I am so blessed

Steve Epley · #1 02-19-2007, 10:58 PM

I was in a special service not long ago and there to my surprize sit about a dozen folks I had pastored years ago. There they were yet in church doing good and they was happy to see me. Life is to short to live unhappy. Rejoice in the good days and things you have the bad days will come but if you develop a habit of being thankful during the good times that habit will kick in when the going is tough.

SDG · #2 02-19-2007, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I was in a special service not long ago and there to my surprize sit about a dozen folks I had pastored years ago. There they were yet in church doing good and they was happy to see me. Life is to short to live unhappy. Rejoice in the good days and things you have the bad days will come but if you develop a habit of being thankful during the good times that habit will kick in when the going is tough.

I know my Redeemer lives!!!!

Steve Epley · #3 02-19-2007, 11:14 PM

Please forgive me if I sound like I am boasting but God has given me some of the best men I could ever pastor. I love EVERY saint I pastor none are a burden even though some are more difficult than others. They don't like me doing anything(I can't do much) the grass is mowed, the church is cleaned, on our special days folks are so thoughtful. They respect our privacy. Nearly every service most of them men will come to the platform and tell me how much they enjoyed the message.(sometimes I think they need a lesson on honesty) When my wife had her wreck they tended to us fixing dinner everyday, taking turns sitting and caring for my wife. I am not embarrassed of the saints I pastor they are a compliment to me. The founding pastor is yet with us 84 years old and what a gem he is, never a problem. When my wife had her accident about 70 preachers came by from all over the country and around 200 called on a regular basis. The hospital staff asked who this woman was to have so many folks there on a regular basis. They said no patient in the hospital has ever had the flowers sent to your wife. When remodeling our home preachers came from all over to help us siding the house, hang sheet rock, roof and whatever and would not take a dime. In this ungrateful world I do NOT ever won't to take good things for granted.

Steve Epley · #4 02-19-2007, 11:30 PM

I have been given so many things shoes, clothes, books, etc. But my wife and myself are givers I have been so greatly blessed by giving. I for years have bought shoes for missionaries, evangelists, and saints( there is a wonderful discount place in M'boro, Tn.) and a man bought me 4 pairs of skins I would have never bought myself. I have been fed at the finest resturants treated like royalty. This ole Morton's Gap boy has been blessed way beyond what I ever thought I would have. And don't deserve one drop of it. The song says "I can't complain." All the good days outweigh the bad days.

Steve Epley · #5 02-19-2007, 11:38 PM

Back again I have been allowed to preach among the greatest churches all across this nation. The Lord has opened so many doors I cannot oblige them all. I would rather preach here at home than a large conference any day. If a man has any preach in him the saints at Mitchell will get it out of him. They love preaching and teaching. We are loaded with musicians and singers, saints who testify better than some preachers preach. Our church is so friendly to visitors without being told to do it. A visitor's hand will be shook here several times.Don't get me wrong folks are folks the saints are not perfect but neither is their pastor. In a area where preachers are run off at a whim I am glad to be at Mitchell.

#6 02-20-2007, 12:35 AM

Great thread, Bro. Epley. We have SO much to be thankful for.

Felicity · #7 02-20-2007, 12:39 AM

It's good and NEEDful in fact to stop and count blessings once in a while. I've enjoyed reading Bro. Epley counting his!

Barb · #8 02-20-2007, 12:58 AM

Yes, Elder E...I too am blessed!! Thank you for this thread...

Sarah · #9 02-20-2007, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Back again I have been allowed to preach among the greatest churches all across this nation. The Lord has opened so many doors I cannot oblige them all. I would rather preach here at home than a large conference any day. If a man has any preach in him the saints at Mitchell will get it out of him. They love preaching and teaching. We are loaded with musicians and singers, saints who testify better than some preachers preach. Our church is so friendly to visitors without being told to do it. A visitor's hand will be shook here several times.Don't get me wrong folks are folks the saints are not perfect but neither is their pastor. In a area where preachers are run off at a whim I am glad to be at Mitchell.

You make me want to visit your church!

I just know that you are a wonderful pastor. Those folks are blessed to have you and your wife. God is good!

#10 02-20-2007, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I was sitting tonight visiting my wife(who is my best friend besides the Lord)
She isn't suppose to be living because of a near fatal auto accident she had 3 years ago, but here we are in our comfortable home, our two dogs who love us unconditionally, I pastor a wonderful congregation of saints(most of whom are far better than their pastor) I have a host of friends across this nation. I am content and happy. My wife is a class A cook. We enjoy each other's company after nearly 32 years. I would rather be with her than anyone. The saints I pastor are so kind to us they have us spoiled. I am in good health. Just wanted to reflect on the good things God has sent our way I am so undeserving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Please forgive me if I sound like I am boasting but God has given me some of the best men I could ever pastor. I love EVERY saint I pastor none are a burden even though some are more difficult than others. They don't like me doing anything(I can't do much) the grass is mowed, the church is cleaned, on our special days folks are so thoughtful. They respect our privacy. Nearly every service most of them men will come to the platform and tell me how much they enjoyed the message.(sometimes I think they need a lesson on honesty) When my wife had her wreck they tended to us fixing dinner everyday, taking turns sitting and caring for my wife. I am not embarrassed of the saints I pastor they are a compliment to me. The founding pastor is yet with us 84 years old and what a gem he is, never a problem. When my wife had her accident about 70 preachers came by from all over the country and around 200 called on a regular basis. The hospital staff asked who this woman was to have so many folks there on a regular basis. They said no patient in the hospital has ever had the flowers sent to your wife. When remodeling our home preachers came from all over to help us siding the house, hang sheet rock, roof and whatever and would not take a dime. In this ungrateful world I do NOT ever won't to take good things for granted.

Brother Epley: God bless you sir! I've been to your church before and yall have a beautiful spirit. No doubt. You've encouraged my soul this morning, also.... I've can't count the many times my family has looked death in the eye. With the birth and death of our first child.....Almost losing my husband to a severe infection. He went into the hospital for them to tell him if they didn't take his leg he would die, infection was soo bad. He walked out in a lot of pain, but he trusted in God and for 2 weeks he suffered...But God walked in and gave him a miracle! THat was 4 years ago!!! That was also after my baby boy now 4, was born... He was born at home after me having 3 c-sections...He was born totally healthy, and by the way, docs told me I could never have a baby naturally! Get this, he weighed 11lb14oz.!!! Tell me!!! God is incredible goood!! We went through a rough time financially and God kept us. My husband gave our last 50 dollars in an offering, not knowing what we would do and a brother in the church came by the next day and said he felt like God told him to bless us and he gave us $100.00. That was some 5-6 years ago and not my children never went without nice clothes to wear or food on the table... I'm not bragging on me yall. I am bragging on God!!! I could go on and on with the blessings of God!!!!!!

Yeah, I like this thread too!!