1. Presidential Posts … By Madison Hey everyone! Our next meeting is going to be in January. We are getting psyched for it now! Joanna Bickers will be sharing her testimony with us. Keep us in your prayers, as this next meeting approaches. Also, a special thanks goes out to those that have helped with the donation of candy canes and the construction of the Noel-o-Grams. Thanks to all of you who bought one, as well! Merry Christmas! Reeder’s Requests/Praises: We are so happy to see John David Ballard back from the hospital! Also, Scott Ledford is back and popping wheelies! Still, keep these guys in your prayers, and hope that everything stays well. Kara’s Korner… Written by Kara Wireman As humans, we tend to want to put things off, but have you ever thought about the fact that the devil (and notice I did NOT capitalize his name) is the reason we do it? Well, I can tell you from a recent experience that the devil is really trying his best to keep us from speaking the Word. So, I thought “SLACKING” would be a great subject for this month’s newsletter. I have to be honest, even as Christians, we tend to slack off. I slack on reading the Bible, praying like I should, and even going to church. At times, we probably all do. It has been a struggle for me this month with this newsletter, because I have put off doing my fair share of the newsletter. I kept telling myself, “Oh, I’ll do it tomorrow,” but when the next day came, that was the excuse I used every time to keep myself from doing what was really important. When we make a commitment, people expect us to keep it. I can honestly say, I have probably let many people down due to my selfish slacking. Yes, this was my fault, but the enemy is also behind it. He has his ways to keep you from doing what’s really important, and this is one of them. Think about how much different we would be if he didn’t do the things he does, but then again would we have any character? Whether you believe me or not, the devil gets some people closer to the Lord, and what I mean by that is, that when people need God most, that is when they start praying!! (in most cases) So, when you feel like you are slacking, tell yourself that you will not let satan win this battle! I hope to encourage you through my own testimony with this. Have a wonderful Christmas! From the Secretaries’ desks… By Jacob, Joanna, Brianna, and Matt “What Christmas is All About” by M.S. Lowndes Christmas will always be for us A time to reflect on Christ The gift God gave to all the world Was the gift of His life We know Christmas is not about tinsel Nor fancy Christmas wreaths Nor is it about all the decorations That adorns our Christmas trees. And it’s not about Holly or Mistletoe Hanging from our doors Nor is it about the gifts that are left By the jolly Santa Claus. Christmas is more than all of this And the only reason why We celebrate Christ’s birth together And the wonder of His life So remember as you celebrate Just what it’s all about And invite the Lord to join with you Instead of leaving Him out For He will always be the reason We celebrate this day No substitute the world may offer Can take that meaning away. Brandon’s Songs… We are expecting a wonderful selection of music from Brandon Wallace in the upcoming meeting! See you there! JR. BASIC NEWS at the cross Sierra’s Surprises… Luke 1:26-33 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name JESUS. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end. December, 2008