Then Michael presented Pastor Dale with a brand new Bible signed by the congregation. His last one was falling apart. He likes to start with a fresh one every few years. No lines, no notes.
Then it was time for the children's Nativity Story told in word & song. Crystal did a great job putting this together. The kids were very focused and they did an excellent job. Thanks to all who helped Crystal with costumes, rehearsals, & programs. The play was such a blessing to us all!
After great applause and enjoying the presence of the Lord it was time for our Candlelight Christmas Dinner, lovingly organized by Ana. This is the lovely room that awaited us, full of Christmas warmth and cheer.
Anna, Kenny, Colleen, Sylvia, and Jo did such a wonderful job serving us delicious grilled meats, roasted to perfection, grilled apples & pears, and a variety of side dishes & desserts made by us church women. What a memorable evening it was for us all. Thank you Lord!
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Suppose you have just heard of someone whose financial debts have been miraculously cleared. Or your elated friend has just told you that despite being an average student in school, he scored straight As in all his subjects. Perhaps on Sunday, you heard a couple share about how they had become proud owners of a condominium which was the grand prize in a supermarket lucky draw, or how a once-childless couple is now expecting their miracle child. When you see or hear of others being blessed, do you ever wonder when it will be your turn? Or do you even find yourself saying, “Oh, he got blessed with the very thing that I have been praying for. There goes my blessing.” Now, just because man’s economy operates on the principle of shortage, it does not mean that God operates in the same manner. So the next time somebody gets blessed, tell yourself, “I won’t be disheartened. I won’t be jealous. I am the next one to be blessed!” Always remember that God does not have to bless anyone at your expense. Nor does He have to bless you at anyone’s expense. We don’t have to be jealous of each other. There is a portion that God gives to you which no man can touch because it has your name on it — “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven”. (John 3:27) Our God is a rich God. He owns the whole universe. He has contacts and blessings you do not know of and which are reserved just for you! There is more than enough for everybody with plenty of leftovers. In fact, you will not be able to take it all because when the blessings start coming in, they will come in a net-breaking, boat-sinking style. You will have to call for your friends in the other boats to come and help you! (Luke 5:1–7) That is the kind of blessings that our God gives. So get ready for your blessings and overflowing abundance! |
Then it was time for our gift exchange. Each woman brings a beautifully wrapped gift that she would like to get and puts it under the tree. We put all of our names in the hat, draw out 1-3 names at a time, and watch as each one picks a gift from under the tree and opens it. It's SO MUCH FUN!
In the midst of the gift opening we had one of the best desserts I have ever tasted in my life. And that's saying something! This year Sylvia outdid herself. That is also saying something, as she is one of the most talented chefs in our church. We also posed for our annual Christmas portrait. Crystal did the honors this year. She took a great pic don't you think!
What a blessing these women are in my life. I thank God for them!
Blessing blessing where are u? I have been waiting for the blessing to come.. you tell me to have faith.. i have it.. but its dosent seems to be here... helloooo....... can you hear me??? I'm praying...
Blessing blessing where are you?
Are you able to live without the internet?
I have been cut off from my internet connection for nearly 2 weeks.. things become so troublesome without the help of internet... paying bills, sending emails. etc.. hmm..especially when almost all things can be done over the internet by just clicking away, eg. booking movie tickets, connecting with friends... etc.. Life become kinda boring.. well i guess i have to go without internet for the time being...
When I got up I took the dough out of the fridge and let it come close to room temp before proceeding. You can use any yeast sweet dough recipe. The filling is just melted butter, nuts, & cinnamon. The real "kicker" is the icing. You mix 1C powdered sugar, 1T water, and 1/4 tspn. almond extract and drizzle over the cake with a spoon, while it's still warm. The hint of almond is the perfect touch.
A nice treat for a chilly December morning!
a street with crystal chandeliers and scheduled snowfalls,
and a fountain that lights up, sings, and dances!!!
Amidst all this I was snapping pics like crazy and saw a familiar face in my lens. It was MICHAEL CHIKLIS, star of THE SHIELD, and THE FANTASTIC FOUR. Dale asked if he could take a picture of he and I, and wouldn't you know it, our camera batteries died. No problem, Michael said he was a camera buff. He loaded in our new batteries and then asked if he could take our picture so we would have one of us. What a nice man!
After this we wandered over to The Cheesecake Factory and were given the best table, right next to the water fountain!
What a fun and memorable night!
Our new friend, Nyla, is the owner of Princess Kastle, a chain of stores of which one is in Montrose. Her son, Michael loved our Nutcracker Ballet. Then Dale brought out our one of a kind deluxe version. We all got to enjoy it together and then lucky Nyla got to purchase it and take it home. Such a nice memory!
Here are just two of Susan's books.
Check out Susan's website www.susanriosinc.com
Not only that, Ana and Ken Weatherwax spent days helping to paint and remodel our Fellowship Hall. They hung garlands of little white lights throughout. Next Ana made custom Thanksgiving tablecloths for all of our tables. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!! Than she, Sylvia, and Tamara decorated each table with candy, and seasonal decor. Now imagine all this and then add to it the amazing view the Lord has given us out these windows.
Here is the closeup view of where we are BLESSED to meet each Sunday!
God is awesome! If no one praises His name, surely the rocks will cry out and do it!
Back to the dinner: Every seat was full and we very peacefully went forth, section by section, to heap our plates with the perfect Thanksgiving Dinner. Pastor Dale did not sit down until everyone was served. This is his heart. And Sylvia Barnes is a sweet servant of the Lord also.
Now check out this dinner!
A picture is truly worth a thousand words. Thank you Lord for the wonderful blessings you have bestowed on us. A beautiful, intimate country church with believers who love your Word and want the meat of it.