First, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Let's remember the real reason for the season. We give gifts to one another at our homes, at the homes of others, or maybe at the office "Holiday Party". The real reason, of course, is to remember the gift that He gave us... our savior Jesus Christ. He is the greatest of all gifts. He is the gift that keeps on giving.

I hope we can remember that His prophetic life was laid out before him in the little town of Bethlehem. He knew what was to happen Him, even when those closest to Him did not. He forgave all of His disciples when they turned on him, just as He forgives us when we stray from the narrow path. A king should be born in royal regalia of a palace, but He was born homeless where animals were fed. The land should have heard the trumpets sound and all the royal family come with gifts, but instead a bunch of smelly shepherds and strangers with odd gifts showed up.  The gifts are not supposed to be the  focus; however, because our society has become so materialistic, that seems to be the primary objective.  Let us stop and give thanks to Him for His many sacrifices, and for the ultimate gift...His life, His love, and His mercy!  God bless you one and all!  <3 S&J

For our first site-based blog, I want to bring up the topic of outreach ministry.  I have to admit, I am slightly disappointed in the number of people who *haven't* stepped up to help reach out to our brothers and sisters who are down on their luck.  It's incredibly discouraging when we reach out to our friends, and our family, and our church family...and everyone is TOO busy Christmas shopping, or too busy working, or just simply not interested.  We are clearly instructed in the Bible to reach out to our brothers and sisters.  In fact, in several different verses, Jesus specifically instructs us to have a soft spot in our hearts for the poor, and the sick, and the elderly.  Yet, we turn our backs?  We say awful things like, "getting a job is free" and "they asked for this lifestyle"?  Seriously?  I pray for people who say these things, as it is apparent they have never had the misfortune of experiencing persecution, or strife, or pain.  It's sad that so many people don't follow the four L's of discipleship.  People are lukewarm anymore, and are complacent to sit in the back pew, watching their watches, hoping they don't miss the football game.  What a sad state of truth...what a sad, sad state.  I'm going to attach a video...I want you to watch this video, with an open mind.  Don't make an immediate opinion of its message, rather digest it, truly understand it.  Then, and only then, will you be able to understand what WE believe, and why the four L's are so VERY important.  http://vimeo.com/24570032

~S