Like every year, there are ups and downs, happiness and sadness, tests and trials. This year was no exception. God has blessed me in so many ways over the years and I cannot begin to even thank Him for all of His blessings He has poured out on me and my family. 2014 has been a rough year. It has had some good times too, though. As I look back over the past year, I begin to realize all of the blessings that God bestowed onto me and when I put them up against the struggles we faced, suddenly, the year doesn’t look so bad after all!
We started our year out with a terminal diagnosis for my wife, Judy. Pancreatic Cancer AND Lung Cancer and there was no cure or treatment available for TWO cancers! Given this news, we had no idea how long we had or what to expect, but we continued to pray for healing and we found support through family and friends and turned it over to God.
We welcomed our 15th grandchild on July 4th, Samson James Gayler, and our son James and his wife, Angel was able to bring Samson to see Grandma Judy and really make her day!
Near the end of July, I was able to begin riding a motorcycle again! After my Dad picked up a 1987 Honda Goldwing 1200i Interstate, I worked with him and a friend to get it road ready again and then got my motorcycle endorsement back on my license and now, can ride again! It has been years, but like they say…it’s just like riding a bike! 🙂
In August, I joined the Christian Motorcyclists Association. We have a local chapter in Crawfordsville. This is a great group and they provided a lot of support during our struggles with Judy’s cancers.
In September, Judy lost her fight with cancer and went home to be with the Lord. Our prayers for healing were finally answered.
God showered us with blessings all year long. When I didn’t think we had enough money to pay a bill, God provided the money we needed. When I needed time off from work to be with her, God provided me with vacation days, just when I needed them. When the car acted up or needed repaired, God provided alternate transportation. When Judy needed 24 hour care, God provided a facility to take care of her. Whatever the needs were, God provided.
God has given me the strength to carry on. My ministry is still going strong and growing. God has given me people in my life to help me get on with my life. God is so good, All the time!
In November, I was voted in as the Chaplain for our local CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) Chapter. Another blessing and another way to allow me to continue to spread the Good News of the Gospel!
The holidays present their own hurdles, but God again, has given me the strength to get through all of this and continue living life.
What does 2015 have in store for me now? I don’t know, but God knows! And I am sure that He will not disappoint and He will continue to bless me and my family!
Be a Blessing and Be Blessed!
Rev. Dr. Rob White
