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Christmas Blessings

I hope all of you have had a wonderful Christmas. The Jones family has. Michael actually slept late today and then went on 6 hours of sensory overload. He is sleeping now, taking a much needed nap. We had a wonderful lunch, with a lot of the food given to us by church members. We have more sweets than we know what to do with! Kim, Michael and I were blessed to have for lunch not only my parents and brother, but also Vic and Marsha Rhoades, who won't get to see family until next week, and also Charlie Williams, who took a break from fishing to spend Christmas with us. We had a good time together.

Kim got another round of test results from her doctor and everything is going very well, and the baby is healthy and strong so far. We are truly blessed. Thank you for all your prayers.

Last weekend our Music and Drama Ministries put on "Once Upon a Holy Night," our Christmas program for this year. We had over 1,000 people come and see it over two days. Praise the Lord!

Last night at our Christmas Eve Service, we estimate there must have been 500 in attendance, and it was standing room only. I thought the service was wonderful, and I hope you did too.

This Sunday our church will vote on whether or not to adopt the proposed budget for 2009. It totals over $930,000, which represents a significant increase over the '08 budget. There is concern about the economic climate in Aransas County and whether or not we should adopt this budget. Several months ago I warned the church that the preparation for the '09 budget was the front line of the battle of faith in our church. That hasn't changed. I encourage all of you to be present and vote how you believe the Lord is leading you. I know this, our God wants to show Himself to be great, mighty, generous and all-sufficient for our church. Let's give Him the opportunity to do that by generously and faithfully supporting the '09 budget in whatever final form it takes.

I am thankful for the way God is at work in my life, my family and my church. Kim, Michael and I have been so blessed by the love and generosity of our church members this Christmas. I am praying for all our family and friends today that you all will be aware of God's grace and love in your lives today. Merry Christmas!

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