20Dec
It’s hard to believe we’ve come to the end of the year again, but it is undoubtedly here. The evidence is not just on the calendar. Take a look around. People behave differently as the year comes to a close. A simple study of human behavior is all that is needed for one to know 2009 is undeniably ending.
At the end of the year people give each other gifts. It’s a stressful time, to be sure, but despite jammed shopping malls and tight budgets, we manage to buy a few things for others.
People think less about themselves and more about others at the end of the year. Reporters on television focus more on people’s lives and less on cold facts and political strategies. We count our blessings and say a prayer for those who are not as fortunate. Some volunteer to work in soup kitchens, nursing homes, hospitals, and homeless shelters. A greater sense of communion exists as the days grow shorter in December. Continue reading »
20Dec
Wow! I can’t believe that we are ending this year so quickly. Next week after services we will leave for Exposure Youth Camp in Huntsville and then year 2010 will be here!
As for now, I realize that a lot of people will be traveling for the Holidays. I just wanted to tell everyone to have safe and happy holidays! This year has been a long one, and as I look back in nostalgic fashion, I am excited at the relationships that I have made here at Ashville Road. I am proud this holiday season to have a home in such a welcoming congregation. I cannot thank ya’ll enough for the prayers, thoughts, and gifts that you have showered down on Hannah, Hannah’s family, and me in the past couple of weeks. 2009 has been a year of change and drastic events for me, but I cannot tell you how comforted I and Hannah are in knowing that behind us stands a great group of Christians who we call friends. So, on our behalf, we would like to wish you and your families a happy holiday season. We cannot wait to get started on doing the Lord’s work in 2010!
In Him,
Hannah and Neil
