials too (who hasn't), but in today's blog we'll just end it here on a positive note.

God Bless!

Jim

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.  PSA. 100:5