gxt g|Åx gÜxtáâÜxá A publication of the First United Pentecostal Church of A publication of the First United Pentecostal Church of A publication of the First United Pentecostal Church of A publication of the First United Pentecostal Church of

Jacksonville, NC Jacksonville, NC Jacksonville, NC Jacksonville, NC Issue 26~November/December 2010 Issue 26~November/December 2010 Issue 26~November/December 2010 Issue 26~November/December 2010

In Quietness and in ConfidenceIn Quietness and in ConfidenceIn Quietness and in ConfidenceIn Quietness and in Confidence

As we drove through the Yorkshire Dales of

England, thousands of acres of rolling hills lying beneath

blankets of green, surrounded us on every

side. The highest points were covered with

a reddish brown brush, which gave way to

camel colored peaks. Untold miles of stone

walls worked their way up hillsides and

across meadowlands, marking the bounda-

ries of individual sheepfolds and ca!le

ranches. The flocks of white sheep and

herds of black and white ca!le which

do!ed the velvet landscape only added to

the beauty. As we wound our way on the narrow car-

riageways up hill and down dale, far from the hustle and

bustle of any major city or motorway, it was as if $me

stood s$ll. Peace and serenity seemed to envelop us.

Isaiah 30:15 kept echoing in my mind: “…in quietness

and in confidence shall be your strength…”

Verse one of that chapter starts out with a

warning from Jehovah to His children, Israel. He is tell-

ing them that there is problem ahead for them because

rather than turning to Him for their counsel and direc-

$on, they were turning back to Egypt. Then in verse 15

He says, “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in qui-

etness and in confidence shall be your strength:”

Peace, calm, quiet, serenity, strength…these all

seem to elude us much of the $me. As wives and moth-

ers, our lives are busy enough; then many of us have the

added stress of

working outside

the home, and sev-

eral of us have tak-

en on studying. As

the sensi$ve gen-

der, we as women

take on the bur-

dens and hurts of

~ Tea with CJ ~~ Tea with CJ ~~ Tea with CJ ~~ Tea with CJ ~ our closest loved ones. When our child hurts, we hurt.

When our husbands are struggling, we want to fix it for

them. Dealing with aging parents can bring on another set

of circumstances that can greatly affect us. Where is the

peace and serenity in all of this?

We are entering into one of the busi-

est seasons of the year. Holiday prepara$ons

and celebra$ons will be stretching many peo-

ple beyond what they think they can endure.

Some$mes the stress makes it hard to be

thankful for blessings, and makes it even

harder to find the peace, joy and love of

Christmas. Again we ques$on, where is the

peace and serenity?

As you study this scripture passage, it is clear that

it is talking about peace of heart and mind. This kind of

peace will only come as we return to the Great Shepherd

and seek His will, rather than our own. As we seek the

calming repose of the Holy Ghost rather than the sinful

pleasures of sin, we will be saved. Once we return to the

Shepherd’s fold, where we should have been all along, we

will find ourselves in a quiet state of mind. Our strength

will come as we place our complete trust and confidence

in Him.

If you choose to stay close to The Great Shepherd

and seek His counsel and guidance, there is peace and se-

renity in heart and mind. Daily kneeling at His feet brings

peace in the middle of turbulent storms. Partaking daily

from His Bread of Life brings sustenance, which in turn

brings strength.

If at the end of the day I can

crawl into bed and know that all is well

between me and Jesus, then I can lay

down in quietness, in confidence, and

with no fear of the morrow. There will

be peace in the midst of any storm.

This, dear ladies, will be the strength to

get us through.

Ladies Christmas ProjectLadies Christmas ProjectLadies Christmas ProjectLadies Christmas Project

Several years ago, we made a decision to adopt a community agency for our Ladies

Christmas Project, rather than exchanging gifts with each other. The first year, we adopted the

Jacksonville Women’s Shelter, the second year we hosted a diaper shower for the Onslow

Pregnancy Resource Center, and last year we adopted Bro. Greg Williams and his family.

This year, we will once again be helping the Onslow Pregnancy Resource Center

(OPRC). This center offers free pregnancy testing, free peer counseling, gives out factual information on all options

facing a young woman with an unwanted pregnancy, educates on abstinence, parenting skills, and relationship account-

ability. A program is also in place whereby the parents can take classes on parenting as well as Bible Study classes, and

earn points towards free items from the Baby Store. They also provide post-abortion counseling for women who have

had abortions. Thanks to the OPRC, some women who had originally planned on aborting their baby, changed their

minds and had their babies. This is a faith-based ministry in our city that is effectively changing the lives of young peo-

ple, and saving lives of unborn babies. There is no government funding for this ministry; it is solely supported by the

churches in our city.

They have a program called “Change for Life.” The way it works is very simple. You put change in a plastic

baby bottle. That’s it! All donations are tax deductible.

For those who have already asked for a baby bottle, please bring it with you to the Ladies Christmas Party. If

you did not receive a bottle and would like to give to this worthy cause, please put your money in an envelope and write

your name and full mailing address on the outside and bring it with you to the Ladies Christmas Party. Let’s help

change a life this Christmas!

God’s Weigh to HealthGod’s Weigh to HealthGod’s Weigh to HealthGod’s Weigh to Health ~ by Lisa Marcum~ by Lisa Marcum~ by Lisa Marcum~ by Lisa Marcum

When dieting, we are always told “make sure you get all your water in each day”. The recommended amount is 6 to 8 glasses, spaced throughout the day. I de-cided to do a little research on the subject of its importance. What I found is very interesting. The human body cannot function without water. Two thirds of our weight is

water. The brain is made up of 95% water, lungs 90%, and blood 82%. Simply decreasing the supply of wa-ter by 2% can trigger dehydration. Dehydration is the most common cause of daytime fatigue, can cause problems with memory, and put stress on the body. Water works with the body in so many ways. It forms fluids for the joints, helps metabolism, regu-lates body temperature, moves food through intestines, helps the heart pump blood throughout the body, helps move oxygen and nutrients to your cells, and nourishes your skin. Wow, water does all these great things and we drink so little of it. I think I’ll be reaching for water a little easier. Bottled water is very popular because of convenience and it is filtered, but can also get expensive. You can save money by filtering your own water and filling a water bottle. Most water is safe to drink out of the tap. Some people just don’t favor the taste. There are many types of filters on the market. They range from inexpensive pitchers with built in filters to elaborate filters to filter water for the whole house. However you choose to do so, “make sure you get all your water in each day”. If you are not used to drinking the recommended amount, work up to it gradually.

Tips for Decorating a Beautiful BedroomTips for Decorating a Beautiful BedroomTips for Decorating a Beautiful BedroomTips for Decorating a Beautiful Bedroom Part 1Part 1Part 1Part 1

~ by Tammy Shaw

Bedrooms are our sanctuaries. They're where we go to relax, unwind and recharge. They're the rooms where we're most at home and where we can truly be ourselves. Whether they're relaxing and comfortable, bright and bold, or dark and dra-matic, bedrooms should always be reflections of the people who use them. It's important to learn the main rules to remember when decorating your bedroom. If you need a little help making your bedroom the best it can be, here are a few tips to get you started. Choose Subtle Color Instead of bold primary colors, choose soothing shades and a restful palate of monochromatic tones. Remember color theory: gentle hues of blue, lavender, or green are considered calm and serene. Rich jewel-toned hues help set the mood of cozi-ness and comfort. These might include toasty browns, deep pomegranate, or topaz. Use toned-down versions of your favorite colors in the bedroom. That might mean choosing mauve instead of eggplant, or pumpkin instead of tangerine. Don't Overlook the Ceiling The ceiling is a fifth wall in a room. When you lie in bed, do you see a bland, blank surface? Add a subtle pattern or soft color. Paint the ceiling a slightly lighter version of the wall color. This will help to visually lower the ceiling and give the space a feeling of comfort and intimacy. Other solutions would be to stencil or wallpaper the ceil-ing, add architectural elements in the form of beams or moldings, or use a decorative paint treatment. For ultimate luxury, silver-leafed bed-room ceilings, a canopy or tented bed with dress-ing that hangs from the ceiling can envelop you in sensuality and warmth, while adding texture, de-sign, and color to the ceiling. Add a molded me-

dallion and chandelier of crystal or delicate shades bringing color, pattern and texture to the "fifth wall" above you. Keep the Bedroom Simple A bedroom should look cozy and simple, sophisti-cated and elegant, regardless of what style of decorating you choose. For ease of movement, leave a minimum of three feet between the bed and side walls or large pieces of furniture, and at least two feet between the bed and low furniture like tables and dressers. If you have to walk around the bed to get from the closet to the bath-

room, think how you can move the bed. Furnish your bedroom with only what you need. A bed, a bed-side table or two, a dresser, and chair are necessities. Any-thing else is clutter. If you have room, place a chest of drawers in the closet. Accessories should be kept at a minimum. Choose a beautiful piece of art-

work, arrange some family photos, add flowers and candles, and leave it alone. Choose the Right Size Furniture When you're ready to buy bedroom furniture, start out with a floor plan and a measured drawing of the space. Furniture should fit the room it lives in and this is particularly true for bedroom furniture. Don't choose a heavy, large bed and dresser for a small bedroom. If the ceiling is high, a tall head-board will help to visibly bring it down to size. If your bedroom is large, choose furniture that fits it, too. Add a chair and ottoman or place a piece of furniture at the end of the bed. Furniture and accesso-ries that are too small will look lost in a large room. ...to be continued in the next issue of TTT.

In the Prayer Parlor: Praise ≠ PrayerIn the Prayer Parlor: Praise ≠ PrayerIn the Prayer Parlor: Praise ≠ PrayerIn the Prayer Parlor: Praise ≠ Prayer ~ by Crystal Wallace

To “praise” someone is to give

them thanks, show them adora$on, or

congratulate them. Praise bestows honor

and blessing upon the person who is being praised. The

Bible is full of scriptures about praise and the word is

used in 216 verses. We are commanded to praise the

Lord and the scripture states that if we as humans choose

not to praise the Lord, the rocks will cry out in praise un-

to Him. Praise is a sacrifice (Jeremiah 33:11). Praise has

a voice (Psalms 47:1; 42:4). Praise is powerful for it was

the shout of triumph that rendered Jericho’s walls into a

pile of dust and rubble at the feet of the marching Israel-

ites. When entering into the Tabernacle, the children of

Israel were commanded to enter through the gates with

thanksgiving and to enter into the outer courts with

praise (Psalms 100:4). The model of what we know to be

“The Lord’s Prayer” shows us that we should start our

$me in prayer with praise (Ma!hew 6:9). Praise is ex-

ci$ng, it is full of emo$on, and it makes us feel good.

Scripture tells us that the Almighty dwells in the praises

of His people (Psalms 22:3). Unfortunately, too many

people stop there. They never get beyond the gates and

the outer court.

Prayer is not the same as praise. The Bible also

talks much of prayer. In fact, the word “pray” can be

found in 306 verses of the Bible. Prayer goes much deep-

er than praise. There is much more involved. It can be

verbal, but some$mes it is “groanings which cannot be

u!ered” (Romans 8:26). Some$mes it is pouring our-

selves out at the feet of the Master (Luke 7:37-38).

Some$mes it is standing in humble aloneness (Luke

18:38). Prayer can be in our mother tongue, or in an un-

known language (I Corinthians 14:2). Prayer can be joyful

(Philippians 1:4), and prayer can be agonizing (Luke

22:44). Prayer can be making requests unto God

(Philippians 4:6), and prayer can be intercession on the

behalf of someone or something else (Romans 8:26).

Prayer is equated to the Altar of Incense which

was the central piece of furniture in the tabernacle. This

was placed within the Holy Place, just before the veil,

which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.

The Holy of Holies was where the power of the most High

dwelled. It was a place that at one $me, man could not

enter. But the day the veil in that temple was ripped in

two, we were granted admission into that secret place.

Praise is good. In fact, praise is great. Praise is

necessary. But prayer is another dimension that we must

move into if we expect to walk in liberty and freedom. It is a

dimension we must enter into if we expect to stand against

the enemy and be victorious over him. There is a prayer of

the des$tute, prayer of the afflicted, prayer of the upright,

prayer of the righteous, and the prayer of faith. Prayer brings

healing to the sick, deliverance to the devil possessed, free-

dom to the sinner bound in sin’s chains, salva$on to the lost,

peace in the midst of a storm, and guidance in the midst of

darkness. Prayer is not an op$on, it is a command (Luke

11:2). Prayer is meant to be entered into alone (Ma!hew

6:6, Luke 9:18), as well as together with the family of God

(Acts 12:12). The lack of prayer greatly frustrates the Master

(Ma!hew 26:40). Prayerlessness is a sin (I Samuel 12:23).

If all the above be true, why do we make excuses not

to pray? Why do we ignore that s$ll small voice urging us to

go into our secret closet of prayer? All the praise in the world

will never take the place of prayer. We can shout, dance, and

sing praises unto Him all night long, but if we can’t remember

the last $me we really prayed and spent quality $me with the

Master, I wonder what He thinks? I wonder if our praise is as

effec$ve in His eyes? It is $me to move from the outer court

and into that central place just before the veil; it is $me to go

beyond praise and enter into prayer. The next step from the

altar of incense takes us beyond the veil, a place where we

should long to dwell.

While wai$ng for a connec$ng flight on the way to

New Orleans, we watched a Muslim take out his prayer car-

pet and kneel and pray in the middle of the Atlanta airport.

He would not allow anything to get in the way of his prayer.

Martha chose to show her love for the Master by preparing

Him a meal. Mary chose to sit at His feet and listen to every

word He spoke. Which one did Jesus say was the “good

thing?” What would have happened had Esther had only pre-

pared the banquet meals for her husband-King? She

bu!ered him up with food, but how different the story would

be if she had stopped there. No, she dared to go beyond the

praise part and she earnestly sought what she needed on

behalf of her people.

What excuses have you been offering up to the Lord

for not spending $me in prayer? When was the last $me you

slipped into your secret closet and spent $me with the Mas-

ter? How long did you spend with Him? When was the last

$me you joined your church family in a prayer mee$ng?

Remember, praise will never

be a subs tute for prayer!

The Noble and the Brave: A Veteran's Day Tribute

When America had an urgent need,

These brave ones raised a hand; No hesitation held them back;

They were proud to take a stand.

They left their friends and family; They gave up normal life;

To serve their country and their God, They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace

On strange and foreign shores; Some lost new friends; some lost their lives

In long and brutal wars.

Other veterans answered a call To support the ones who fought;

Their country had requirements for The essential skills they brought.

We salute every one of them,

The noble and the brave, The ones still with us here today, And those who rest in a grave.

So here’s to our country’s heroes;

They’re a cut above the rest; Let’s give the honor that is due

To our country’s very best. By Joanna Fuchs. @ www.poemsource.com

All the details have not yet been fi-nalized, but set aside

FridayFridayFridayFriday evening, December 17December 17December 17December 17 for our annual Ladies

Christmas Party.

Stay tuned for complete details coming real soon, and be sure to

invite a friend to come along with you.

Time to make some Peanut Brittle! We will be making our Thanksgiving peanut brittle on November 15 and 22, and our Christmas peanut brittle on December 6 and 13. For the best results, we need the help of 9 people each day. We will begin at 9:00 a.m. each morning. Lots of sugar and Karo is needed before we start so if you would like to make a donation, you can bring it in at anytime and leave it in the kitchen. This year, we will be giving our profit to a missions project. Ladies, how would you like to have to work in your kitchen with no hot water? While in Scotland, we stayed at the Bible School and learned that they cannot get hot water in the kitchen. After preparing a meal, water has to be boiled before dishes can be washed. (They have a dishwasher but it cannot be used because the water will not get hot enough.) The cost to remedy the situation is around $3000. We don’t make this much in making peanut brittle but we can give what we do make. We are also look-ing into the possibility of a bake sale to go towards this cause.

A Thanksgiving Story for Children

Hey mothers, why not pour a cup of tea for you and your little one and read them this Thanks-giving story!

Marcy and Matthew were both looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner. They knew they would have baked squash and a great big bowl of mashed potatoes and apple

sauce and corn on the cob. They knew they would have a bowl of cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie for dessert. BUT, Marcy and Matthew wanted to have a turkey like all their friends had for Thanksgiving. So Marcy and Matthew put on their coats and took their wagon and went out in search of a turkey to have for Thanksgiving dinner. They walked past the mailbox

and past the school and finally came to the Pet Store. They went inside. They saw a dog and a cat and a fish and bird, and even a snake, but they did not see a tur-key anywhere. They decided to go on. Marcy and Matthew took their wagon and went down the street. They went past the fire station and came to a park. They sat down on a bench and looked for a

turkey. They saw a bird and a squirrel and a turtle and a rabbit, but they did not see a turkey anywhere. They played a few minutes in a pile of leaves and then they went on. Marcy and Matthew took their wagon and walked farther down the street. They went past the gas station and came to the grocery store. They grabbed a shopping

cart and went inside to look for a turkey. They saw cheese and cookies and toma-toes and milk and dill pickles, but they did not see a turkey, so they decided to go on. Marcy and Matthew took their wagon and walked and walked. At the edge of town they came to a farm. They looked around and saw a cow and a donkey and a lamb

and a turkey! They put the turkey on their wagon and headed back home. Marcy and Matthew and the turkey in the wagon went past the grocery store and the gas station and the park and the fire station and the pet store and the school and the mailbox and at last they came to Marcy and Mat-thew’s house.

Marcy and Matthew and the turkey went inside the house. Mother was surprised to see a turkey. She said that dinner was already done and she did not have time to cook a turkey. Marcy and Matthew told their mother that the turkey was not to eat, it was a guest! So they set the turkey in a chair and gave it fruit and corn and they all

had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner.

THE END

Tea In The Garden (Missions Week)Tea In The Garden (Missions Week)Tea In The Garden (Missions Week)Tea In The Garden (Missions Week) ~ by Susan Beek, Missionary to Scotland~ by Susan Beek, Missionary to Scotland~ by Susan Beek, Missionary to Scotland~ by Susan Beek, Missionary to Scotland

In July, we held a missions week in Edinburgh. In July, we held a missions week in Edinburgh. In July, we held a missions week in Edinburgh. In July, we held a missions week in Edinburgh. Our church wanted to do something that would attract Our church wanted to do something that would attract Our church wanted to do something that would attract Our church wanted to do something that would attract our community. We decided to do a “Tea In the Garden” our community. We decided to do a “Tea In the Garden” our community. We decided to do a “Tea In the Garden” our community. We decided to do a “Tea In the Garden” theme for our outreach. Bernardtheme for our outreach. Bernardtheme for our outreach. Bernardtheme for our outreach. Bernard----Paul Heroux wrote; Paul Heroux wrote; Paul Heroux wrote; Paul Heroux wrote; “There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be di-“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be di-“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be di-“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be di-minished by a nice cup of tea.”minished by a nice cup of tea.”minished by a nice cup of tea.”minished by a nice cup of tea.”

We decorated the church with a patio set and We decorated the church with a patio set and We decorated the church with a patio set and We decorated the church with a patio set and lawn chairs. Then we placed potted flowers on the table lawn chairs. Then we placed potted flowers on the table lawn chairs. Then we placed potted flowers on the table lawn chairs. Then we placed potted flowers on the table and around the room. We placed garden ornaments of and around the room. We placed garden ornaments of and around the room. We placed garden ornaments of and around the room. We placed garden ornaments of snails, windmills and rocks about the room. There were snails, windmills and rocks about the room. There were snails, windmills and rocks about the room. There were snails, windmills and rocks about the room. There were butterflies and flowers hung on the wall. The tables butterflies and flowers hung on the wall. The tables butterflies and flowers hung on the wall. The tables butterflies and flowers hung on the wall. The tables were decorated with colorful tablecloths and lace. One were decorated with colorful tablecloths and lace. One were decorated with colorful tablecloths and lace. One were decorated with colorful tablecloths and lace. One table we set with fancy teapots and china teacups, and table we set with fancy teapots and china teacups, and table we set with fancy teapots and china teacups, and table we set with fancy teapots and china teacups, and sugar and creamer sets. sugar and creamer sets. sugar and creamer sets. sugar and creamer sets.

Another table was used to display our different Another table was used to display our different Another table was used to display our different Another table was used to display our different flavors of tea. On this table we made a poster board with flavors of tea. On this table we made a poster board with flavors of tea. On this table we made a poster board with flavors of tea. On this table we made a poster board with bullet points on the benefits of each tea. As an added bullet points on the benefits of each tea. As an added bullet points on the benefits of each tea. As an added bullet points on the benefits of each tea. As an added piece of information, we did a pamphlet on each tea and piece of information, we did a pamphlet on each tea and piece of information, we did a pamphlet on each tea and piece of information, we did a pamphlet on each tea and its benefits. This was for people to take home. its benefits. This was for people to take home. its benefits. This was for people to take home. its benefits. This was for people to take home.

One of the young ladies in our church designed One of the young ladies in our church designed One of the young ladies in our church designed One of the young ladies in our church designed a card with a tree and teacups in it. She then put a gar-a card with a tree and teacups in it. She then put a gar-a card with a tree and teacups in it. She then put a gar-a card with a tree and teacups in it. She then put a gar-den scene in the background. On the back, we had our den scene in the background. On the back, we had our den scene in the background. On the back, we had our den scene in the background. On the back, we had our church information. We punched a hole in this card church information. We punched a hole in this card church information. We punched a hole in this card church information. We punched a hole in this card and put ribbon through and attached a sachet with tea and put ribbon through and attached a sachet with tea and put ribbon through and attached a sachet with tea and put ribbon through and attached a sachet with tea and a scripture verse to be taken home. There was an-and a scripture verse to be taken home. There was an-and a scripture verse to be taken home. There was an-and a scripture verse to be taken home. There was an-other table with sandwiches shaped like flowers and other table with sandwiches shaped like flowers and other table with sandwiches shaped like flowers and other table with sandwiches shaped like flowers and butterflies, along with fancy cakes, etc. The ladies also butterflies, along with fancy cakes, etc. The ladies also butterflies, along with fancy cakes, etc. The ladies also butterflies, along with fancy cakes, etc. The ladies also dressed up for a tea in the garden. dressed up for a tea in the garden. dressed up for a tea in the garden. dressed up for a tea in the garden.

It was a lot of fun preparing for this event. It was a lot of fun preparing for this event. It was a lot of fun preparing for this event. It was a lot of fun preparing for this event. There were several visitors and one lady stayed for the There were several visitors and one lady stayed for the There were several visitors and one lady stayed for the There were several visitors and one lady stayed for the whole thing. This was a good way for us to reach into whole thing. This was a good way for us to reach into whole thing. This was a good way for us to reach into whole thing. This was a good way for us to reach into our community and connect with them in an informal our community and connect with them in an informal our community and connect with them in an informal our community and connect with them in an informal way. It was definitely a success and we will do it way. It was definitely a success and we will do it way. It was definitely a success and we will do it way. It was definitely a success and we will do it again.again.again.again.

“Where there’s tea there’s hope.”“Where there’s tea there’s hope.”“Where there’s tea there’s hope.”“Where there’s tea there’s hope.”

I’m sure you realize that in England and Scotland, they love their tea! Tea and scones, along with various other sweets, are offered in almost every coffee shop, and definitely in the Tea Rooms. Missionary Susan Beek was telling me about an outreach endeavor she did with her ladies and I asked her if she would mind writing an article for our TTT. She agreed, so here it is! Hope you enjoy. (Thank you, Sis. Beek. You’re a sweetie!)

Sis. Beek is sitting second from the right.

Staying YoungStaying YoungStaying YoungStaying Young ~ Submitted by Shirley Shaw

Read Psalms 92:1-15

Some days I feel pre!y old. Grant you, I am geNng there! For a great-grandmother, I think I

am s$ll pre!y young! S$ll, my joints creak in the morning. I tend to run out of energy late in

the aQernoon, and evenings are most $mes reserved for slippers and thoughts of days gone by.

But that’s just my physical, aging body. I don’t want my mind and spirit to follow. For that rea-

son, this verse in the Psalms is my new favorite. When I read it for the first $me, I laughed out

loud. It so exactly states my goal to stay young in spirit and to bear fruit while doing it. I want

to con$nue to engage my grandchildren and great-grandchildren in life-affirming ac$vi$es.

Even when I can no longer roll around on the floor with them, I want to connect with them, laugh with them, have fun

with them, and teach them by example to approach life with vigor and vitality. Most of all, I want them to know me

and remember me when I am no longer around.

Unfortunately, when our bodies age, our spirits oQen follow. We’ve all met women who have let their minds and spir-

its become as old as their bodies. It oQen shows itself in faces that no longer smile readily, in words that are nega$ve,

and in aNtudes that perceive the past as much be!er than the present or the future.

As a believing grandparent, however, we have a remedy for aging spirits and emo$ons. “His name is the Lord, our

Rock.” When He forms our founda$on for living, no ma!er what happens to our bodies, we can find refreshment in

Him. Our spirits will stay fresh and green, and we will con$nue to bear the fruit of a life lived fully and enthusias$cally.

Keep me young, Lord, keep me young. As my body con$nues the slow march to the grave, help me to keep my mind

and spirit focused on You, energized by You, and fruiSul because of Your touch on my life. Amen.

Oh God, Creator of mind and body, I pray that You will give my grand and great-grandchildren emo$onal

health and strength. Where there is anger bring peace. Where there is confusion, bring clarity and focus.

Where there are dark shadows, cast a ray of hope. Fill them with the sunshine of Your spirit. Warm them

with the presence of Your peace. Amen.

How to rob a snowman!How to rob a snowman!How to rob a snowman!How to rob a snowman!