Christmas 2007

Well, I hope you've had a wonderful Christmas Day, one filled with many blessings from above. Today, throughout all our festivities, I was thinking about all the things I've been blessed with this year. I'm sad to say, there have been many blessings I've taken for granted. Yet God remains faithful, still. He's given me far more than I've ever deserved, and continually shows His love for me, despite my failures and shortcomings.

For Christmas, we spent time with "my" family last night, and did presents with the kids (my brother's children) then. They're such sweet kids, and always so happy with whatever they get, no matter how big or small. By the time we left, I was broken to tears for them... because of their home situations. Please do pray for them (Thomas, Skylar, Hunter, and Jonas). The Lord knows their need, and all that's going on. And only He can work everything out. Please pray for these little ones, who are so precious to me. Pray for their parents, too, that the Lord would have His way in their lives.

This is a picture of my youngest nephew, Jonas. Isn't he handsome?

Today, we spent the day with Steve's family. One of his nephews just became a father last week, so everyone (including me) flocked around the family's newest addition. Last year at this time, Steve and I were both so heartbroken over the loss of our own baby. We didn't think we'd be holding a baby this Christmas. Even though he isn't ours, at least we do have one in the family now, and it was great to hold him in our arms, even if just for a little while. I'm so thankful that today was a good day, full of love and laughter... without any strife or conflict. You have no idea how refreshing that was, especially after yesterday!

Later on, Steve surprised me by treating me to something we've never done before... a movie. He had heard me say that I wanted to see the Chipmunk movie, so he made it happen after we left his brother's house tonight. It was really sweet of him, and we both laughed all through the movie... which again, was much-needed. The only thing that could've made it any better was if Thomas and Skylar had been there with us. [sigh]

Well, again, I pray you've had a wonderful Christmas. We all have so much to be thankful for! Please continue to pray for those whose Christmas hasn't been so bright this year. If at all possible, reach out to them and show them someone cares. Most of all, show them how much God cares for them.

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A Christmas Message

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."

Matthew 2:10

Steve and I decided that we'd send out Christmas letters this year, instead of our usual Christmas cards. I wanted to make something special to send out to all our family and friends; not so much about its appearance, but more about the message to be included in it.

In light of events pointing to Christ's soon return, our hearts have been heavily burdened for the souls of our lost loved ones. After hearing one of our Pastor's most stirring messages recently, regarding what we do with the time we have left on this earth, I knew I had to reach out through whatever means I possibly could, to share with them the "wake-up call" they so need. This burden kept me up into the wee hours one night, where I imagined my loved ones perishing for all of eternity in hell.
"Not the people I love! No!"


The next day, I immediately began writing the following, our Christmas letter.

Dear Family & Friends,

It’s hard to believe another year has almost come and gone! Time sure seems to fly, these days. Thankfully, though, we can say it’s been a good year. The Lord has been so good… as always, so faithful to us. We pray you’ve had a wonderfully blessed year, as well.

I don’t quite know where to begin, in summing up the whole year in just a few short paragraphs. It’s definitely been a busy year. Steve and I have continued to be heavily involved in various ministries within our church. One of which, that we’re so privileged (and proud) to be a part of, is the Reformers Unanimous Addictions Program. It’s a faith-based program, with over 500 chapters, nationwide. Our church began the RU program in February of this year, and we’re excited about the progress our participants are making. We’ve had several men and women give their hearts to the Lord, through this ministry, and it’s such a blessing to actually see their lives transforming right before our eyes. It’s not just for those who are battling alcohol, drug, or gambling addictions, but for anyone who struggles with any type of stronghold. It’s truly an amazing program, and we’re so thankful for the opportunity God has given us, to be able to work in this vital ministry.

Something else that is equally as important to us is our study of Biblical Prophecy. This year, it has taken on a whole new level of urgency, given the headlines we read and hear everyday, and how they line up with Scripture. With all that’s going on around us, both near and far, it’s become more and more evident that the Lord is soon to return. In fact, we could be flying any day now!

On that note, I was thinking about the 3 wise men earlier today, and how the Bible says they were overjoyed when they saw the star. Why were they so joyful? Because they were highly knowledgeable men, when it came to the Scriptures. They knew of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus. They had been expecting it, and they knew it was time. They had purposely gone to great lengths not to miss it.

My, what an example for each of us today! We all need to know what the Bible says… about why Jesus came to earth (then), and also about His (soon) return. We need to know about the signs of the time, so we can be ready to meet Him when He comes. We don’t want to miss it!

Like I said, I was thinking about those wise men, and how exceedingly glad they were when they finally saw what they had been looking for, for so long. I think about how we, as Christians, will be exceedingly glad when we hear Gabriel’s trumpet sound, and be taken up to meet Jesus in the sky. We ought to be eagerly anticipating that, each and every day.

Sadly, though, there’s a part of my heart not quite as anxious for that moment, as I wish it were. And that’s because I think of all our family and friends who might not be ready. I shudder to think of any of you (whether in our immediate families, or extended) spending eternity in hell, especially if we could have done or said something to change it.

Please know we’re sending this to everyone on our Christmas card list. No one is being singled out, so please don’t be offended. It’s with a heart of love that we send this, because Steve and I care about you, and your standing with God. We want you to understand that we don’t have much time left, and the time we do have, we need to spend wisely… spreading the Word and reaching our family and friends for Jesus. It truly is a matter of urgency these days. If your heart is right, praise God. We rejoice in that! But if it’s not, please humbly seek the Lord today, before it’s too late. Honestly, there’s no more time to waste!

We can’t turn on the TV anymore, without hearing of all the tragedies already taking place, as well as those that could be taking place tomorrow. In addition, our country is at an all-time low, spiritually… we’re in need of a great revival. Yet the Lord has continued to pour out His blessings upon us. Sadly, with each passing day, we seem to only grow more and more wicked. We’ve returned to the days of Noah, as the Bible foretold. We have the characteristics of Sodom and Gomorrah. God was good to them, too… until they were so wicked, He had to pour out His wrath upon them. Keep in mind that yes, He is a loving God, not willing that any should perish. But He’s also a just God, Whom will not be mocked!

Will America be next? Will the Lord return before His judgement falls upon our land? Either way, the urgency remains for each and every one of us to search our heart, and make sure it’s ready to meet the Lord. It’s definitely later than we think!

Someone made mention recently of how great it would be, to be Raptured before Christmas, and then to spend this Christmas in Heaven. That’s a wonderful thought, except for all our loved ones who aren’t yet ready.

Our prayer for each of you is that you do have the assurance of your salvation, knowing without any uncertainty that if you were to die (or if the Rapture took place) today, you’d spend eternity in Heaven. That’s our Christmas wish for all our family and friends this year! We love you and pray you have a most blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year, should the Lord wait a little longer! We look forward to seeing you in the clouds real soon! God bless you all!

With much love,

Steve and Lois Clardy

Our prayer is that through this letter, our friends and family members will realize their need of Jesus. Without Him, none of us can get to Heaven. I think, too often, that's misunderstood. Yet, it's so simple. God loved us so much, that He sent His only Son into this world to pay the sin debt for us.

Friends, if there's any question about where you'd spend eternity, I pray you'll settle that right now. All it takes is a simple prayer, asking Jesus to forgive you of all your sins, to come into your heart. And in return, you make Him Lord of your life. Let Him lead and guide every aspect of your life. This could be your last chance. Tomorrow may be too late.

God bless you!

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'Tis The Season... Busy, Busy

As you may have guessed, it's been pretty busy around here lately. More so than usual. (Waaaaaay more than usual.) Thus the reason I've failed to keep up with my blogging. But if you'll bear with me, I'll try to catch you up on the major things that's been going on.

First of all, Steve and I attended a revival last week (Monday - Thursday), at a little country church down the road from our home. I ask that you pray for this little church (the Lord knows its name). They've been struggling enormously with their attendance and with the commitment/dedication of their members. It's obvious the devil doesn't want them to grow, to flourish, nor to reach that undeniable potential that's before them.

But the Lord really poured out His blessings upon this revival. Several of us came out to help support and encourage them. Then, in the process, we received perhaps one of the greatest blessings of all. We were reminded of what it's like to get back to the basics... just a few gathered together to worship God, letting the Spirit be in complete control of the service.

It was good to see that folks still come out to worship, no matter if it's three or four, or one-hundred and four. No number is too small. As long as there's one willing to come, there's always another One willing to meet them there.

Often times, I think one of the problems in larger churches, is that it seems things are far too dependent upon man. When that's the case, things tend to fall apart when someone is out, or when gadgets don't cooperate. Don't get me wrong, technology is a wonderful thing. I'm so thankful for it! But we shouldn't be so dependent upon it, that we leave the work of the Holy Spirit out in the cold. Sure, things need to be done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40); just not at the expense of the Guest of Honor. We can't forget that His Presence is what it's all about.

So anyway, being in that quaint little church last week, and seeing how the Lord was working there, despite the lack of many of the things found in most churches today, it was just wonderful. Having grown up in a small church... one a little larger than this one, it really blessed my heart to be reminded that it doesn't have to be a big production. The Word of God stands, with or without the technological advances we often strive to keep up with. (Hmmm....good food for thought!)

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In other news, a dear friend of mine had her first child last week, and I was privileged to be able to be there with her for this blessed arrival. She had the most beautiful baby girl, weighing in at 8 lbs, 10 oz... just in time for Christmas. I'm sure I'll be sharing photos in the near future, but for now, I'm doing good just to get this blog post completed. Please keep mother and daughter in your prayers (and Daddy, too), as they all adjust to the changes taking place in their lives right now. Pray for their health and well-being, also. Thanks!

Until I get caught up on some things, I must run for now. Lord willing, I'll get another post in sometime this week. :o)

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Reaching Out At Street Reach

Last night, we had the most wonderful blessing of preparing a meal, then taking it and serving it to our friends at Street Reach, a local mission and homeless shelter. I can't put into words what a joy it is to be involved in this ministry. We've seen so many souls saved over the years, as we always share the gospel and do our very best to show them Jesus living in us.

Last night, Bro. George Lowe presented the message, and did a fabulous job, I might add. I can't get over the attentiveness in last night's service. Usually, there are a million distractions, which often quenches the work of the Holy Spirit. But last night, everyone sat perfectly still and as I looked around the room, I was amazed at how they seemed to hang on to Bro. George's every word. What a blessing!

As I've mentioned before, our church does this on the first Tuesday of every month. Other churches are involved, as well, filling the rest of the calendar each month, so that these folks get a good, hot meal every night of the week. I think it's great, the work they're doing there, to help folks who are struggling to get back on their feet. Granted, some of them have done horrible things in their lives, which have ultimately led them to a place like this. But do ya know what?
Some people in churches have done horrible things in their lives, which have ultimately led them to church. (Praise God!)

I know, because I'm one of them. Though I was raised in, and saved in church at a young age, I got out into the world in my latter teen years, and really messed up. It wasn't until about ten years later that I came back, after praying for God to forgive me and then rededicating my life to Him. Thankfully, that was ten years ago, this past October 31st. I've tried to faithfully serve Him ever since!

So you see, it doesn't matter who we are, or where we've been, or even where we are now. What matters is where we're going. And that, my friend, is what it's all about. We're all in the same boat, when it comes to our souls. God made each and every one of us the same. Sure, we can make poor choices, which can cause us much heartache and shame. But it doesn't mean the end. The only "end" we face, is if we die without accepting Christ as our Saviour!

But anyway, these folks there at Street Reach, though they may have fallen on hard times through some fault or failure of their own, they're not "beyond repair", as some might view them. And honestly, they're no more dirty nor sinful than the rest of us! The same blood that covers our sin, covers theirs, as well. And it's our job to lead them to the cross, where they can find that healing flow. That's why I love being a part of this ministry. And I've kind-of made it my calling, to be that traffic-director, so to speak, pointing them to Jesus. Again, what a blessing! Indeed, what a privilege!

We were also blessed, this month, to have so many helpers come and join us. Back at the church, we had lots of hands helping to prepare the meal, and to clean up afterwards. We even had some children come and get involved in giving of themselves and sharing Jesus' love. I can't think of a more valuable lesson to teach young children, in this world of self-centeredness and disrespect!

My friend, Son Hwa, is a special blessing to each of us in this ministry. She truly has a heart to serve, in any and every way she can. God has blessed me with her friendship of 14 years or so, and it's such a blessing to me, personally, to serve and to worship alongside her, here at Grand Strand. As you can see, she's getting ready to have a baby... next week, in fact. So this was her last night to serve in this ministry for a while! :)




She tickled me to pieces, how she was all excited over her "new little Bible", which she bought to take with her to the hospital. While we waited for the food to cook, she found a few moments to read from it. (I wonder what passage she was reading?)






Mr. Earl Conway is a wonderful asset to us, as well. He's always so willing to jump in and do the heavy lifting for us, and take things from the ovens, so we don't get burned. What a gentleman! (We love and appreciate you, Mr. Earl!)




Miss Natalie is a barrel of laughs, constantly cracking us up with her whimsical charm. She loves working in the kitchen, whether it's for Street Reach or for our meals here at the church. Her favorite thing is chopping onions... which unfortunately, she didn't get to do this week.
(Sorry, Nat.)



"Those meatballs sure do smell good!
I think Baby wants to try a few." :)







Again, we're all so blessed to be a part of this wonderful ministry. Together, we're reaching out to those who are less fortunate than we are. And as I've said so many times before, it's only by God's grace that we aren't where they are.

Now is a great time for all of us to share in the joy of giving. I encourage you to take the time to give of yourselves during this most special time of year... a time that's not so bright for some. Follow Christ's example of reaching out to those who are normally shunned by everyone else, and help make their Christmas a blessed one. You will be blessed, in the process!

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