What I learned in 2013.

It has been a while since I blogged...A lot has gone on in the last 6 months - So where do I start? 2013 will be a year I never will forget. I've learned a lot. A lot that is deeply personal to me. A lot about myself and I will share some of it with you – my friends, my family.
I learned that life is like a vapour, here one minute, gone the next. I talked to my mom at 5:20pm one day...and that very night she went home to be with the Lord.
I learned priorities. God, my family then church, and that and is making me a better husband, a better dad, and a better pastor.
I learned that I have friends that deeply care for me and my family.
I learned that if you do not get the rest you need, your body will force you to rest.
I learned that God is in control and He will accomplish His will, with or without my help.
I also learned that if I get in God's way, He will gently correct – as a loving Father does.
I learned that it doesn't matter what people say about me – my confidence and self worth comes from God, not people.
I learned that my children are a beautiful gift...a gift that God has entrusted into my and wife's hands. They are precious flowers, delicate and in need of constant caring and love.
I learned that my wife means more to me now, than ever before.
I learned that God is not in a rush, nothing catches Him by surprise...God's plan is not according to my timing, it's according to His.
I learned that Bethel really loves my family and me. God has His hand on this Assembly – Good things are happening – we must remain faithful to God's timing, one day at a time, one step at a time.
I learned that the people of Smooth Rock Falls are loving, caring and considerate – even more than I ever dreamed.
I learned that 2013 was just that....a learning year for me. A year of refining. I'd be lying if I said it was painless. I'd be lying if I said it was comfortable. I'd be lying if I said it was fun...it wasn't. But here is the thing that I learned...joy comes in the morning. The morning may or may not be 2014...I don't know. But I do know Who is in control. I do know that He is just. And I know that He loves me, my cherished wife, my blessed children, my precious Bethel family, and the wonderful people of Smooth Rock Falls. What better place to be May God bless you in 2014 !