Hi – I’ve created a “Wyoming Winter” slideshow for you to enjoy and in the process noticed that I didn’t post this November note, so I’m sticking it on here (following). We think of you so often, pray for you constantly, and anticipate forever fellowship–if not before.
www.pxspot.com/chaplains_gandr Whew! Let’s see if this works.
Close to home, but not home yet…that’s me. These last two weeks have been wonderful. I have enjoyed being “home” in Kentucky so very much. The welcoming hugs from brothers and sisters who are genuinely glad to see this pudgy old face have refreshed me tremendously, even as I was missing Gary, who couldn’t come along this trip, I was rejoicing in children-grandchildren-forever family. What can compare with being shoulder to shoulder with family–both forever family and the one the Lord God blessed us with as our own, even for a short time.
As Thanksgiving approaches my thoughts turn more and more often to the reasons I have to be eternally grateful. These reasons always begin with the incredible grace of simply being. That our awesome God chose to breathe that breath of life into me at conception is a gift so great it is priceless. That He allowed me the opportunity to either choose or reject Him, as my Creator, Lord, and Savior is incomprehensible in its magnitude. That He chose to love me even as I wounded Him with my rebellion is just so far beyond my ken I feel a simpleton. The biggies being mentioned, there are innumerable lesser but poignant none-the-less reasons I am thankful this year.
I am thankful for the challenges, the heartache, the loneliness, and the wonder of being here in Wyoming.
I am thankful for the way that God has chosen to use Gary to further His kingdom on this earth as He stores up for us, treasures in heaven.
I am thankful that even as I say and do the wrong thing, I am confident that God’s love covers a multitude of my error…and that He wants to and will use, even me.
I am thankful that each one of my children have a vital relationship with the Lord God and that somehow He got it through our thick heads (Gary’s and mine) that as adults, they are His children first and foremost–not ours. It is admittedly more difficult than words can express to “butt out” of their affairs. I do realize though that when I stand between them and God’s direct working in their lives I am cheating them of a far better gift than I could ever give them. I am so grateful that His love for them far exceeds even mine…and His goodness toward them is based on His character, not theirs.
Trying to post an update to December, I realize that I never did post November, hmmm, I’m not getting old, just forgetful. At any rate, I do want you to know I thought of you all in November, and that you were, and are, on my “Thankful List” always. Speaking of which…the “Thankful List” I mean, I wonder how many of my own children did a list this year. Every Thanksgiving for 30+ years, as we stood hand and hand to pray before dinner, each of us would give a special something that we were thankful for that year. As the children got older it became more and more of a chore to get everyone to stand still and give their own statement of thanks. It was always the highlight of the day for me…I missed it this year. But, please know this, I love to hear you give thanks to the One from whom all things come. So, even though the ’season’ slipped by without my posting this, please know that we were, and are thankful for each of you. Thankful that we have the opportunity to represent MainStreet’s vision as a sieve church here in Wyoming. We are thankful for our family, our awesome children and their children, our forever family, and first and foremost for the opportunity that a creative and incredible God has given us to simply “be” and to devote ourselves to loving Him, by His grace. Psalm 107 says (several times actually) “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and His wonderful works to the children of men.” Watch for something to praise God about, tell others, tell us. Praise Him for His goodness (what of His character has He shown you?) and Praise Him for His works (what has He done for you?) Let us hear His praises ring out. Let us hear of His goodness, and kindness, and love.
Remember us, we remember you.
In love,
Gary and Roberta
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