What is the purpose of running a race? Is it to beat the other runners? Is to gain a sense of self-worth and accomplishment? Is it to make it to the finish line no matter how many others get to it ahead of you? For me, it’s to finish the race no matter what!

You see, the race isn’t always given to the swift But to him that endures to the end. That’s what I want to be said of me when I finish the race of life. What do you want to be said of you? Do you want to be known as having lots of material gain or what about having wealth untold or a famous name? I guess if these are things that God has destined for you on your earthly journey, then that’s well and fine. But we should remember to set our sights on things that are eternal, not those things that are temporal and will fade away.

Expect God to bless you indeed. Live a life where you can expect God to show up and show out. Expect to see along the race, enlarged borders, expanded territories, the fulfillment of the desires of your heart, unprecedented favor, and cups of God’s grace and mercy spilling over. When hard times come along your path, remember that though you are hard pressed on every side, you are not crushed; maybe you’re perplexed, but with Him you’re not in despair. Sometimes along the race you may be persecuted, but God has not abandoned you. Every day, along the race, look for the blessings that God has pressed down, shaken together and running over just for You! Be determined to rise to the great heights your Heavenly Father has in store for you. Finish your race!
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Pastor Stiles Graham
Senior Pastor Holy Rock Church

I have experienced some ups and some downs. This past year I had to make a decision that is going to change the course of my literary career. I believe it is for the best. God opened doors for me that no man can shut and He has also closed doors that no man can open. It’s hard to make changes sometimes, but if we ever plan to move forward, it all starts with putting one foot in front of the other. I could have remained where I was in my life and probably would have been content. But, I believe in my heart, spirit and soul that God has so much more planned for me. In order to receive and claim what He has, I had to be obedient. It’s frightening sometimes to move away from the things of the past when you don’t know exactly what awaits you in the future. Yet, how will you know what awaits you if you don’t move toward it?

I can only speak for myself, and hope you will take time to ponder on what you are supposed to be doing in your life. What dreams do you have? What are the desires of your heart? Where do you want to go? What places do you want to see? What is your biggest passion in life? Whatever it is, you can achieve it, but you must not only believe in Yourself, you must believe that nothing is too hard for God.

I may tremble and sometimes I might even falter, but I refuse to give up or give in. I am going to keep doing what I have been called to do. I am going to keep writing, keep sharing, keep striving to do better and be better. I do not want to leave this earth without having put my all into being the person I was designed to be. I believe great things are in store for me and for YOU!

If you want 2012 to be better than 2011, then get up, get moving and get started. No need to make resolutions, just do it. Friends, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead (Phillipians 3:13).

One last thing I want to leave with you: “…What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them (Mark 11:24). I don’t know about you, but I am grateful for the things the past has taught me, but I can’t look back; I won’t look back. I am expecting the best in my life and for my life because I believe. Won’t you believe too!

From God’s Amazing Girl
to Each One of YOU!

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Merry CHRISTmas to Each and Every One of You!