Day 407 of Giving Thanks - Guest Writer, Troy White

Troy has been a contributor with Wonderfully Made since the Summer, and has been a great part of the team. He is a man after God's heart and will in his life, a family man and a business owner, whose love for God is very recognized when you talk to him or read his notes. There is much wisdom, as there has been much growth. Thank you Troy for being an encourager, not only for me, but for so many on the Wonderfully Made page.

Wow, Christmas Again: As we reflect on Christmas and Christmas past we need to ask ourselves,  are we closer to the Lord this Christmas than when were first saved and how do we determine that?

When I first was born again I was so excited.  I wanted everyone I knew to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. In the beginning of my walk, my excitement wasn't received with equal enthusiasm, quite the contrary.  My fire for the Lord was confronted head on by satan and his demonic help.  

This was where my growth began. Since that first Christmas as a Christian many things have changed. My understanding and love for the Lord has truly grown but not the way I would have thought it to happen.  In the beginning, I fell in love with the Lord because of how it made me feel.  When the attack came from the enemy, my feelings weren't so positive.  This led me to reach outside of myself to try and discover a deeper connection than just my feelings.  That's when I discovered Christian friends as well as a Christian mate.  This endured for a time, but like my feelings these relationships also came under attack resulting in a bruised faith at best.

Well, God is Good.  As I shake my head at the years of trials and, seemingly defeats, I have asked God to help me make sense of all of this.  My friends, He answered me.  In the quiet time of desperation, He spoke to my heart and I want to share it with you this Christmas as my Christmas gift to all of you.

He wants a personal, intimate and exclusive relationship with me.....and with you, all of you.  I know this is not new to any of us as Christians but I'm here to tell you it's different than I've ever known before.  He wants us to count on Him even, and especially when, we cannot count on others.  He wants us to know He loves us and desires to prosper us.  This world is the way it is because sin exists and as long as it does, we will suffer trial and tribulation.  The key is to walk by faith and not by sight.  To do this He has to develop our faith.  How?

Every time we've entered into battle with satan we had an opportunity to increase and grow our faith which is the only way we can please the Lord.  He uses the difficulties in life to make us more dependent on Him, strengthening our relationship with Him. So I therefore pause to ask myself this question.  Why am I scratching my head and wondering why bad things continue to come my way?  Of course, the Lord wants to position me in a righteous relationship with Him so He can bless me and empower me to live the abundant life He has died for. My personal struggles have led me into a deeper more dependent relationship than I've ever had before.  Folks it's summed up like this;

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” ~Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Since obtaining a deeper relationship with the Lord I want you to know that things are changing.  In the midst of the most challenging year of my life He brought me to you, ant it started by getting involved with Wonderfully Made; a ministry that allows me to be used by God and I know have friends that will be my friends forever.  And the best is yet to come and I long to live the testimony. 

I want all of my family to make it to Heaven.   I want all my friends to make it to Heaven.  And from the heart of God, I want all of God's children to make it to Heaven.  May God's indwelling Spirit rise up in all of you, empowering you to be anointed to do the will of our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ.  May this Christmas 2010 be the Christmas you decide to win, by drawing closer to the baby in the manger who has already won. :-)

Merry, Merry Christmas to All of You,

I love and treasure you all!

Troy White

Day 406 of Giving Thanks – Guest Writer, Julie Gorman

Christmas Day 

I quietly snuck behind our Christmas tree, picking up the small, plastic mold of baby Jesus and cried, “Jesus, I’m so sorry I didn’t get you a present. Today is your birthday and I didn’t get you anything.” Tears flowed strongly, as my tender little heart yearned to do something special for Him. I know what I can do. I thought. And, without hesitation I began to softly sing…Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday dear Jesus…Happy Birthday to you.

Ahhhh, if only I could have the innocence of being six years old again.

As I reflect on that endearing Christmas memory, I think how precious I must have appeared to God.

Today, many years have passed and unfortunately, my passion to please God gets tainted with my own needs, wants, and wishes. I spend so much time asking, interceding and longing for God to intervene on my behalf that I often forget to pause, and sing Him a melody of thanks.

Yet today, on Christmas Day, somewhere inside me, lays the same tender heart, longing to honor God and offer Him a song….a song of thanks, a song of surrender, a song of dedication and humility.

How about you?

Today as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior…the day Jesus, “Immanuel, God with us” came in the flesh, I want to encourage you…

Don’t miss your chance to offer God thanks. Replace your worries, your what if’s, and your endless list of needs with a simple prayer of thanks.

And here’s a thought: Our worship is no less endearing, no less desired, than the simple purity I offered to Him at age six.

God longs for our affection. He longs to hear of our love. So, will you join with me and take a moment to GIVE THANKS for the wonderful hope He’s given us in Jesus.

His Love Extended:

Julie Gorman

http://hisloveextendedministries.com

http://juliegorman.com

http://hisloveextendedministries.blogspot.com

Day 405 of Giving Thanks

And Gabriel said to Mary, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” ~Luke 1:28

And Elizabeth said to Mary, “In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!”, and she continued, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”~Luke 1:42 and 45

What would that have been like, knowing that you have won God’s favor, and would carry a savior into the world? The magnitude of that overwhelming task – and as I sit here, an adult woman, I think of what God placed on a young girl – isn’t it amazing what is accomplished with God?

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."” ~Luke 2:13-14

Tomorrow is Christmas, and this year is much different – there is a change in my heart. Christmas this year, is not the gifts under the tree, or the decorations, the dinner on the table, is a celebration of what has changed in my life.

I am grateful for my life, and all that I have. I am grateful that prayer is available to me all the time. Today, we celebrate the arrival of a King! He is my king… Is He yours? 

Day 404 of Giving Thanks - Guest Writer, Sue King

“H U M I L I T Y – Serving the LORD with all humility of mind” ~Acts 20:19 (KJV)

^“Blessed (happy, ^[a]to be envied, and ^[b]spiritually prosperous ^[c]with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! ~ Matthew 5:3 (Amplified)

My grandfather, who has been dead many years, had a favourite song that came to mind today. It goes…..

“Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in every way!....... “

I can still remember him breaking into song and singing these words, then having a laugh. Good times.

The definition the world gives to the word humility is:

Hu`mil´i`ty: The state or quality of being humble; freedom from pride and arrogance; lowliness of mind; a modest estimate of one’s own worth (Webster’s dictionary).

In biblical terms it has a much deeper meaning – God says when you are humble, you are free from pride and arrogance. You know that in your flesh you are inadequate, yet you also know who you are in Christ. It is about having a low view of self and a high view of God.

Having humility is knowing that I can do nothing in my own strength. I can make choices in every facet of life…but they are just that….choices. I cannot control where I was born, the colour of my skin, the wealth (or poverty) of the family I was raised in. I can’t control the climate, gravity, the concentration of oxygen in the air I breathe. I make choices based on what is available to me and mostly that is all out of my control.

I am blown away by the certain knowledge that the air I breath, the action of taking in my every breath and the ability of my body to use that breath to sustain me is at the will of my creator.

Matthew 5:36 says that “you cannot make even one hair white or black”. Yet with my God’s strength- “you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” And continuing in Matthew 17:20 “Nothing will be impossible for you.”

He who stood at the beginning of time and knew me even then, He who knew my every breath before I had even taken one of them- He is the one who sustains and keeps me. To Him is due all glory and honour.

 ^“Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.”  ~Psalm 139

How can I be puffed up with pride when I truly know that everything I am and have and become and do is at the  generous provision of my creator. How can I boast at my accomplishments when I do not even control my next breath?

“O LORD, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me. You know my downsitting and my uprising; You understand my thought afar off. You sift and search out my path and my lying down, and You are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue [still unuttered], but, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have beset me and shut me in--behind and before, and You have laid Your hand upon me. Your [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high above me, I cannot reach it. Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence?” ~Psalm 139:1-7

Thank you Lord for your provision.

About Sue

Hi! I am 51, married with three children 14, 17, 19. I work in childcare with 0-5 year olds, love gardening (where God talks to me the most) and LOVE reading! I’m very active in my local church serving in most areas including children’s ministry, worship team (back-up vocalist) and am involved with an intercessory prayer team.


God swept me off my feet 8 years ago. He came and filled a space within me that had been yearning and searching for the something that was missing. Only when He came did I know I had been searching for Him. Since then I have grown and loved and lived and dreamed beyond my wildest imaginations. Into every new day I walk with passion and excitement with Him at my side. I pray that you will find Him as I did.


Visit Sue's Facebook page.

Day 403 of Giving Thanks

I have prayed all day about sharing this tonight. And, as directed by the Holy Spirit, I share some of the deepest parts of my heart.

“But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!" ~Jude 1:20-21

I am grateful for the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit... Thank you Lord.

"But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” ~John 16:7

Do you ever feel like you cannot formulate the words to go to God? Today has been one of those days for me. And it is amazing how God delivers the perfect messages as they are needed – God’s perfect timing, every time.

Today, I am grateful that I am not required to have the perfect words. I am grateful that God knows exactly what is in my heart. Because as I experience the thought, of incomprehensible thought, the Holy Spirit, who dwells in me, steps in. The Holy Spirit takes those feelings, concerns and delivers them in perfect manner before the throne of my heavenly Father.

There are many times I wish I could jump and down for joy with the revelations that God delivers to me. There are times when I want to shout out the praises for the work God is completing in my life. There are times when I would like to break right out in song or prayer when I am in sorrow or experiencing the greatest victory. There will be a time that I will do that every moment of every day, but I know that those times are limited for me right now.  It is the time when I am alone at home, or the time of night when it is just me and God that these things do happen.


It is in the silence of my mind, when I can shout out utterances to my mighty God. For it is the help of the Holy Spirit that I am grateful – the power of the intercessory voice from me to God – the perfection of my heart’s desires, concerns and lack of comprehensive speech that I give to the Holy Spirit to deliver to my Father in Heaven. And, it is because God knew this time, this lack of words and this need for the Holy Spirit to be my guide, my interpreter and my voice before my King, that I have permanent access to this representative.

The moments in the morning when I pray I notice "whispers" of something, God’s love, the presence of God – at times it is nudging or prompting, others it is just a calm. How I desire so much more of His presence.

“How thoroughly love had been worked into your lives by the Spirit." ~Colossians 1:8

Last night was not a typical night. Usually when the light goes out, so do I, “down for the count”, “knocked out”, as Chris would say. Last night I went to bed with God on my mind and prayer for the ones I love in my heart. I spent quite a while (not sure of the time), just reeling in prayer for my family and for their status with God. I am overwhelmed to pray harder for them.

As I laid my hands into Chris’ as he slept, and prayed – I yearned to feel God there with me. It was pure uttering, non-coherent at times, a kind of rambling in my head. It was as if the words were ricocheting off the membrane of the brain and echoing through my body. This was new. Although I really do not have a complete recollection of what I shared with God, I have a deep satisfaction that He understood every word.  

“The amazing Grace of the master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you." 2 Corinthians 13:14

all verses from the New International Version

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta                  
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Day 402 of Giving Thanks - Guest Writer, Ron McIntyre

When I think of Ron, I am reminded of one of my life verses –

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered" ~Proverbs 11:25 (ESV)

I am thankful for the amazing fellowship, passing on and sharing of his wisdom and the mutual exchanges of insights - Ron is a great friends whom I met through Facebook; he shares a friendship that display compassion, as well as wisdom to so many. In this season of Christmas, especially as Christians, may we continue to renew the meaning, renew our beliefs about the day, and renew a spirit that focuses on the true meaning, and grow in gratitude of our mighty God, perfect savior and what has been so sacrificially given.

By: Ron McIntyre

Christmas: I believe that I will speak from my heart as I discuss this season known as Christmas, a time that should be filled with joy and peace.

This is the time of year we celebrate the birth of our wonderful Savior, the One who gave His life, so that we could all one day join Him in the very mansions He has prepared for us.

My concern regarding this glorious celebration is the influence that Satan has been able to have in diverting the true meaning of Christ's birth into a hypnotism of tradition and warm fuzzy feelings that come from hoopla that begins with Halloween and with it brings disappointment on Christmas day because of the usual dissatisfaction of gifts and newly created debt. Add to this fatigue, depression and obligatory gifts, events and other meaningless attractions that amount to zero. This is not how God intended for us to celebrate His Son's birth!

The feelings of being blue, sad and even lonely are in direct contrast to the peace, joy and thankfulness that God intended for all His people to enjoy by sending His only Son to be our Savior and King.

Stories of love and great experiences should be exchanged, as opposed to stories concerning gifts, which often result in envy, spite and more loneliness.

All the expectations of Christmas have escalated by man-made promotions to the extent that Jesus is seldom mentioned; and in the case of political correctness, Jesus is completely left out of His own birthday celebration.

I enjoy the Christmas spirit of giving as much as anyone, but we must learn to keep the true meaning of what Christmas is all about in perspective. It is a year around celebration, twenty-four hours a day. Jesus taught us to love, not for one day a year – but, that we should love always, even our enemies. Jesus is Love! And for us to love, we must be love.

Jesus was born to be our Savior and He died a brutal death so that we could live. Christmas is the celebration of true love, a love no greater than He. Let us all remember this first and foremost, then maybe unwrap a gift or two.

Love to everyone,

Strength and Honor

Day 401 of Giving Thanks

Encourage is to inspire with courage, spirit and confidence.
Edify is to instruct or benefit, esp. morally or spiritually; uplift.

The heart-of-the-matter is summed up in many words: commend, support, increase, boost, lift, endorsement, improve, augment, extend, advance, ensue, esteem, extend, widen, depth, strengthen, amplify, exemplify

Lord, thank You for showing me that, as one who needed to be encouraged and edified, that if I encourage and edify others, I would be strengthened and encouraged through Your words. This has been the most amazing gift in my life. How many times did I hear people tell me “You need to change your thinking”? As a self-improvement junkie and life-long member of the “what’s next or greatest” club, I have heard it for most of my adult life.

I have tried affirmations, memorization of the thoughts I should have and year after year, the negative thoughts still filtered in and I still heard the self- depreciating self-talk. So what changed? It was the simple act of encouraging others, through God’s word – and hearing it for myself. Simple, right? Very simple.

"Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers." ~Acts 15:32

When I encourage someone, I notice that it brings out the best in them – there is a need today for people to feel encouraged and edified. We are truly a society of “it’s all about me”, I was a member of that club too. But today I am grateful that it’s all about God, and God in my life.

I am going to challenge everyone today, and someone may take it. We currently have a few hundred readers a day, and my prayer is that, at least a few decide to give the gift of encouragement to the people in their life.

Who can you encourage and edify?

What would you like God to reveal to you during this process?  

"He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece," ~Acts 20:2

I love the Lord, and every day I look forward to growing more into His likeness through reading His word, having fellowship with other believers and thanking Him for all that I have. Every day feels like I receive more and more, even though He has already given me everything I need and everything I could ever want and He has changed who I am, and I know for sure that “With God all things are possible.” ~Matthew 19:26.

It can be simply said, “Thank You Father God for Your gifts”. And, it is what is in my heart that will reveal the depth of my gratitude to my creator. May you know the heart-of-this-matter, as well.

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta                        

Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Giving-Thanks-Daily/290738571406

Day 400 of Giving Thanks

In running and moderating a few pages here on Facebook, I see some amazing and beautiful people. I also see some narrow minded and insensitive people. I am grateful that the love of Christ shines brightly in my online world through the many friends I have. I am grateful for this wonderful forum and community.

From the depths of my soul, as His words tap my heart, I know that there is much that I have been given, yet unworthy, it is freely given, unconditionally in and through the greatest love ever by my creator, my God, the one who redeemed me. And, because of this, I am truly grateful, and want everyone to know how I feel, and not because I tell them, but because they see me living it out daily.

May I just say, some Christians just wear me out with the "what we shouldn't do", that grace becomes redefined in the process. I choose to focus on what God already did for me; live in grace and my life will reflect gratitude rather than a life based on rules.

Someone wrote today, “Why do Christians celebrate Christmas?” On one of our pages, we don’t allow negativity or debate; and that would have started a discussion that may not match the mission of the page. So, I removed the post it and wrote a note to the person asking if we could dialog on another page; well, it was through my inbox; and it has been a long, arduous and non-productive afternoon of words, but in the process of responding, I found even more clarity.

This is an entry that relays how grateful I am to my God for what He did surrounding this day that so many celebrate, including me – if you don’t believe in celebrating Christmas or anything else, I respect that, I trust that God has spoken to you on that and all I ask is the same respect.

As Christians, I believe it is our job to show people the love of Christ through our lives. I don’t want to debate, I would rather listen and try to figure out where someone is coming from. Lord, help me listen more.

I write about what God has so amazingly done for me... Christmas is not a day, it is an event and a time to celebrate the birth of our King. With open dialog, and conversation, we may realize we have the same foundational stand. Seek Him on your approach, only God through Jesus can guide you and confirm your road.

I know that as brothers and sisters we may disagree on many things, celebrating Christmas may be one of them – these, are things that should not break the fellowship apart or divide God’s people, just my opinion.

I know how the argument will go, I will quote scripture, you will quote scripture, yet neither will budge. This is not how the Lord wants us to spend our time. We are to share the gospel with those who do not know the truth of His birth, example of His life, suffering, death on the cross, burial, resurrection and purpose.

I expose my faith daily - and I allow myself to be stretched and moved by others, not in my stance, but in my heart and deep in my faith. I allow the Lord to work through His people.

In summary, I celebrate Christmas to worship my savior, and to share that story, the entire story. I love sharing the gospel, and the goodness of God every day through His word, edification and encouragement to both believers and unbelievers. God is my judge, I am saved and will spend eternity with Him in heaven. I choose to spend my time in prayer and sharing, while He reveals - and shares His gifts with me.

We are to rejoice for our King has been born. And, that is what I intend to do, every day, not just this season.

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

*****************
We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Day 399 of Giving Thanks - Guest Writer, Heather Palacious

Shawn's into: Heather is one of my favorite people - her, at times, quirkiness and light-hearted look at life is revealed greatly in her writing, which gives glimpses into her life as a woman of God, wife (pastor's wife, at that), and mom of two wonderful boys. I am grateful for the friendships that God has so amazingly placed in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to have a friend like Heather. Today, you will see the depth of this wonderful lady, take heart, and quite possibly, take action on this one.

"My Twas the Night"

by Heather Palacios

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through my town, 

Big red sale signs and flashing lights were above and around.

Tree tents were going up, the smell of pine near, 

It was Christmas, was Thanksgiving even here?

The children were sensing something in the air

Yet I struggled with something, this didn’t seem fair;

On the outside, there was an aura of great fun,

but inside, did I think I was the only one?

Ole’ St. Nick had a better view of this boomin’ town

From the Pole, he saw every face I was around.

He saw a divorcee at Starbucks alone,

The kid at the mall, avoiding his home,

The moon was rising, dark came on fast,

But from the Pole, he could see the aghast.

 “That afluent family, you think has it all?”

“Not true. Thru their windows there is only a wall.”

“The bagger at the market? Today with no reply?”

“Not one person spoke to him, not even a sigh.”

 “And on your street, what a place for potential”

“If you’d stop, you’d see their hurting torrential”

“And see those hanging at the corners of stoplights—“

“They are humans with hearts, not money-needing mites.”

May I offer a Santa tip with this affair?

Hoping my name conveys, I speak because I care.

If there’s a thing inside, a holiday ache,

Stop for a moment, it’s God speaking…take a break

My view’s the North Pole, but God’s view is quite precise

He nudges from what he sees, he doesn’t think twice—

This season, God implores, “

Please help from where you are.

At Starbucks, the market, the inside of your car

Sure, at Christmas, I could reach down, help those nearby

But I’d like to partner with you, won't you try?”

 “Let’s slow down and make the season a journey.”

You’re made in my image, with love there’s no hurry

When in a shopping lot, take your cart to the man,

Tell him thanks and go ahead, why not…shake his hand.

Eating out tonight? Ask your server for more –

More about her life, what her future has in store.

I think you get the idea, it’s “tis the season”…

to have Christmas fun and yet give without reason. 

You know the last line; don’t forget this word, alright?

It’s: Merry Christmas to A-L-L and to A-L-L a good night. 

Day 398 of Giving Thanks - Guest Writer, Tina Wetor

A New Life – Can it really happen? 

Yes, it absolutely can but only through the blood of Jesus Christ.  At the start of the school year, my daughter had to transfer schools because of our move.  She was very excited to start a fresh beginning because she did not like her old school.  She started participating in various activities, including assisting her teachers after school.  So, I would have to pick her up after her school activities.  After arriving in the office, my daughter approached me and asked if I would meet her favorite teacher.  Leah advised me, “She is dying to meet you.”

Let me back up a little bit to share some facts about my daughter, Leah.  First, she is my eldest child and only daughter.  Second, she is currently a typical (almost) teenager who, often, does not think before she speaks; in addition to that age-related trait, she only has one volume extra-loud, so everyone knows that Leah has entered the room.  My daughter isn’t the quiet or shy girl in the corner; she will walk up and introduce herself to the world.  Also, I don’t tell her about any secret surprise parties, gifts, or anything, unless I want it to be revealed early.  Lastly, she has the ability to light the room with her love.  She amazes me with her desire to know God and to share it with others. 

As Leah’s History teacher approached me to shake my hand, she greeted me with a smile.  She said, “Mrs. Wetor, I have heard an awful lot about you.”  Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I should be flattered or afraid to hear what Leah said.  Although my daughter could be my identical twin, we are completely opposite in personality.  I love all of the different attributes of my daughter, but I don’t share secrets with her.  She still hasn’t realized the importance of keeping quiet about personal family stuff.  As harmless as family events are, Leah believes the old saying, “Life is a stage.”  

As Leah’s teacher gave me praise for raising a beautiful, smart and respectful daughter, my heart was overjoyed to say the least.  After thanking the teacher for her comments, we left to get ready to go home.  As Leah and I got into the car, I couldn’t help but wonder what Leah had told her teach.  So, I asked her, “Leah what did you tell her?”  Leah replied, “She knows you are a preacher who loves Jesus.”  “What else does she know?” I asked.  Leah said, “My mom didn’t have a very good childhood but she overcame a lot.”  “My childhood has been marvelous, I couldn’t have asked for a better one.”

As we drove away, I had tears streaming down my face in gratitude for my life in Christ.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man BE in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

My father was an abusive alcoholic who destroyed my childhood with many scars.  By statistics and family heritage, I should be an alcoholic, and quite possibly, an abuser. But by God’s grace, the curse of sin is broken by the blood of Jesus.  As a first generation Christian, I am starting a new legacy with my life – an eternal one. 

We don’t have to repeat the same patterns of our families, we can start afresh.  The miracle of Christmas arrived to a virgin woman who wrapped the babe in swaddling clothes.  But the gift of Christmas would be shared with the whole world.  He came to break the curse of sin and to give new life to all who believe in Him.  Yes, a new life!  As the angel told the shepherds, “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David, A SAVIOR WHICH IS CHRIST THE LORD.” ~Luke 2:10-11

About Tina M. Wetor

Biography: I have been married to my college sweetheart for almost fourteen years.  Together, we have three beautiful children: Leah, Alexander (Aj), and Caleb.  To make the family complete, we have a handsome half pit/lab named Noah. 

My Heavenly Father loved me so much that He delivered me from a very abusive childhood.  I am alive because of His great love that He lavished on me.  I accepted Jesus Christ at the age of twelve years old after being miraculous reunited with my mother.  At the age of fourteen, I was filled with the Holy Spirit and started preaching.  After high school, I attended Central Bible College to obtain my degree in Pastoral Ministries with a minor in counseling. 

I currently in the process of formalizing my ministerial papers to be a licensed minister, once this has been achieved, I will be working toward my calling to Boulder Colorado.  My desire is to plant a church, a healing house for abused children, as well as a school.  I am currently working on my first book to share my desire for the presence of God to return to the American churches, the abused to find healing, and our nation revived.  In the future, blogs, website, and whatever else God asks. I will keep you posted as God fulfills His word to me.