Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is around the corner with Christmas close on its heels. This is a special time to stop long enough to reflect on the blessings God has given us during the year. And we are extremely blessed. Most of us have a roof over our heads, food on the table, transportation, family to love, and so much more. Many can count their blessing of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

What ever the blessing, have you thanked the one who gave it to you? You do understand that you didn't earn them or didn't do anything special to receive them don't you? Because of God's love, grace, and abundant warehouse of blessings, He has poured out these blessings upon His people. He deserves to be praised.

Revelation 4 gives us a great picture of what it is like in heaven as people and the earth praises Holy God. 8b. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty - the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come." 10. the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne...And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you have created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased."

I want to encourage each of you to respond to God's blessing the way it is done in Revelation. Do it now, don't wait till you get to heaven to truly praise our Creator.

Enjoy your family and friends this Thanksgiving Season.

Finally cooler weather has arrived. It is comforting to see that seasons change. But how did that come about?God, in His wondrous love for mankind, created the seasons before He placed man on the earth. He put the seasons into motionjust for you and me. Each season has its own unique look and purpose. Spring brings new birth, Summer is a time of growth, Fall displays maturity, and Winter brings death. But that is not the end. Spring comes around with new birth again and so the cycle continues just as God planned. So enjoy the season!

I was so excited about the volunteers for the 1^st official NGBC Pantry Food Giveaway. Our next open date is November 14^th. I expect a large number of needy people. Pray for the ministry that we will be able to make a difference in someone’s life. If you would like to be involved in mission work, join the Pantry Ministry Team. See Barbara Siefkas to sign up.

Another way you can be involved in mission work is to help with Thanksgiving Baskets. There are boxes in classrooms and the Worship Center to place Thanksgiving food items. If you know of a family that needs to be blessed, call Nancy at the church office or Alberta. We will need to have all supplies and names turned in by November 11^th. That will give time to prepare and deliver the baskets before Thanksgiving.

Please continue to pray for our Multi-housing ministry at Lifegate Mission. If you have not went to check out what our Team does with the kids, I encourage you to go and experience a blessing. You might get hooked on serving.

Reflection of LIfe

This week has been a great adventure as Rosemary and I have taken in 2 little girls. We are considered to be MeMe and PopPops to them. I only have a taste of what it would be like to have them living permanently with us. Everything changes: the things you do, the food you eat, the time it takes to get ready, the TV shows you watch, when you go to bed, the places you go, and the list goes on and on. Mainly your priorities are changed as you care for little ones who can not defend themselves. And God forbid that you neglect their care to do your own thing because you are responsible for them.

While reflecting on this week, God spoke to me of His love and concern for you and me. When someone accepts Christ into their life, everything changes or should change. The things you do, the time you spend in God's Word, the shows you watch, what you do, when you go to bed, the places you go, and the list goes on. Mainly your priorities are changed as you care for your relationship with Christ.

The problem comes when we neglect our relationship with God. Many times we turn our back on Him and do what we want and what we used to do. How sad it must make Christ as He calls us to turn around and look at Him. Our neglect of living a daily Godly life affects us in drastic ways. Through our neglect we become malnourished, dirty, un-kept, and self-centered. What a sad state to be in when we could be filled to contentment, have clean hearts, shine with God's love and become concerned for those around us.

God our Father wants you and me to enjoy the life He has given us. That comes when we follow Him in everything we do and everywhere we go. Learn the lesson from caring for small children and care for your relationship with Christ.

The Final Word

It seems like it has been forever since our son and daughter-in-law started the adoption process of a little baby boy. But in reality, it has been less than 2 months. Today ended the official process as papers were signed and the little bundle of joy is officially an Odle.

It has been interesting and rewarding to watch our children grow through this experience as they have had to place their faith and trust in God. It has also be interesting to watch how God put everything into place just at the right time and in shorter time than thought. Isn't God good? All the time!

Now to get back to the daily routines of life, but with a little different perspective. Never under estimate what God can and will do for those who not only love Him but serve Him with all their heart.

The blessing of Life

The blessing of life is something no one should take lightly. To see a precious little baby boy born into this world of ours is proof there is a Holy God who is not dead. A God who created such a complex human body what doctors study and scientists explore but neither understand completed or can recreate. Then you watch the mind of a 3 year old working and processing and again ask who could think of such things other than God HImself.

Yes we can not prove God exists but neither can you prove He doesn't exist. The Bible doesn't not set out to prove God exists; instead to assumes He exists and talks about what He is and does.

It is so easy for us to get wrapped up in our daily life that we forget there is something more we need to be concerned about, serving and honoring God with our total life.

Think on these things!

It has been a while since I updated my blog. Please forgive me.

So what has happened lately? VBS has came and gone. Last week was the big week and what a time we had. We averaged 69 people each day. That includes all our workers. A mission team from TN arrived on the 4th to help us with VBS. Our theme this year was the Boomerang Express. The children enjoyed the music, Bible stories, crafts, games, and snacks.

I want to thank the TN team for coming down again this year to help with VBS and I appreciate them so much. But what impressed me most was to watch our church family who worked with VBS. To see them become so excited about working that they volunteered to work again next year. Thank you also goes to all the people who contributed items that made VBS happen. Without you it would not have been the success that it was.

This year we will have 2 VBS sessions. Our next VBS will be lead by a group of World Changes at our mission church located in the Westchester Manor Condo Complex. Pray for the workers and the children who will be attending.

Today was a wonderful day of worship. We looked at 1 Peter 3:8-12 and discovered 6 things we need to do as children of God. We had guest in both the AM and PM services.

Praise God for His wondrous blessings!

Today was a wonderful day as we worshiped together in the Lord's Name. It doesn't mean that everything went perfect, but it does mean it was great. Our children's choir blessed us with the special before the sermon. I was so proud of them and the great job. People were moved by God's challenge from Haggai 1:1-11 as we considered our ways. We had a lady join the church. And it is official now that Northgate Baptist now has a mission church "Lifegate Mission". We already have 5 people signed up to work in the mission with children. Pray for us as we begin reaching out to a neighborhood that is crying for someone to care for them.

Today was the beginning of a new chapter in the life of NGBC as we continue to obey God's leadership in our church life. I look forward to see what God is going to do as a result.

PRAISE THE LORD