Snowboards are Better than Skis

Winter brings mountain snow, and snow means its time for snowboarding and skiing. We’ve got a Grandson that is crazy about boarding, so this Grandpa dusts off his old skis and off we go to the slopes.
Snowboarding is much harder than skiing. Both feet are strapped into the board, and if you have a keen sense of balance and patience, youngsters can really get good at it. Skiing is easier, but it has its drawbacks. The two skis don’t always follow each other, and that can lead to strain on ankles, legs and knees, especially for this old Grandpa.
Jesus said “take up your cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Like skiing, when we keep straight and follow along with God, great things can happen. But if you go a different way than God, then you will experience some major strain, and not only in your knees. If we don’t follow and don’t do God’s will, we will suffer consequences.
God has given us everything. We are so blessed. He has given each of us special talents to do His work. Our Pastor says over and over “you are blessed, Indeed.” Yes, we are blessed, but if we fall away from God, he may withhold his blessings. I, for one, don’t want to take that chance.
As we move through the holiday season, lets try this-----First, seek God’s will and follow side by side with him. Second, don’t let stress of this time of year keep you from seeking His will and doing what God has called you to do, and third, if you go skiing, keep those skis together and headed in the same direction.
Have a glorious holiday season.
 Grandpa Dick

GOD’S PEOPLE AT WORK

In those days, abiding in Bakersfield were three teenagers (The Three Teens) experiencing a series of misfortunes. It seems their home was condemned and while their Mother went out to seek another place for them, they were without housing and food. The congregation of Columbus Street Baptist Church had compassion over them and so God’s people with God’s guidance immediately began to minister to and support them. Some gave money, some brought food, and others opened their homes, while the whole congregation prayed for continued care and comfort.

About that time God’s people began the annual celebration of Jesus’ birth, and gifts continued to rain down on the Three Teens. The annual celebration included, among other things, a candlelight service to praise God and thank Him for all our many blessings. During the candlelight service, God’s people felt the presence of God’s Angels and a multitude of heavenly hosts, praising God and singing, “Glory to God in the Highest.”

As this ministry continues into 2005, and as God is looking down at this outpouring of love, surely he will say, “Well done my good and faithful servants.”

Now, to add my humble thoughts, I simply say to the Hill’s, the Gonzales’, the Barrett’s and to all of the rest of God’s people, thank you for showing me the true meaning of Christmas. And it seems fitting to add,-----“Well done indeed.”

Grandpa Dick

P. S. As usual, you are encouraged to give your tithes to the general budget offering. To give above and beyond your tithe to the Three Teen ministry, mark your gift envelope as “Three Teens Ministry” designated fund.