The Paine Family

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”
Psalm 31:24

It’s hard to imagine that another year has begun. As we look back upon 2008, it amazes us as we recall and think of the great things that God has done…all praise and glory is surely due His name. He truly is worthy!!

We as a family  just got back from Oklahoma. Through divine circumstances, God made it possible for us to end 2008 and begin 2009 as a family at the Eagle Springs Training Center. We had a great time as family as well as with our Grandparents, cousins and aunt and uncle. The weather was unusually warm which made for great times outside. The last day we were there, I think it got up into the 70’s. =) We were blessed, encouraged and strengthened in the Lord.

Every year is an adventure as we live daily surrendered to the purposes and plans of God. Sometimes those purposes and plans are very clear, but more times than not, God chooses to reveal His specific will on a step-by-step basis. Which is usually not what we would prefer =). But this is where God has us as family as we begin 2009, trusting that where He has us now is  best, until He gives direction otherwise.

We are truly living in uncertain times, and we as a family desire to be found faithful when the Lord returns.  is meaningful as we look into this new year. We should be encouraged for God will strengthen us as we look expectantly to Him and trust in Him in this another year that He has given us.

Our desire as a family is that we would truly be blessing to those around us, servants of the most High, and as we see the day approaching, that we would be a shining light in an increasingly dark world. (Hebrews 10:25)

It has been a full two weeks of fellowship, work and fun. We all really enjoyed the Christmas conference that was held the 12th through the 14th. The messages were encouraging and the food was great.  =) But I think the thing that everyone enjoyed the most, was the quality time spent with each other, though it was just for a few days. It was neat to see the different groups from all over the ministry come together to make for an uplifting, quality time centered around Jesus Christ. 

Since then, things have slown down considerably here at ITC. Though it is a lot of fun to have company over, it’s always enjoyable once everyone leaves, to be at home together as a family with close friends…there is just nothing that can replace that during this time of year.

It was a great Christmas conference to close out 2008

So much has taken place over the past weeks! It amazes me that it’s almost December. As I think back upon this year, I marvel at the many blessings that God so abundantly has poured out upon my life and the lives of those around me. Especially when I think of His great mercy and love toward us all that He demonstrated there at Calvary. Praise Him for He is worthy of all honor and praise!

Things have been going well here at the Indianapolis Training Center. During the past couple of weeks,  we have hosted a Health Conference, begun decorating for Christmas, as well as trying to keep up with maintenance and daily chores. It was encouraging to see how everyone came together to serve, especially during the Health Conference.

We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving here yesterday. The weather was beautiful, the fellowship was uplifting and the food was great…a lot to be thankful for.  =)

These next couple of weeks will be very busy here as we approach the 2008 IBLP Christmas Conference. This is where the majority of the IBLP staff come from all over to the Indianapolis Training Center for a weekend retreat. It’s a time of fun, fellowship and focus on what God has done throughout the year and is continuing to do in the ministry. There’s a lot of prep work involved, and I will try and keep you all posted on the latest of what is taking place.

God bless you all, and I hope you enjoyed your time of Thanksgiving. May this be a holiday that is observed every day, that we would each have a heart of Thanksgiving to the Lord for all that He has done and continues to do.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to see Senator John McCain at the Indianapolis International Airport. There were around 1500 or so people there to welcome him. It was an inspiring experience.

As I thought about today’s election of the next president of the United States. The well known verse in 2Chronicles 7:14 came to mind:

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

I realized the need to pray and recognize that God alone is the One who can heal a land if His people, the church, would humble themselves and seek His face.

Whoever is elected today, I know that God allowed it and has a purpose in it. Let us all turn to the Lord on our knees and seek His face that He might show mercy upon our Nation. God bless America.

In looking back on the summer, we as a family have clearly seen the hand of God moving and working in our own lives directing the many paths we have taken. From serving in Oklahoma to traveling to the Northwoods, time and time again, God has guided us in every way.

I have been away from the family on many trips throughout the course of this year and have grown to love and appreciate my family even more. I am so grateful for all the Lord has allowed me to be  apart of, but at the same time, there is nothing that can replace simply being at home.

God is good…all the time. We are grateful for the opportunity to be altogether once again here at the Indianapolis Training Center.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1

We anticipate spending the holidays together and as the weather gets colder and the leaves fall, we purpose to continue to know and glorify the Maker and Creator of it all. That all those who see our family might be turned to Him.

“My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.”
Psalm 145:21

By the way…check out some great testimonies on the Staddon’s Family website as well as the Wilkes Team about the FOCUS Journey!!