"MY HUT'S ON FIRE"

I got this story from a friend and thought that it was very good. I hope that you all enjoy...

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for GOD to rescue him, but every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. "GOD, how could you do this to me?" he cried.

Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?"Asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because GOD is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain, and suffering. Remember that . . . . . . . . .The next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of GOD.

Endurance

"I know there will be days there will be pain to bring you glory."

I have been thinking of the path that brought Tony and I together. We were supposed to meet plenty of times before we actually did because of a mutual friend, but God had other plans. I had to go through many trials before that could happen, before I was ready to hear what I needed to hear from God through Tony. He also needed to experience some things before he could show me His mercy. I was on a downward spiral when Tony came into my life. God knew when I would need intervention and knew the perfect time to bring Tony into my life to glorify Him. Tony persevered through all my baggage and never gave up on me when plenty of other "people" would have. God knew that about him. The wonderful thing about our marriage is that we are always there for each other and support each other through everything. I know that these things should be obvious in a marriage, but for many they are not. So my point in all this is to say-

"Thank you God for my wonderful husband and the pain we had to endure to be ready for each other and You. I pray that you continue to bless our relationship and our beautiful family. Thank you for the many people that help us through our struggles, including our new family at Faith Harbor. Thank you for this church and I pray that you bless this ministry and the many people that work so hard to make it a success. If it were not for You it would be impossible to have this place of worship. Thank you so much for all the blessings you pour down on us and I pray that we gorify You with each and every one of them. We love you~Amen"

Another Year

This past year has been trying with the economic situation in our city and country. Fortunately, the start to this year supplies a very bright future. Tony got a great new job and we are very excited to see where it leads us in the future. We are starting at a fantastic new church and can't wait to see what God has in store for this place and the people in it. We can't wait to grow deeper in the Lord together as a family and also with new friends. We have made some "delightful" new friends that we can't wait to get to know even better. Here's to hoping that this year will be even better than last year!!

'Lord- for this new year I pray that we keep you in our sites and not take our eyes off of you. I pray that you continue to bless our family and friends and help us to have another wonderful year with you at our center. Thank you for all that you have provided to us!!~Amen'