FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

 Laura’s Reflection: Be still….

Is it even possible to be still during the Holy Christmas Season?  No matter how I tried not to get caught up in the cookie baking, gift buying, family dinners, Christmas parties, carols to be sung, decorations be hung…I found I just could not escape it all but then I found out that I need some of it.  I need to laugh with friends and family and bake my grandma’s cookies to give to my oldest grandson. Dominick gets a special stash all his own (don’t tell my other 5 grandchildren please).  There was no option, I had to order all the pajamas for my dad to give to his great-grandchildren from age 1 to 21. It wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t get new pajamas from their 95 year old great-grandpa Bob. The traditions that I can carry on during the toughest times will bring the greatest joy.

I found as I turned on the switch to conversations, hugs and silly games…it turned off a switch of fear of the future which tries to overtake me. Even through this very painful season of watching my husband suffering, I’m learning that there is joy and peace in the midst of the pain. That God is with us and nothing can separate us from His love.  There is only one hope for a rescue. JESUS, born on that Christmas morning in a humble manger.

So, while it is important to BE STILL, it’s just as important to CELEBRATE—Jesus Christ, Emmanuel. 

And as long as we live in Him, we need not fear the future, because Christ is already there.

Isaiah 43:1-3  

But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel;

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”

Be Still & Be Blessed!

Laura

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

IN MEMORY OF JERRY RUBLY

Gail Rubly lost her beloved husband Jerry on December 10th. He fought the good fight and now is in heaven in the Lord's arms. Our love and support go out to Gail and her family. They will be having a private family ceremony in the first of the year. 

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." Psalm 107: 29-30

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black * Lucy Brooks * Marie Bryant * Rick & Kathy Diedrich * Michael Gagliardi* Barbara Groneck * Jay & Vernessa Hartland* Fred Keener *Violet O'Leary * Don Tingley *Serena Williams son-in-law Steven