January 2013
One Year Closer to Christ's Return

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January 2013

Happy New Year, friends! …. When I was growing up …. we always had what was called "Watch Night Service" on New Year’s Eve …. a wonderful gathering …. with us on our knees "praying" as we entered into the New Year. I really do miss those services.

Here we are in a brand New Year 2013 …. more incredible opportunities for me to proclaim that "Jesus is Lord" to the world …. and are you like me …. looking forward to what this New Year might bring into our lives? Even though we do not know how difficult things will be this year …. we only know …. we need not fear …. because Jesus who has not failed us in the past …. will not fail us in the future …. please keep that in your heart for comfort and assurance. We may not know what the future holds …. but we do know the One who holds the future.

Romans 8:32 - If God did not spare even His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, won't He surely then give us everything else we need.

This New Year began with me taking a beautiful drive to Camarillo …. Oxnard …. Ventura …. Santa Maria …. if you have never made that drive …. you do not know what you are missing …. with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the majestic mountains on the other …. I thanked God over and over again as I just "took in" the beauty of Our Creator …. each meeting was wonderful …. having “Hat Themes" at the Christian Women’s Connections …. those luncheons which began 75 years ago …. the plan is this …. that regular attendees come each month …. but invite someone who needs to know Jesus …. there is a speaker/singer who gives testimony as the ladies enjoy a lovely setting …. delicious luncheon …. and many respond to the invitation to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior …. there is follow-up by the Stonecroft Team …. I know of many changed lives because of those meetings …. I have now been speaking/singing for 8 years with them …. what an opportunity!

A Christian Women's Connection attendee and Ms. Lillie

Another delicious banquet at a Seniors function in Ventura...and great fellowship. I love to share with Seniors how God wants to continue to use them …. I also shared an afternoon meeting for Seniors at Santa Maria …. the crowd was great …. and I am certain that God did minister through the message and songs.

Pastor & Mrs. Palmer and Ms. Lillie

My long time friend Vineta who lived in Nevada went home to be with Jesus. I have written about her before …. as she was a very special friend I met when I had my retirement party from the Telephone Company at the Hyatt …. she was a waitress that night …. heard me sing …. was hurting because her only son had passed away just weeks before …. I ministered to her …. we became good friends …. I would visit her in Nevada …. in fact I was there to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Ms. Lillie and Ms. Vineta, 90th birthday

She loved God and was ready to go be with Him …. she asked me to please carry her ashes to Santa Maria …. to bury her with her mother and son …. I made all the arrangements to do that …. my dear friend Ramona came to the cemetery to be there with me …. and I was grateful for that …. I said a prayer to God thanking Him for Ms. Vineta’s life …. for the gift He gave her to be generous to everyone she saw …. and I know she will be rewarded.

Ms. Lillie at cemetary

Colossians 3:24 - Knowing that of The Lord, you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Jesus.

Ms. Ramona and Ms. Lillie

I mentioned the Hymn-Fests I have been a part of …. sponsored by an organization called "Kid of Character" …. led by Tony and Kathy Salerno …. what a vision they have to go into schools …. have an assembly …. sing songs …. give a CD to each child …. an ABC book (from A - Z) …. instead of A-is for apple …. no, it is for Attentiveness …. B once was ball …. but is Boldness .... C, not for cat .... but for Contentment .... in their book, etc. …. I am so thankful to be working with this ministry that enlightens and empowers elementary-age kids in the area of character .... we must reach the children …. churches are asked to select a neighborhood school and sponsor the cost of bringing in the CD's, books, etc. …. and the feedback from the kids as well as teachers and principals is great …. please pray for this Ministry and let me know if you want to reach them and be a part. What a treat at the last Hymn-Fest to have a children's handbell choir. I loved seeing and hearing them.

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