Counting My Blessings

Christmas 2008
Dear Friends and Family,

As we enter another holiday season, I begin to count the many blessings in my life over the last year:

1. My commission. I still can't believe that God called me into ministry, that He wants to use me in His plan. In June this year I finished 22 months of Training to become an officer, or ordained minister, in The Salvation Army. After months of classes, studying, and field training, I was ready to leave Training, be commissioned and ordained, and enter my first assignment as an officer.
   
   
2. My appointment. Throughout the Commissioning weekend, the one question I heard the most was "Where do you think you are going?" and my answer each time was, "I don't know." I couldn't have been more surprised, or more excited, when I heard the Commissioner say he was sending me to Lincoln, Nebraska. I showed my excitement by nearly knocking him down with a bear hug. I have found the corps and community of Lincoln to be friendly and welcoming. And I am learning a lot from the two wonderful Majors I work with.
   
   
3. My family. I gained two nephews this year: Elisha and Aidan, bringing the total to seven nieces and nephews. I am blessed to have an appointment so close to most of my family, whom I have been able to visit several times since moving back to Nebraska.
   
   
4. My ministry. Since being ordained: I officiated a friend's wedding; I ministered in a Youth Correctional Facility; I was in a meeting with mall executives; I spent time with the children in our community center and with the elderly in a nursing home; I stood at a bedside in the emergency room and I stood at the pulpit preaching. God has taken me so many places I had never dreamed of through my ministry in The Salvation Army, and I'm excited to think of the lifetime journey of officership ahead of me.
   
   
5. My Savior. By far, the greatest blessing of all is Jesus. The little baby born one night in Bethlehem is the hope of the world today.
   
   

May God richly bless you this Christmas season and in the new year to come. Never forget the wonderful love God has for you.

Your Friend,
Ruth S

[Sent by Alert Reader Ruth S, in Nebraska.]