Greetings Brethren,

     I thought I would share with you all this short, but thought-provoking poem that has been on my mind today. Note, I did edit one small line (in Italics). I share this because in this crazy and chaotic world, we often forget just how blessed we are. It’s easy to overlook those things we consider as routine or even sometimes as inconveniences, but in reality, they’re actually great blessings supplied by God. This can happen when we allow a frustrating situation to skew our perception of our life.

     When we allow this to occur, we also lose sight of just how much involved God and Christ are in our lives. Something to think about as we prepare to keep the sabbath. We of all people are greatly loved and blessed – we must never lose sight of this – (Ephesians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). As the sun sets this evening, consider the blessings God has provided, count them all and you will be amazed, (Lamentations 3:21-26).

Ryan Hall

Life Is A Gift: Author Unknown

Today before you think of saying an unkind word,
think of someone who can’t speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food,
think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife,
think of someone who is crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life,
think of someone who recently lost a loved one.

Before you complain about your children,
think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn’t clean or sweep,
think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive,
think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job,
think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another,
remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down,
put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around.

Life is a gift – Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, and Fulfill it.

For the Youth - Bible Trivia:

1. What was the name of the well where Jesus talked to a Samaritan woman about Living Waters?
*Hint: John 4:1-30

2. What place was said to be flowing with Milk and Honey?
*Hint: Exodus 3

3. What did Peter do to the High Priest’s servant when they came to arrest Jesus?
* Hint: John 18:1-11

North Canton Announcements:

1. Sabbath Service Time: (Jan 13th): 11:00 AM
2. Next Sabbath: (Jan 20th): 2:00 PM
3. Monthly Bible Study: Our next Bible Study is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 18th at 7:30 PM. Join via computer or Phone.

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89044768816?pwd=cWlPZlEyeklPVkdvQ0IzT0pWUlNIdz09

Meeting ID: 890 4476 8816 / Passcode: 941434

Join Via Phone: 309-205-3325 – Meeting ID: 89044768816# / Password: 941434#

4. Sabbath School: Our first Sabbath School for this new year will take place on January 27th.
5. ABC Sampler: Mark your calendars, on the Sabbath of July 27th, we will be hosting an ABC Sampler in North Canton. For all those who would like to attend, there will be sessions presented by ABC instructors before and after services. We are still in the planning stage at this time and more information will be coming.
6. Marlene Ware: Over this last week, Marlene has noticed new symptoms develop I her already limited mobility as well as increased weakness. She’s unsure if this is the progression of her MS or from the cancer. Your prayers for comfort during this time is greatly appreciated.
7. Dave Ritter: Dave is now home and recovering. As you can imagine, this put a lot of stress on Linda as well, who is only a few weeks post hearts surgery herself. Please keep both Dave and Linda in your prayers as they both need healing during this time.
8. Dorothy Kuhns (Daughter-in-Law of Freeman & Debbie Kuhns): Freeman and Debbie would like to thank everyone for the prayers on behalf of Dorothy. Her numbers and vitals came up to a safe level which led to her release from the hospital. However, they are nowhere near normal rage.

The cause of her illness is yet to be determined, but her main organs, heart, liver, and kidneys have been compromised and she is very weak. Please continue to pray for Dorothy's complete recovery.

If I’ve overlooked anything, Please let me know ASAP.