We began 2014 with the study “Believing God” where we experienced a fresh explosion of faith based on Isaiah 43:10. We explored not only what it meant to “believe in God” but to “believe God”. During the study you were all so generous in your contributions of supplies to the Youth Challenge (now called House of Hope). In March we started the “Son of God” where Rick Warren explained how we could find our purpose by studying the life of Jesus and . . . what would happen if we applied these lessons from events in Jesus’ life (temptation, suffering, death, resurrection) to our own. We were asked if we would come to know Him more intimately and with greater understanding. I think we all did just that. You didn’t let me off the hook at the end of April through the end of May when I wanted a break to prepare for my trip to the Holy Land (and I’m glad you didn’t!!!) so I started a weekly blog for us to study “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23”(my 3rd time through - I might add <smile>) which continues to be one of my all time favorites. The author revealed new facets of the Shepherd in the 23rd Psalm and his tireless devoted care of His sheep. We discovered Christ’s love for those that trust Him as their protector, guide, provider and faithful keeper. You then followed along with me on my trip to the Holy Land by reading my daily blogs and peering over the pictures I posted. How I wish each and every one of you were there with me – well, actually you were – in my heart. This trip has been the gift that keeps on giving as I have been able to use pictures of places to tie into our studies giving you a peep into what we saw and a visual connection to places in the Bible. As soon as I returned we began “The Bad Girls of the Bible” in June and concluded at the end of August. Oh! What lessons we learned from these women!!! That also started a blog by the very same name (until I changed it when we studied some really amazingly GOOD girls of the Bible). Your generosity continued as you donated selflessly to the school supplies that filled up the back of my car when Dreama and I delivered them to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home – who were oh so grateful for each item!!! We followed up with a study of “The Really Bad Girls of the Bible” from September to November and we continued to find ourselves in some of their brokenness. Once again you generously donated by filling up the boxes with presents for the Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child” – these gifts are on their way to putting smiles on the faces of the little girls and boys. Then . . . back by popular demand for some and a new study for others we treasured each moment of our time with “The Women of Christmas” – Elizabeth, Mary and Anna – and also through review of “The Christmas Story” Teaching Outlines. Many of you took turns being Bell Ringers for the Salvation Army during this time. You have supported me, through prayer, as I served on the Residents Encounter Christ jail ministries throughout the year. Each week your generosity showed in your contributions of non-perishable items donated to our very own CUMC Food Pantry. We shared some really high/happy moments together and supported each other through some very low/sad ones – new members joined and some long time members moved away – some members joined us from a distance as far as Canada via the blog and others gathered weekly in person sharing fellowship, devotionals and prayer requests. Your dedication and commitment to the studies - your contribution to discussions and sharing of your own experiences – were simply amazing. We have seen many prayers answered throughout this year – it was obvious you “prayed without ceasing”. My life has been made richer by the time I have spent with each and every one of you. It has truly been a blessing to watch you apply what you learned through your studies. God has opened many doors through you!!! And . . . here we are . . . getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord – the present God gave to the world on that night – His gift to the world. If you are traveling – be safe. If you are staying home - enjoy your family and friends. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will begin 2015 with “One Thousand Gifts” on January 12, 2015. If you have not already signed up and would like to join us – please let me know so that I reserve a book for you. Bring a friend!
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April 2018
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