Merry Christmas - See you on the 26th

Imagine handing your shopping list to God. While that may not be what this means when we're feeling overwhelmed, you can turn to Him for guidance and peace. Remember, whatever worries you during this preparation isn't a life-or-death matter, and it certainly isn't the end of the world. Embrace calmness and perspective.

Jesus is the Reason of the Season

This little prayer box was gifted to me by a young woman from my church, a beautiful gesture that touched my heart. We prayed together over her illness, which has no cure, and her gratitude was profound. While I was only following the path my Father showed us, receiving this sweet gift reminded me of the strength of faith and community.

It's cute, and I will cherish this little box. It will always bring Megan to mind and inspire me to pray for her and her illness. 

Speaking of prayer - 

This is Sarah. She is a missionary we proudly support as a church body. Currently serving in a sensitive area of the Middle East, where danger surrounds Christians, her courageous spirit inspires us. After a few months of silence, our hearts were concerned, especially with the challenges in Syria and the region.

Yesterday, we learned that she is in Iraq, in a hospital, battling pneumonia. Sadly, her passport was stolen along with all of her identification, but she is in touch with the American Embassy. These missionaries are truly remarkable individuals. Their unwavering dedication to the love of God and spreading His gospel inspires them to endure incredible hardships and dangers for the sake of their mission.

🎄Well, here we are!  It’s December 23rd, and we’re all in the holiday spirit! I ventured out today to grab some fresh produce for our Christmas dinner. Since the stores will be closed on Christmas day, it felt like half a million of us were on the same mission and sometimes in the same aisle! 

Afterward, my husband and I swung by PetSmart to grab some little toys for Laydee, Susie, and our grand-cats,  Ed and Harry. And can’t forget about Char's fish!

We scored a great deal on buy three, get two free, so we ended up with some good deals for our furry (and finned!) family. 

Tomorrow, I plan to bake my Christmas cake and try to get most of the prep done. We invited some neighbors to our candle-lighting service at church. I also need to drop off a meal for Gail, and after the service, we're planning to hit up a diner for dinner. I’m really craving a patty melt and a milkshake! 

I’ll be back right after Christmas or something. 

I Hope you all have an awesome Christmas!

Debby

 

Women of Faith to be Admired

Have you ever paused to reflect on the fascinating lives of these remarkable Christian figures from history and their families? What challenges did they face in their daily lives, and what victories, however small, inspired them to put pen to paper and share their stories with the world, that we often quote or see on memes? 

Susannah Spurgeon married Charles Spurgeon, a well-known Baptist preacher in the mid-1800s.

Susannah was a devoted partner in her husband’s ministry. Spurgeon often called for her assistance on Saturday afternoons to prepare for Sunday sermons. They discussed Scripture and read commentaries together. Susannah also counseled women and girls in the church and helped with baptismal services.

Even in the face of illness and years as an invalid, Mrs. Spurgeon exemplified unwavering faith in the Lord and His divine plan. She served diligently in her home and church, embodying a joy-filled life grounded in God's word and devoted to good works. She wrote several devotional books, including Free Grace and Dying Love, which I would love to read! 

These devoted Christian servants of the past, who demonstrated unwavering commitment and loyalty, can still touch our hearts and inspire us today. Their unwavering resolve and selfless actions remind us of the profound values of dedication to God and service.

God Bless you, Susannah Spurgeon, and Thank You for your service!