Usually I start with a few stories and work from there but when all the stories coming in center around the same theme, you definitely know that God is behind it. Lately we have been taking on a theme throughout the whole issue and this issue seems to center around our attitude.

I remember when I received my healing of depression 11 years ago. Though God did something miraculous in me that day, it was really a matter of perspective and attitude. I woke up one morning and said, “I’m not going to be like that anymore!” And it’s a daily ritual for me, kind of like a pepp talk. Maybe it works for some and not for others but it’s worth a try! There might even be days it doesn’t work, and that’s when I have a wonderful husband who cheers me on and helps me get through the day. Most often the thing that helps me most is when I’m in worship or listening to that good Christian music. It also helps me to remember to “count my blessings” instead of my troubles. And we have 2 wonderful blessings with our granddaughters Selah and Amethyst and a grandson who will arrive in a few short months. When you look at these marvelous creations God has entrusted to us you can’t help but know you are blessed!

Until next time,
Blessings and more blessings,
Kris

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

CHORUS:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

“Blessings crown the head of the righteous.”
Proverbs 10:6

Snowfall for the Pittsburgh area hit a record high this month and the month isn’t even over yet. More snow is scheduled to come. It will be over 40 total inches when all is said and done in our area. That’s the most snow in one month since the 1800’s. All this snow has partially inspired the theme of this edition.

The other day I was walking down a short ramp and slipped on some ice. Within seconds I was flat on my back looking up at the stars. I laid there very still and quiet, holding my breath for a moment, especially since falling knocked the breath right out of me. Lou leaned over me and asked if I was still alive. I started moving parts of my body slowly, one at a time, to be sure I didn’t break anything. I reassured Lou that I was indeed still alive but still not sure if I could get up. He reached his hand down to me to help pull me up, but my feet were still planted on that icy patch. The only way up was to do it myself. I rolled over and crawled up the ramp till I found a dry spot. I was blessed to not have broken anything. I have heard of so many others this season that fell and did break bones or had other serious injuries. I was pretty sore for a few days but other than muscular there were no major injuries.

The fall was humiliating, I must add, maybe even funny to have watched, but I re-learned an old lesson my mother tried to teach me: Watch where you walk!

In this same aspect we need to watch our spiritual steps because like that icy patch, Satan can come and kick our feet out and knock the breath out of us. Holding my husband’s hand didn’t save me; the only hand that could save us would be the Hand of God. The trouble is that like children we are not too eager to reach out and take the Hand of our Father!

As you read through the stories in this issue, remember that God is always there, reaching out His Hand, to guide you and help you along the way. Won’t you reach out and grab it?

Blessings,
Kris

The Prodigal Child story has been on my heart a lot lately with singing one of Chalice’s newest recordings, “When God Ran,” which tells the prodigal story in an enlightening way.

Everywhere we sing the song, someone comes up to us and shares who they have now or have had in the past, a prodigal child.

I think we have all been there.

The prodigal stories began to flood my inbox so I put together this issue dedicated to all the Prodigal Children.

If you have a prodigal, don’t give up praying for them, they always come home. When the time comes, just be sure you welcome them home. Keep the communication open as much as you can and they will always know they can come home.

Blessings,
Kris

One of the things I’ve been saying alot lately is that if I didn’t have God in my life I don’t think I could have made it through each day. I wonder how people that don’t have that personal relationship with God can survive all the trials that life brings us. I have definitely had some “valley” experiences lately. Recently I shared with someone this statement I had heard: “without valleys there would not be any mountains.”

It has been said many times that these trials make us stronger, that there is always a reason we go through these things, that we can turn this test into a testimony. Well, when you are going through the fire, you don’t usually see anything but flames. Remember that God is the Master Chef and he will take the creation out of the oven before it gets burnt to a crisp.

Through this recent time of trials the realization of why we NEED Jesus in our lives brought a song to my heart and eventually ended up on paper. And actually Chalice has started singing it. “That’s Why We Need Jesus” has a catchy Southern Gospel sound. It may never hit “gold” status but it has a lot of “gold” in it because it sure speaks of many reasons we do need God in our lives. My only desire is that someone who is going through one of those situations might hear why they need Jesus in their life and let Him help them through the valley they are in, just as He has for me. Look for Chalice recording this song sometime this summer to be released at the Gospel Sing at Renzie Park on September 12th.

As to this issue, it’s filled with good stories as usual.

This issue has taken a theme about attending church and the reasons why we go.

If you are a faithful attender, it might give you additional insight as to why some people attend church or don’t attend. Maybe you can reach out and invite someone to church this Sunday.

Blessings,
Kris

Now for an update on the status of the ministry. After several delays in registering a name for the corporation, I am pleased to announce that The Well Ministries, Inc. is now the new name of the ministry! A checking account has been established in that name and now all donations can be made payable to the new ministry.

Progress is being made on the 501(c)(3) application which would make the organization non-profit allowing all donations to be tax deductible for the donor. But this can still be a few months in the process. Lord willing, hopefully it will be sooner.

Praise the Lord! These ARE steps forward and we’re excited to see what God has in store for us in the future!

Many exciting things are happening this month:

February 14th is Valentine’s Day – the day of “love” – make sure that when you tell someone that you love them, you tell them that God loves them too.

Don’t forget on Wednesday, February 23rd to watch and pray for me as I am going to be on our local Christian TV station – Cornerstone TV’s “Getting Together” at 8:00 PM.

February 26th, my husband Lou, and the Southern Gospel Quartet he sings with, Three Rivers Gospel, will be appearing at our church, The Open Bible Church, 719 Union Avenue, McKeesport, PA at 6:30 PM. Call the church at (412) 664-1016 for directions Everyone is invited to attend this night of great music and testimony. Bring a friend, too! I am hoping to have March’s issue of “The Well” ready for distribution that weekend so if you come to the concert you may be able to get your copy early.

Thanks again to all of you who write or call to let me know that this publication has blessed you. I want to apologize that we are not able to answer each letter individually. But know that we read each and every letter that comes in. Your testimonies are a blessing to all of us who work hard at putting this publication together. We pray that you will continue to receive from the Lord.

Blessings to you all,
…until next month,

“The Well” is now reaching other states. A missionary visiting our church took 50 copies to a Missionary Convention in Kentucky. Three Rivers Gospel distributed about 200 copies at concerts in Westford/Greenville, PA near Erie with some in attendance from New York. This issue will be going with Three Rivers Gospel as they travel to sing in Michigan. Several local Christian Bookstores have agreed to distribute them as well. And this is only the beginning.

As the Lord unfolded the vision for this publication I knew these stories would surely encourage others. I felt as if I was able to take 1000 cups of living water from the well and share them with people in need.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:34-36, 40 NIV

As Castle Printing continues to publish this booklet at no charge I pray blessings on the business. There may come a time soon that we will need to establish an official non-profit corporation for this publication which is a costly endeavor. I have faith to believe that if it’s the Lord’s will for this publication to exist then He will either provide enough business to Castle Printing to enable it to print this publication each month at no charge or He will provide the finances to establish the non-profit corporation.

Pray for this ministry. We’ll keep you posted on its progress.

Thank You, Lord!