In October the Lord enabled us to pay off our church mortgage 2-3 years early.  It is exciting to be a debt-free church.  God has brought us a long way this year.  All glory to God!

Next Sunday we will be celebrating Thanksgiving by having a special mortgage burning service.  Be sure to join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion.  We will meet next Sunday night as well to have a church Thanksgiving dinner.

One of my last posts was a cartoon about the swine flu.  Well, around eleven o’clock last night I awoke with a high temperature.  Went to the doctor today and, though I wasn’t diagnosed with the swine flu, I have the flu.

I have been laid up all day trying to get better for Sunday.  I was supposed to go hunting for opening weekend but instead had to stay at home.  That was probably good for the deer.

Lord willing, tomorrow we will conclude our Faith series by talking about elevating faith.  Faith that takes you to another level.  Don’t miss it!

Many people do not plan for their future.  Many do.  Many people live only for the day, others look ahead at what they want to accomplish.  The Bible says that without a vision people perish.  To get the most out of life we should have a vision for our life.  Maybe you do not know what you want to accomplish over the next five or ten years. But at least you can plan on what you want to see in the next year. 

On Ron Edmonson’s blog today, he gives a list of questions to ask as you plan for 2010.  I encourage you to take some time and set goals for next year.  When we set goals it gives us something to work toward.

Here are Ron’s questions to ask yourself:

• What do I want to improve upon or accomplish in the new year?
• How can I accomplish my goals for the year? What action steps need to be taken? What changes in my life need to be made?
• Are there disciplines I need to add to insure success in a particular area of my life?
• Do I have the accountability and structure in my life to carry through with these disciplines?
• How is my walk with Christ? How can it be improved?
• What things could I stop doing to give myself more time to accomplish the goals I have set for a new year?
• If I know the direction I want to go in the new year, what changes need to be made to head myself in that direction?
• What areas of my life need the most attention for improvement; work, family, leisure time, finances, health, etc.?

Our country would not be a freedom-loving nation without the sacrifices and service of our brave men and women in uniform.  Because of their selfless patriotism, Americans enjoy the freedom to worship as well as the freedoms of speech and life.  On this Veteran’s Day we remember those who have given their lives for our country overseas.  We are also mindful of the recent deaths of the  men and women at Fort Hood.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the present military who are serving our country.  We also salute all of those who have served in years past.  We are proud of our Armed Forces.  Freedom is never free and we thank all veterans for their service to this great nation.  God bless America!

I was wondering how long before it would come down to this.  I just didn’t think it would get this serious:)

HT: Los

Today, Sonya and I are celebrating our 18th anniversary.  We have been on a great journey together and I am blessed to have such a godly wife.  I am thankful that God has given her to me and look forward to many more years of marriage.  We’ve come along way, baby!

Yesterday, Josh got his first deer.  It was Arkansas’ Youth Hunt and we headed down to Paris, Arkansas to hunt on Calico Mountain.  We were out there for less than an hour when Josh got him a spike.  He was pumped!

Sonya told Hannah that Josh got a deer and Hannah said, “Oh when they get home the deer can chase me around the back yard.”  I had to break the news to her that the deer would be coming home in small one to two pound packages.  Nonetheless when I got home, Hannah dressed up in my camo.

Josh on the other hand has had his passage into manhood.  There is something about that first deer that makes  you feel like more of a man.  I am proud for him, not to mention he made a perfect shot on the deer while the deer was on the run. 

To hear the doctor’s dreaded words
The heart gripped with fear
Not knowing where to turn
Your eyes become full of tears

With a voice barely able to mutter words
You cry out, “O God help me please”
But can barely muster the strength
to get down on your knees

All your hope has been lost
Your mind just races away
Afraid to express your doubts
You try to trust in faith

You know that God can do anything
You understand His Word
But sometimes when you ask
You wonder if your heard

The situation looks like there’s no way
You cannot see beyond the fear
It is hard to truly believe
But you know that God does care

Just continue to remind yourself
that for the body that’s wracked by disease
There’s the sun of righteousness,
Arising with healing in His wings

-Danny Cheney-