Happy New Year

Wow it seems like only yesterday it was New Years day, 2008. Another year has slipped by. A year that has been, well what should I say, difficult but yet filled with many blessings.
We started the year hoping for many good things to happen and we saw them come. Our oldest grandson underwent major surgery on Valentines day to correct some of the problems associate with Cerebral palsy. The surgery was successful and his growth through out year has been wonderful to see. I couldn’t help but be amazed this past Monday night (Dec 28) while we were watching the Missouri Football game (no not because MO won, . . well that was a wonder also,) when I watched him run down three steps off the stage and then run after all the bigger kids. He was Running, and running very well. Praise God for such progress. This year also had some difficult times health wise for us, we had a scare early in the year when my PSA levels were extremely elevated. But the good news was that it was just an infection and with medication and time all is well.

Rick & Glenda at Silver Dollar City

In February we learned that Glenda’s job was in for major changes.  The privately owned medical clinic she was working for was rumored to be bought out by one of the local Hospitals.  Uncertainty of what that change would mean created a lot of stress. The change became a reality in July and her office of 8 girls slowly dwindled down to only 3.  This created more stress by a more than tripled work load.  In the long run with all the medical issues of the last part of the year this has turned out to be a good thing.  The hospital has been very good to her during her surgery’s and during her time off.  

More stress came when we learned in February that Mark, a good friend and co-worker had decided that it was time for him to step down from youth ministry and pursue other areas of ministry.  We had no idea what this would mean other than he was resigning in August.  It’s hard to think about losing a close friend and someone with whom I had worked closely with for the past 8 years.  Then in the last part of March, Ken (Our Sr. Minister) informed us that he was considering moving to southern MO to help a newer congregation get off the ground.  He felt that his area of expertise could be better used in a small congregation.  Now we were dealing with uncertainty with Glenda’s Job, and the possibility of losing both of my co-workers.  (Thanks guys for all the added stress)  But it all worked out, God once again showed his sovereignty in our lives, the leadership of our congregation showed great wisdom in creating a new position for Mark, Worship leader/Children’s minister and Ken decided that he would stay and continue the great work he has started here.  And then in October we added another Staff member, Levi who immediately fit into our staff and will be a added blessing in the years ahead.  God works all things out for His Glory. 

In October we learned that a long time friend that I grew up with had passed away from Cancer. John McCrory and I had known each other since we were kids in camp 40 years ago, when to Bible College together, worked together in camps, preached for each other at times. He ended his life here but is now rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
October also brought our 33rd Wedding anniversary with a 10 day vacation, 5 of them we spent in Branson Mo with my little sister Becki and her husband Don.
Then November came and a simple surgery for Glenda resulted in a Major surgery on the last day of the month, 2 1/2 days in ICU very sick for 10 more days and finally coming home only a couple of weeks before Christmas. When you come so close to losing your best friend you realize how wonderful faith is, and how powerful our God is and how precious your wife is. I’m looking forward to a new year, a year of health and healing even though we know in about March a third surgery is necessary to undo the colostomy and return her back to full health. Whatever the New Year holds I am not afraid, “because I know whom I have believed and am fully persuaded that He is able to deliver us”. 2 Tim 1:12.
Blessed be the name of Jesus
Rick