Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Faithful In His Calling

"This is the day that the Lord has made,
let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
Psalm 118:24

Today is my husband Joel's 30th Anniversary of his Ordination into ministry. A "mere" 30 years ago he stood before family, friends, and his childhood congregation, dedicating his life to serving God as a pastor. It was a wonderful day!

Joel has served churches in Northeastern Montana, central Minnesota, Northwestern Minnesota, and 3 churches in Iowa. We have lived in many big cities over the years, but since he began his calling as a pastor the towns have been as small as 225 people and as large as 30,000. His calls have been all solo pastorates except for one where he was Senior Pastor. Presently he is an interim for a nearby congregation, working only part time due to being on disability from Lyme Disease. He has served a three point parish, two point parish, and several single churches...with a variety of sizes. He has been a dedicated and hardworking servant, obedient to God's guidance. He enjoys the people he serves, and they have enjoyed him. He has been faithful in his calling. Along with our children, I have been richly blessed to be by his side.

Today I give thanks for Joel and I praise God for being his wife. It has been an amazing journey thus far, filled with challenges and difficulties, joys and an abundance of blessings!

Well done, faithful servant....well done! May God continue to bless and use you to His glory.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a remarkable life of service to the Lord. What a precious photo of all of you. Thank you for sharing this special day with us.

Anonymous said...

PRAISE GOD!

Mevely317 said...

Happy Anniversary ~ both to you and your sweet Joel. I really like this picture!

A Busy Single Mom said...

I agree with the earlier comment of a remarkable life of service to the Lord. You two will be rewarded for your faithfulness. That's a beautiful family photo!

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Happy, happy anniversary. I am always so glad when you stop by my blog, Renee. Your and Joel's lives are a blessing to me.

Renee said...

Thank you Mildred for your kind comments...so glad you enjoy coming here...I enjoy having you!

Renee said...

Thanks Whidbey woman!!

Renee said...

Thanks Mevely....I enjoy the photo too...been a year now ~ we need to update it!

Renee said...

thanks busy single mom for coming by and for your nice comments...

Renee said...

Thank you Dianne! How nice of you to say that....bless you.....

Joan Hall said...

Renee - truly your husband is one who has been/is obedient to God's calling. I love the picture of your family.

Blessings,
Joan

Renee said...

Thank you Joan...glad you enjoyed the photo of our family...Sure miss them!