We left New Years Day for Sonya’s parents in Oklahoma.  It was good to see them and spend a little down time in the country.  Josh and I took some time to go hiking in the Chickasaw National Park.  We hiked Bison Trail but didn’t see any Bison.  We did, however, see a herd of deer.  It was a beautiful hike in the hills.  God’s creation never ceases to amaze me.  People who think that all of this happened by accident are in denial. 

We are back home and now it is time to finish up for Sunday.  We are looking forward to the first Sunday of 2009 tomorrow.  We begin our Momentum series by talking about Ezra and the rebuilding of the temple.  Don’t miss it!  Also, tomorrow night is our youth baked potato supper and slave auction.  Come out and support our youth group, who are raising money for the Acquire the Fire Conference.

Our new series begins this Sunday with our theme for the year 2009.  MOMENTUM.  I believe God wants us to follow the momentum and build His church.  Come Sunday and let’s see how we can join together to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God.

Also our 21 day fast begins Monday January 5th.  Join us in this Daniel Fast (Fruits and Vegetables only) as we seek the Lord for ourselves, the church and this nation.  You can find a prayer sheet here.

Happy New Year To All!  A  new year means new possibilities and new beginnings.  It is like starting on a clean slate.  Many begin the year with resolutions.  Most people begin the year on a diet.  While yet others have made some decisions in life that will begin to be fulfilled in this new year.  Whatever the case, I think the turning of  the calendar is often a welcome sight.

May God richly bless your endeavors and we pray for a prosperous new year for you all. 

Last night after church, we went to a fellowship with some of our church family.  We had a great time!  But as our tradition is in the Cheney household, we like to sleep through the new year.  So, we left a little early got home and went to bed.  We were asleep before midnight. 

The difference between Rogers and Nederland is pretty large when it comes to the New Year.  Although it is illegal to set off fireworks in both places, Rogers actually observes the law (or should I say enforces it).  When we would sleep through the new year in Nederland, we always woke up at midnight because of all the fireworks and people yelling.  Last night, we didn’t hear a thing.  No fireworks, no gunshots, not a peep.  Besides the fact we didn’t know when it struck midnight, it was a nice uninterrupted snooze.  No matter how you celebrated, we hope your night was a good one.  Ours was, and we are all refreshed.  We are leaving for Oklahoma in just a little while to go see Sonya’s parents.  Have a great day!