Well Christmas has come and gone. Before we know it Valentine's day will be here. I hope everyone had a wonderfully blessed Christmas. We do have so much to be thankful for. Christmas always seems to bring out the best (and worst) in people. As a whole, society seems to be a bit friendlier and more cheerful. While at the same time, lots of grumbling can be heard. We must take time to remember that our Lord & Savior did not grumble about His job here on this earth. Instead He met it with a grace and peace that passes all understanding. Only God's Son could come to earth and die to save us from our sins, and do so with a willing heart.

I know there are those among us who are missing a family member or friend this holiday season. While we miss them greatly, we must believe that they live on through us. They are still with us in thought and in our hearts. Take time to celebrate the life/lives of those we miss so dearly. They would want us to remember them, and still be happy about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I believe that!!

I have missed out on reminding you of the activities that have already gone by. I did want to take a moment to remind you of the upcoming New Year's festivities. It is my understanding that there will be a New Year's celebration at our church on Wed., Dec. 30th beginning at 6pm in the fellowship hall. I have even heard there will be fireworks at the end of the evening. Come on out and bring a friend or two and celebrate with the North FBC church family.

The church office will be closed on Friday, Dec. 1st in observance of the New Year's holiday.

It is hard to believe that it will be new year next week. Time goes by so fast. We must cherish each and every moment. Folks will be planning their new year's resolutions. Some will follow through and other won't. At the top of our we should find strengthening our walk with Christ. Taking care of and spending the most time we can with the ones we love. As I get older, I reflect back on the days of my child hood. Many happy, happy times. One thinks when they are young their parents will live forever. We don't fully comprehend the loss of a loved one until we reach a certain age.

I am not one to focus on New Year's resolutions. Never have been. But if I were, I believe I would say I want to cherish each moment I can with the ones I love (even when they test my patience). They wouldn't be who they are if they were any other way. Another one of my resolutions might be to continue to grow in my relationship with God. A part of doing that is becoming more involved with my church and my church family. I admit I have strayed away, yet even though I am not in church as much as I should be, I still make the time for daily devotionals and quiet time with God.

I encourage each one of you to set reasonable goals for yourself when making resolutions. Seek God's help in determining which areas might need changing.

I hope and pray that everyone will have a Happy & Blessed New Year's. Take care!

In His Holy Name,

Tina :-)