When God closes a window....

I've often heard that very saying said by others.... "When God closes a window He opens a door." I've have had a lot of doors open up in my lifetime... which means that windows have closed, but none have shut more firmly than the one that recently went down in my life.

For the past three years I have devoted my time and energy to creating a monthly newspaper called The Good News Monthly. Most of you know about it, many of you read it each month. It has been a project that has been close to my heart. For the past year, advertisers have been hard to come by, and those who were supporting the paper found it necessary to not renew their contracts. Like any real ministry - finances just didn't seem to appear. Some churches and individuals came forward to help with support, but unfortunately with the rising delivery costs and printing costs, it just wasn't enough. I have been in prayer for months now, asking God to show me what He would have me do, specifically.... close windows and open doors. God has answered my prayer and sent affirmation my way. While having to announce that I am closing the doors on The Good News Monthly is sad, I have to tell you that the fact that God has answered my prayer in such definite ways has been amazing.

So... the window has closed on The Good News ministry... and there are a few people I would like to thank....

My husband, Mickey... who has been a great support, a prayer warrior, and an awesome delivery guy. Mickey's first job was delivering papers in the Madison area... and for the last two years he has delivered Clark county, and any other county where needed. Thanks sweetie!!!

My kids...
Chandra, who worked for me for a long time... she did the books, edited copy, and even put the paper together when we went to China to bring Michael home....

Rachel, who submitted a story or two over time.... a blossoming writer???? Who knows!!!!

and Carly and Michael, for understanding that when a deadline was near, I was going to go into high gear.... I am sorry for the time the paper took away from you both... but proud of you for understanding....

My in-laws - Bob and Irene - who stepped in to deliver Jefferson County when I needed someone... they would never take gas money, and were two of my biggest supporters.....

Patti Calloway - who was one of our part-time sales people and wrote a book review each month... and most importantly... a great prayer partner. Thanks for working so hard to make this paper a success... it was an awesome ride wasn't it????

Ed Jackson - for selling ads, but more importantly, for delivering papers in Harrison and Floyd counties... a huge route! God sent you at just the right time!! I have appreciated you and Nancy very much!

Doug McArthur - for writing devotionals when the paper started and stepping in to help when needed....

My friends Rebecca and Vicki for being in prayer for this decision and for the support you have given.... Roy Kustanbauter, Jerry Adamson, Jerry Ousley, and John Trinkle for your monthly articles.... all the churches for submitting their announcements.... I have enjoyed getting to know some great people over the past three years...

.... and most importantly I just want to give God the praise and the glory for allowing me to be a part of this ministry.... it has been an awesome adventure!!!

Now... as I said in the beginning... when God closes a window He opens a door.... that door for me would be helping to establish the Stephanie's Hope Scholarship Fund at my church, Greenville Christian. I am excited about where this ministry will go... I am excited about the people who will be helped, both at home and abroad.... and I thank God for opening this door....

The last issue of The Good News will be the July issue, which will hit the stands the last week of June... thanks to you all for your support... but remember... THIS ride might be over, but the NEW RIDE is about to begin... and I am sure that it will be just as much fun as the last one!