Wings Beneath Our Faith

On December 21st and 22nd, out of frustration and the stress of the Holidays, I posted a message that I was throwing in the towel. I have good news! I am not giving up on you, Fox Valley Singles or Grand Quest Ministries. In fact, you may have noticed some changes in the site due to the encouragement received as a direct result of posting that message out of desperation. Although progress has been made since 2002, the future holds an even greater impact on single persons through both ministries. I have faith this will happen, and in God's time. Life is ever changing, therefore, we must mindful of this fact and be open to make an ongoing commitment to learn, relate and discover. There is a saying to the effect, that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.

We are not in Control

Frustration and disappointment, generally speaking, occurs when a goal or objective is not achieved whether it is our own, placed on us by another person, or by a belief. Expectations can be healthy or unhealthy or a combination of both. Every expectation requires an action to fulfill, and obstacles will likely be encountered along the way. Some obstacles can be anticipated, while others must be left too faith alone to be the mechanism to yield the desired result. Knowing the true nature of an expectation and what it is motivated by, from a human perspective, will help determine the consequence or benefit. Trial and error may be the most widely applied method, however it is not the most practical way to find what we are seeking in life. Most of us have or will learn this the hard way; by experience, then grow from that experience which is not always easy by changing some aspect of our life. Including community service, career, personal development, growth in our relationships and the realm of life in which we exist; spiritual or physical - the one we habitually rely on.

While not being impervious to the trap, I have placed many lofty yet unhealthy expectations on myself to which I have no control over, leading to feeling frustrated and disappointed. You and I are embarking on a journey that may change life as we have known it in so many positive ways. Taking the easy way out to solve our problems and circumstances is rarely a solution to improving them without creating new problems and circumstances. We must trust out of faith and the written word that God will provide the wisdom to know the difference to which of the expectations we validate are healthy, and those that are not. To be content in all aspects of life, we must know the difference.

Volunteering my time, talents, and resources is important to me, but, has not been without significant sacrifice to: me, my family and my finances. Although the rewards offset these sacrifices by their benefit to: others and community, they are difficult to comprehend and must be left to faith, knowing God is in control.

2003 is Now History.... Looking Forward in 2004

Taking a glance back, I can summarize 2003 as a year of adversity and tragedy. I'm looking ahead to 2004 being the year of hope, prosperity and peace. To each of us that had a different meaning. It is my personal goal and commitment to help people define its meaning while living it.

The mission of Fox Valley Singles and Grand Quest Ministries is to be an advocate for the single community, and to being a viable means for people to experience and maintain balance and contentment in life.

We will accomplish this by providing timely, relevant and reliable information, resources and opportunities and by building relationships with individuals and organizations offering products, services and opportunities which encourage, fulfill and equip with involvement, their application or scope of use.

When established as a full time ministry, Grand Quest Ministries will provide needed services at reduced rates when afforded or by other options when unable, and create opportunities not currently offered or addressed regionally as a commitment to our mission.

Current Goals for 2004

• Raise $1,500 to retain an attorney for counsel and to establish a 501(c)3 corporation.
• Apply for grants and other means of acquiring startup capitol.
• Find a location based on information gathered from the polls which meet popular needs, wants and desires.
• Plan future events, conferences, classes, and workshops.
• Set up core ministries. To include: Auto & Truck service, Welding & Metal Fabrication, Wood Shop, Moving service, Home Maintenance and Improvements, Events and Activities. Those that are gender specific and age specific for youth, seniors and everything between while keeping in mind handicap access and other special needs.
• Locate: used shop equipment, used 24' single axle straight truck with ramp and lift gate, light construction equipment, used motor coach seating 54 - 68 persons, small handicap accessible bus.
• Find volunteers willing to use their gifts, talents to lend a helping hand to assist other single persons with special needs and improvement projects.
• Find volunteer mentors and professional educators willing to facilitate classes, conferences and workshops.

On behalf of Grand Quest Ministries and our partners; we wish for you to experience many rich blessings in 2004.

Thanks for visiting today. Please come back again soon.