The other night I was watching "A Christmas Story" with Deniese and David. You probably know the movie, the boy wants a Red Ryder BB gun but is constantly being told "You'll shoot your eye out!" He begs his parents, writes an essay about it for the teacher, and even talk to Santa himself in his efforts to acquire the BB Gun that "won the west", but no one will help him. His father, as it turns out, has the soft touch and at the end of the movie you see the boy falling asleep in bed still desperately clutching his "Peacemaker carbine." I bet we can all relate with that: we've all gotten presents that for whatever reason were a special gift that became a fond memory, never to be forgotten. I've been given many wonderful things in my life here on earth (yes, my very own Red Ryder BB gun!) I've also been given friendship, peace, and good health for 36 years. I've been given second chances, third chances, and even the occasional fourth chances. I've received a son to amuse me in my mid age, and of all the things this life has to offer I have been given a most wonderful gift: my wife, who I adore. Yet beyond these there is still one gift that exceeds them all.

God loved ME so much, he gave his son to die on the cross for my sins. Now there is a thought that puts a smile on my face each night as I drift off to sleep. If the people in Florida spent as much effort counting their blessings as they do counting votes, I think they'd be the happiest people in the world!

God has given us ALL time, opportunity, and ability to serve him. Like dropping money in the collection plate on Sunday, returning a portion of what he has blessed us with, won't you consider giving back some of your other blessings, too? There are ways you can serve God and share in fellowship with other brethren here!

Randy