Ministries to Encourage Joyous and Purposeful Living

Vol. IV,  2

Colossians 3:17

Thank You Notes

The Newsletter of Giving Thanks Ministries

Norma McMurry, President   15 W. Xenia Drive   Fairborn, Ohio 45324

PH: 937.879.0618                Fax 937.233.1851

on the web at: www.givingthanksministries.com

email: norma@givingthanksministries.com

or normamcmurry@sbcglobal.net

Last Christmas I asked the Lord for new insight into the Christmas Story. I love the account but felt stale in my excitement about the wonderful event. We celebrated Christmas with our family in Murfreesboro, TN, and enjoyed every minute. In the commotion of celebration, I forgot my prayer request. We attended church the Sunday after Christmas with family to hear Donald preach. He read Luke 2:25ff. As Donald preached, God spoke loudly to my heart!!

 

Simeon was an ordinary man, not a priest, not a temple worker, but a just and devout man who let the Spirit lead his life to the extent that he knew when to go to the temple to see the Christ. I refrained from shouting to the congregation and embarrassing my family, but my heart pounded as I knew God answered my prayer of weeks before.

 

My earnest prayer during 2005 has been that I would know the prompting and guiding of the Holy Spirit in my life and obey His leading. I pray that you will join me in that prayer and make 2006 a year to draw ever closer to our Loving Lord.

Giving Thanks

                      ...For Family

Many Giving Thanks Ministries supporters ask about our family. We give a big praise that Don came through prostate cancer surgery Oct. 17^th just fine. Donald was able to be with us, but his family wasn’t.

Giving

Thanks

...For

Christmas

Joseph, Lisa, and Walker were able to be in Cleveland. Walker enjoyed the wait.

Caroline and family were busy caring for their new arrival, Justin. Brennen adjusted to his new brother well.

Don claims to identify with women now that he has had an epidural. I’m not so sure he enjoyed listening to the talk in the operating room and feeling the pressure as they cut on and moved around inside him. In recovery, his left leg wouldn’t

wake up. After he was there six hours, the nurse called in the anesthesiologist who moved the wire in his back. In two hours, his leg woke up! He is back at work and thankful for your prayers on his behalf. No further treatments are necessary.

 

Don celebrated 60 years of life November. 2. You not only showered him with cards, but sent a torrential downpour! Your encouragement overwhelmed us. We asked people to drop by the Associational Conference Center on November 29 for cake and birthday wishes for Don. We appreciate those of you who were able to come by. He was definitely surprised. The entire day was a fun celebration.

Above: Justin

Left: Brennen

Upcoming Events for 2006…

 

January 10-12              North Central States Rally, Indianapolis, IN

February 1                    Emmanuel Baptist Church Ladies Group, Greenville, NC

March 10-11                Grand Heights Baptist Church Ladies Retreat, Fairborn, OH

April 1                           Southwest Ohio Women’s Retreat, Wilmington, OH

April 29                        Landmark Baptist Church Ladies Retreat, Dayton, OH

May 11                          FBC Ladies Banquet, West Alexandria, OH

June 2-3                        Women’s Evangelism Conference, Cedarville, OH

July 30-August 4         Missionary for RA Camp, Camp Caraway, NC

September 15-16         Ecumenical Women’s Retreat, Monticello, IN

The Year 2006

Approaches Quickly...

 

Please contact me to schedule your event. As you can see, dates fill up before we know it. I would appreciate your prayers for the  events listed to the right that are already scheduled.

December 2005

Giving Thanks

           ...For Ministry              Encouragers

 

God continues to use Giving Thanks Ministries “to encourage joyous and purposeful living.” Read some comments sent or said by event attendees:

 

“I haven’t been in church in eight years and didn’t want to come tonight. I came with a friend. Your words didn’t judge me, but made me see God has a purpose for me.”

 

“I just let my baby be adopted. But from this retreat I know God has a purpose for my life.”

 

“I am taking 5 of my favorite Scriptures and tracing the lessons learned through the different phases of my life—also shared this “technique” with others at work.”

 

We had a report of one salvation at an event! Praise the Lord!

Giving Thanks

                          ...for Embarking on a new Adventure

 

With lots of help, Nov. 15 we taped the first message, “Growing in the Truth of God’s Word,” to make available on DVD, CD or Cassette. The ladies of FBC Fairborn provided refreshments. Mission trip volunteers set up displays. GTM made products available. Kenneth Hull, David McMeans, John Tidwell and Rodney Bridenbaugh worked on the set, sound, lights, and taping. Sandy Warren and her family helped set up and take down the props. And my dear family helped in all of it! I truly appreciate those participated in the audience for the filming.

Giving Thanks

             ...For Ministry Helpers

 

· My first thanks go to those who pray for GTM. God is providing opportunities I’m excited about.

· The Board of Directors continues to faithfully help with decisions and advice.

· GTM friends have provided magnetic signs for the sides of my van. They are beautiful!!

· Supporters have provided resources for a new printer, scanner, copier.

· We acquired a nice display board for publicity at events.

· I told you in the last newsletter about the laptops being donated, but they are such a wonderful asset, I mention them again.

· I appreciate those who help with the product table. You have made products and sold products. The stretchy bracelets are a wonderful addition and I appreciate your work.

· The donated office materials and work on newsletters and cards is appreciated.

· Everyone who helped with the taping event is so appreciated.

· I never want to forget to thank those who give financially. God will give to you.

· By June, we will have ready for production a brochure “For Your Journey” to give to cancer or other patients and families.

· I hope to put more devotions on the web site than I did in 2005.

· I plan to have the web site store better able to take orders.

· We plan to tape another message for distribution.

· I hope to keep in touch with all of you better by email than I do now.

Join me in prayer for GTM goals for 2006