Author: lgpdg3

Happy New Year, ministry family and friends… A few days late. :-) I’m so sorry for my belated greeting but it has been a bit crazy around here these past few days. 

In any case, I wanted to not only say hello but share with you that it is one of my highest hopes that each of you have a 2026 filled with God’s blessings of faith, hope and love! I pray that God will fill each of your hearts with His overflowing joy, matchless peace and wholesome goodness and that you are expectantly ready for all of these things and more as God rains down holy heaven on each of us every moment of every day. 

In fact, what better time for each of us to remember the truth of His plans and desires for us as it says in Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Leanne and I always loved this verse and it was a foundational part of our lives. I hope it encourages you and blesses you not only the rest of 2026 but as we all go onward and upward in Christ. It is always great to also remember that the best is yet to come: heaven. :-)

Well, God did it again! Thanks to Amanda Nichols Rathbun and her local Bible study group in Talbot, Tennessee, our Access-Life Leanne’s Life Legacy basket program has doubled from just Central Florida for Easter to Central Florida and East Tennessee this Thanksgiving. Thanks again to God working through the hearts and minds of his people, we were able to distribute Christ centered baskets focusing on the true meaning of these holidays as well as providing much needed household and family support in Central Florida and East Tennessee. Attached is a photo collage of some of the recipients in the East Tennessee area. Unfortunately, due to school and programming policy rules not every child and family could be included with photographs. However, Amanda said she heard so many stories of thanks and gratitude and as always the smiles say it all. It makes me so happy to see Leanne‘s impact continue and even grow as we see God expand his kingdom!

Well, the big day of celebrating all of the good gifts that we have been blessed with by our pure, holy, gracious and faithful God has almost here!

I know we’re all so busy this time of year and to be honest we often overlook this time of humbly remembering what our God has faithfully and tenderly done in taking care of us each day of this past year and all of our lives for that matter. 

So, I just wanted to send everyone a happy Thanksgiving note and special verse which I have always found so encouraging.

Psalm 18:2 “Oh Lord, you protect me and save me; your care has made me great, and your power has kept me safe.”

I’ve always found it interesting and impactful that God’s care for us is at the center of this verse which is very humbling and encouraging at the same time.

I pray that this will bless everyone in reminding us of God’s true character as we spend time with family and friends.

I also hope that everyone consumes lots of turkey, takes a nap on the couch with the help of some all natural tryptophan, and be surrounded by good things and enjoy the company of good folks. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!