Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Psalm 103:1-2).
Looking back over this year, these familiar words can be uttered from my heart as if I just heard them for the very first time. My, how good the Lord has been through all the ups and downs, triumphs and trials, laughter and lessons, provisions and pruning, and times of waiting and answers to prayer of 2022. He is the constant, faithful, grace-filled, mercy-bestowing, ever-loving, immutable One Who is worthy of all praise and thanksgiving!!
Highlight #1 – Celebrating 41 years of marriage with a romantic dinner that I set up on Beauty Spot, on the AT, near Erwin, TN. This had been on the “bucket list” for years!
Highlight #2 – Our family growing in blessings! You can read about it right here Adoption Update. Add to that, our precious grandsons believing in Christ alone for salvation!!!
Highlight #3 – Joining God in His work as He builds His Church!
Highlight #4 – Hanging out at McAfee Knob backpacking on the AT!! Another bucket list!! Plus, meeting a couple from England at Lambert Meadows Shelter who offered Rick and me a “spot of tea” as we arrived that evening. Also, my sweet wife hiked with me on Valentine’s Day! She was willing to go because it wasn’t “snake season”!!
Highlight #5 – Men’s Prayer Advance, Roanoke, VA! Coming up soon, January 26-28. For more info–Men’s Prayer Advance 2023 Preaching, prayer, singing, prayer, fellowship, repentance, prayer, refreshment, prayer, advancement, reunion, answers to prayer, worship, joy, bearing burdens, more answers to prayer, salvation, etc.!!
Highlight #6 – Anytime at The Wilds NC & The Wilds of New England!! This ministry has impacted my life and family since 1971!! What a blessing to serve alongside our friends and “family” at these camps!! The absolute best camping ministry on the planet!!!! Of course, I am biased but richly blessed because of the Wilds!!
Highlight #7 – Time with Denise’s Dad. Cherished moments!
Highlight #8 – Family Vacation in Pigeon Forge, TN!!!!!! So much fun!!!
Highlight #9 – Andrew’s graduation with an MDiv from Baptist Bible Seminary, Clarks Summit University, Clarks Summit, PA!!!! Congrats, Andrew!!!
Highlight #10 – Ministry and fellowship with God’s people through Boones Creek Bible Church!! So, so, so many blessings in 2022!!!
So, if I could, there would be many, many more, but just wanted to share a few from 2022 for God’s glory! We do not deserve any of this. Every one is a gift from God (James 1:17) and all because of His grace (Psalm 103; Ephesians 2:1-9; 2 Corinthians 9:8) which He lavishes upon us daily!!
From A Pastor's Heart 
That romantic date on the mountain top was definitely one of my favorite memories of this year! You get husband of the year award for that one! 🏆 ❤️