Playing Catch Up...

So much has happened over the last few months that I don't really know where to begin. I guess I'll just start in order and try to hit the high points...

In November, a group of ladies from our WAC group went to the Southern Ladies Retreat at Red Bay Free Will Baptist Church. The theme for the weekend retreat was "Vessels for the Master's Use." Our speakers were Mrs. Becky Derby and Mrs. Sandy Atwood.

Mrs. Becky shared with us about her battle with breast cancer. She shared from Psalm 103:1-5:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Who satisfieth they mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."

She urged us to focus on the blessings of life and to live in joy.

Mrs. Sandy shared from 2 Timothy 2:20-21:

"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared for every good work."

There are three things that God gives us to help us become vessels of honor:

1. His Holy Spirit - God starts working on us from the inside out. Holiness is a lifelong process. The Holy Spirit shapes and refines us daily.

2. The Bible - God's Word helps teach us how to live and how to honor God with our lives.

3. Problems - Our problems, big and small, make us better so we can be used as vessels in the future. The hard times and trials we go through give us a testimony that helps us witness to others about trusting in God.

"A vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." 2 Timothy 2:21

On the first Saturday of December, we got to attend the Eldridge Toy Run at the Free Will Baptist Children's Home in Eldridge, AL.

Our Junior Youth Group (with the help of our church members) sponsored a little boy named Luke for Christmas. We were able to attend the Toy Run and see Luke get his Christmas presents. We had a great time of fellowship. I have included some pictures below...

Our Christmas play, "It All Happened in the Country," went wonderfully. We had a full kids choir and an adult choir, as well as actors from the youth group.

(Photo taken by Mrs. Renae Summerlin)

Well... maybe we're caught up for now.

Happy New Year!