It’s been a difficult year for a lot of people…myself included. My family and I went through a lot this year…from my wife losing her job…to having to move back to California all the way from North Carolina a couple of weeks ago. 

Had a friend email this to me…and it really helped me…maybe it’ll give you a different perspective today;

Have you ever seen a palm tree in the midst of a great storm? That tree may be bent so far over that it’s almost touching the ground, but when the wind finally stops, that palm tree bounces right back up. What’s interesting is that while that palm tree is hunched over under the pressure of the storm, it is actually growing stronger?

The reason God said we’d flourish like a palm tree is because He knew there would be difficult times. He knew things would come against us to try to steal our joy and victory. God said, “You’re going to be like a palm tree because when the storms of life blow, you are going to come right back up stronger than before.” Nothing can hold you back! No weapon formed against you will prosper.

As you reflect on the events over the last year, remember, the storms you have encountered have only made you stronger. You are wiser, you are more alive, and you are headed for victory. You’re brightest days are right out in front of you! Always remember that with God on your side, nothing can hold you back!

Bouncing Back After the Storm by K-LOVE Radio

Is your church doing anything special this year for Christmas?  Maybe a nativity or an outreach of some sort. Please leave a comment and tell me all about it!

We all have those special family recipes that we have kept secret for so long.  It's time to let the recipe out of the bag and share yours.

Aunt Margaret’s

Banana Sour Cream Bread

From the Chandler Family

Ingredients 

·      3 cups white sugar

·      ¾ cup butter

·      3 eggs

·      6 very ripe bananas

·      1 container sour cream (16 ounces)

·      2 teaspoons vanilla extract

·      2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

·      ½ teaspoon salt

·      3 teaspoons baking soda

·      4 /12 cup all-purpose flour

·      1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions

1.     Preheat oven to 300 degrees…Grease four 7x3 inch loaf pans.  In a small bowl, stir together ¼ cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon with a pinch of powdered nutmeg.  Dust pans lightly with cinnamon and sugar mixture.

2.     In a large bowl, add cream, butter and 3 cups sugar.  Mix eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon.  Mix in salt, baking soda and flour.  Stir in nuts.

3. Fill pans…and bake for an hour or so…check periodically with a toothpick until it comes out clean.