Embracing Gratitude and Family Bonds!
- Phil Styles
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
Hello dear Friends!
As we gather once again to share our family prayer updates, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the blessings that have graced our lives! We desire to stay connected with you because you are important to us and we want to keep you informed for when the Spirit of God invites you to whisper a prayer for us.
This past weekend, we celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada. It is a time to reflect on our blessings! From the simple pleasures of spending time with loved ones to the profound moments of personal growth and achievements, our hearts are full of gratitude! Here are a few short stories of gratitude since our July family update.
In August we had a most wonderful time with Dad Styles, Phil’s siblings, and extended family as we shared laughter, love, and marvelled at each person’s growth, dreams, and accomplishments! We also treasured spending Thanksgiving with Melanie’s parents and extended family. It is an absolute blessing to spend time with our families and it is a deep source of gratitude! Thank you, God, for family!
Our family was able to enjoy a week up north at the beginning of September. We enjoyed canoeing, campfires, playing laser tag in the forest at night, and simply spending time together day by day! The journey that we shared together was nothing short of extraordinary! Our time together was filled with precious moments and cherished memories that we will eternally hold close in our hearts! We know this time of life is fleeting and we want to make the most of every opportunity as we seek to live life to the fullest in Christ Jesus (John 10:10)!
And, while we were enjoying our holidays, the splendor and glory of God was unleashed in magnificent ways all around us! The scenery was spectacular! In the adjacent picture, the moon captivated our vision and imaginations! Psalm 19:1 couldn’t have been any easier to believe. It reads, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” No wonder Scriptures call God, “Wonderful” (Isaiah 9:6)!
The wonder of life overflows into many areas of our lives. For instance, Jonathan was reading a book while waiting for the bus at school and a Sr. Kindergarten child asked him to read the book to him. As Jonathan read the book out loud to the child, more children gathered around him as he read his book with enthusiasm to apparently 20 younger children. The teacher on duty and the Vice Principal were so impressed! Enthusiasm for life is contagious!
Our hearts also overflow with gratitude as David inspires us by his dedication to growing and becoming better at his soccer training. For example, our family recently participated in the Ride for Refuge and raised $2000 to help Matthew House Ministry serve newcomers and refugees. Jonathan and Phil biked 10 KM while David ran and Melanie walked the same distance! David ran the final 5 KM without stopping and at a good pace! Phil was so impressed! In September, David and Jonathan also did the Terry Fox Run to raise support for cancer victims. They did it in memory of Grandma Styles. In all that we do, we do it wholeheartedly for our LORD (Colossians 3:23-24)!
This Fall, Phil applied to co-coach David’s U10 target travel soccer team. The journey began with a simple application, but it has blossomed into a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young athletes! What makes this endeavor even more special is the support from our church, who has graciously agreed to sponsor the team, reflecting our commitment to serving our community. In all that we do, we do it wholeheartedly for our LORD (Colossians 3:23-24)!
Melanie and Phil have been investing together in some adult ministries at First Baptist Church Fort Erie. We’ve help coordinate some monthly Adult Fellowship events, a care group called “Caring for the Wounded Heart,” and Phil is hosting weekly marriage workshops entitled “Together for Good.” We are blessed to partake in a variety of enriching activities that foster fellowship, support, and spiritual growth! We are so grateful for our church family and have enjoyed a recent child dedication and are looking forward to a baptism as we share in the wonder of new life in Christ Jesus! Praise God for his Church!
Phil and Melanie have also been contemplating the end of life in this season too. Don’t worry! We are healthy, but Dad Styles bought a family grave site, and we are in the process of completing our last will and testament. As I was writing my “last testament” I knew that words could not express my deep joy, love, and gratitude in being a husband and dad! My family continues to inspire and support me in ways beyond measure, and I am truly grateful for their presence in my life! As such, I have requested a 3-week unpaid leave of absence from the church in late November as our family was invited on a paid transatlantic cruise with Melanie’s parents. We long to spend time together laughing, learning, and leaning into the marvels of God’s creation! I understand the importance of my responsibilities at the church and am currently ensuring that we will have a smooth transition into the Christmas season where we continue to marvel in the love and generosity of God! Pray that we may return with renewed energies and focus as we serve God’s radiant, blameless Bride (Ephesians 5:25-27)!
Well, we close with thanking God for you! Your support and unwavering love have been the pillars of encouragement in our lives! May the LORD bless you and your family with His presence of peace, joy, and love! We are cheering you on! As we look towards the future with hope and faith, we are reminded of the ultimate reunion that awaits us in Heaven. We can imagine the moment when we will be welcomed "Home" by Jesus himself, with love in his eyes and warmth in his voice. The thought of sharing eternity together with you and our LORD and Saviour fills our hearts with joy and anticipation! We are so grateful for you! 🙏🏻❤️
Until then, we send a BIG, virtual hug to you!
We love you! ❤️
Phil, Melanie, Jonathan, David Styles
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