I don’t know what two words this time of year could be better.   Each day I FOCUS on being THANKFUL and BLESSED. 

“I know the Lord is always with me.  I will NOT BE SHAKEN, for He is right beside me. 

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice”. Psalm 16:7-9

Two big family miracles happened this past month with a grandson, Hudson, and a granddaughter, Collins (Coco) Rose, being born. 

I used up all my thankful and blessed napkins but have more on the way. I encourage you to carry these two words on into the new year and by doing so you will find daily encouragement, hope and inspiration.

BOB AND JODE:   My calendar seems to get interrupted so often.  That reminds me to leave God in charge of whatever comes my way.  I spent nearly 2 ½ months in the hospital (late July-October), my hospital stay reminded me of a song, STRONGER THAN BEFORE

“Even though the rain comes down, it brings life into the ground.  And I know the sun will shine, that brings hope again to this heart of mine.  I know that God will heal all things, broken lives and broken wings, only He can mend the heart that this world has torn apart…”  I am thankful that Jode has stood beside me and encouraged me each day. 

CABINS: Thankful and Blessed are two words again to describe the cabins. By THANKSGIVING the steel will be on the roofs, windows will be in and inside work (first electrical) will get started.  Cabin progress will continue all winter.  To date we have approx. 65 donors - providing time, talent, and treasure; 23 volunteers; 300 plus volunteer hours; and 12 contractors. Please consider being a generous, silver or gold sponsor.

Our completion date is June 2023 to provide more housing for the waiting list of families living with an autistic child, all levels of disabilities and military families.

 “Is it better to bite your tongue or eat your words?” depending on your personality, the book of James 3:5 says,

“The tongue is a small thing that makes great speeches, but a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.”

THANKFUL AND BLESSED – I know I should use these two words more throughout the year, but I really try and focus on them in November.  Being thankful is a daily awareness of the Goodness of God throughout our challenges and changes that we face.  I call it the ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE.    BLESSED – I often use the phrase Counting your blessings.  How can you put Jesus first, others second and yourself last and consider yourself worthy?  The answer is in the word JOY.   Jesus, others and you.

CHILD DEDICATION – My wife Jode and I (Bob) had the privilege of witnessing a great moment in our lives.  Two grandsons being dedicated to the Lord.   Tommy on the Left and Sully on the right.  Of course, the challenge is to the parents and family to daily pray and encourage the spiritul growth of these children.

BIBLE -    I recently saw this meaning of the Bible on a church flyer.  WOW, it could not be more simple and important than that. I know it says, “Basic instructions”! I am not the best at following instructions, but I have put my faith and trust in Christ as my personal saviour as John 3:16 says.  If you are not a Bible reader start today by reading the gospel of John

VETERANS DAY – I like many of you witnessed the heart warming stories of our veterans. My last photo is Arlan Walton, who served in the Army in the 101th Airborne in Ft. Campbell, KY in the late 50’s. This past Veterans Day, he received a military metal at one of the programs as a way of thanking him for his service. Arlan has been an amazing volunteer at Ironwood Spring the past 25 years.

Thanks to Eagle Scout Kyle Weinschenk from troop 27 for building this fully accessible firepit, which will be a blessing to all of the people in wheelchairs that we serve. It was used this fall already for wheelers! Kyle’s helpers and donors include: Collin Weinschenk, Dominic Schwirtz, Griffin Becher, Steve Weinschenk and KC Reed, Rochester Concrete products and Rochester Sand and Gravel.

We are thankful for the creativity of the board and our staff in stepping up our snowtubing experience for this winter. We are creating an outdoor winter village experience with outdoor warming shelters, broomball, and fun games. Now we just need snow and tubers. You can watch for tubing schedules online!

The two words to keep in our hearts and minds daily, thankful and blessed, certainly don’t mean everything in our lives and families is going great. They mean that we take time to COUNT OUR BLESSINGS and focus on the positive things, make changes where we can and leave the result in the Lord’s hand.  If you will intentionally focus on these 2 words, it will definitely brighten your day and turn your heartache to hope and tears to triumph.

I am thankful that I got to deer hunt with the help of several people. My deer hunting ended with a shot using my camera of 2 twin fawns 30 feet away but I felt blessed for having good friends and being able to see God’s beauty.

We are thankful for the time, talent, and treasures of many Ironwood supporters that have allowed us to improve our facilities during this slower year, including the Cabin in the Woods remodel, the completion of our Miracle Lodge room redecorating, resurfacing of all parking lots. Scores of volunteers helped with this, along with donations of money and materials. We were also blessed to be able to serve some great groups this fall including one military family retreat. We were built to serve!

Verse for the day:  “Be on guard, be strong, stand firm in the faith, be courageous and do everything with love.” I Corinthians 16:13

Saying for the day:  God is too wise to make mistakes and too loving to be unkind.

Song for the day:  Truth be Told – Matthew West