Sometimes the best way to launch a new venture is by capitalizing on the victories of the past. I am determined to believe great things of 2013 in spite of the significant challenges I see ahead. For the God who did such great things in 2012 is still the God of this moment and of all the moments that lie ahead. His power is not diminished by our national debt, or by the threat of winter storm G—– coming soon to a state near you. In the face of future tragedies his love will not pale or lose its potency. He is God, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End. He is the same yesterday today and forever! Let’s believe Him for big things in 2013 as we thank Him for what He did in 2012.
Here is a brief list of my Thanksgivings for 2012:
1. I am thankful that God met my sister’s budgetary needs so she could move to The Netherlands for the work of missions.
Brenda and Leqad Missionary Judy Mensch
2. I am thankful that God supernaturally healed Brenda from a terrible sinus infection in one minute with no medication just before the Easter play was scheduled to go up!
3. I am thankful that God provided an eight week internship for my daughter to Thailand for $700.00.
A trip down the river, Thailand
4. I am thankful God provided for a thirteen week internship for my son in Myanmar.
Joe in the air control tower at Yangon. He has been helping air traffic controllers with their English.
5. I am so thankfu God gave me time to visit relatives in both Maine and The Netherlands.
I visit Maine
St. Bavo’s sits in the center of Haarlem Sqare.
6. I am thankful for the opportunity to minister in music at Special Touch Camp in Connecticut with my daughter.
My first year working at Special Touch
7. I am thankful that after being hospitalized four times last year my daughter Amanda’s migraines are under control.
Amanda
8. I am thankful that the grammatical edits on my book are done!
9. I am thankful that after a bad tomato harvest in my own garden someone gave me a enough tomatoes to make a gallon of sauce!
tomatoes
10. I am thankful that the Holy Spirit has been showing up in service when our church gathers. I am so blessed that our church is alive with His presence!
11. I am thankful that our lead pastor took the staff this fall to the Cape for a ministers retreat with Mark Batterson
Sunset DIamonds by JE Lillie Cape Cod
11. I am thankful that our artists community has continued to meet.
second annual art show
12. I am thankful for the wonderful team of people God has allowed me to work with all these years.
Praise God for the big and the little in 2012. It will cast a better glow on 2013.
Reinventing the We'll 
I got very weepy throughout this, Pastor J–am thankful with you, and continuing in faith that we DO have a BIG GOD who does BIG and little things all the time. God bless you and your wonderful family–love, sis Caddo
It took me a while to compile the list. It’s easier for me to complain than to praise. I guess that just goes to how much God has yet to kill the flesh in me. God bless you Dear Sis as you praise the Lord through the tears.
I want to thank God for my beautiful son, Tommy and my twin Sandy,for she has been such a blessing more than she knows. God is so amazing in how he sends us his blessings. I am so thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ who hold my arms up in times of battle, celebrate with me in times of Victory, and weep with me in times of sorrow. How blessed am I to have such a precious family in Christ. I am blessed to know you as my brother in Christ, Pastor J, your words have changed my life. Thank you and God bless you!
Thank you for included me among your thanks Deb! Your testimony has been a great faith builder for me!
Beautiful post Pastor “J”…..there is soooo much we can thank God for……among other things, I thank Him for what He is doing in and through your life and ministry and pray that He will grant you and your family good health, increased finances, and multiplied strength, wisdom and impact in the building of the Body of Christ and advancement of His Kingdom in 2013 and beyond……..blessings!…..Kim
Thank you Kim! I receive those prayers!
I am thankful for you, Pastor J, and for your faithfulness to share His love with others.
May He continue to speak to and through you as we get closer and closer to the time of His return.
A blessed 2013 to you and yours!
In His service,
ann
Thank you Ann. You have been a great encouragement for me to keep on with “RTW”. May God likewise bless you as you continue to serve Him in 2013.
Thank you so much for sharing some of the great things your great God did in 2012 . ..and for encouraging us that He is the same Almighty God as we go into 2013. God bless you and your precious family, Pastor J!
May God bless you in 2013 as He reveals the moving of His hand to you in and through your life. Thank you so much for the encouragement you have been to me Deb!
Joining with you in praising our great and amazing God for His love, mercy and grace, and for the abundance of His blessings. Knowing the REALITY of His work in our lives, we look ahead with confidence, knowing that whatever happens, He is with us and He will undertake for us and He will use it to ‘grow’ us.
We serve an incredibly amazing God!
Yes we do and we are confident that He shall undertake concerning us no matter what cliff our nations go over!