How do you overcome challenges with triumphs?  Lately I've been asking myself that question. Here's what I know and believe, just when you think your stuck in the mud and can't get out, there is grace. Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry".  There are many small business owners around the country who have closed their doors or minimized their services because of the Coronavirus.  Employees have been laid off, and families are struggling to pay bills.  Where is God in all of the pain, grief and loss? I have trials also, and right now as I am publishing this post, it's been the first post this month because of things that happen out of my control.  Our company is located in the middle of a corn field in Nebraska, so I run my publishing company out of my home, that's a good thing, but sometimes there are limitations, and we get through the "challenges with triumphs".  Lately a challenge has been internet service, it's a way we connect with you. So if you are reading this post, will you consider giving some praises with me to God, that we can continue reaching our families and seniors with great hope.   I believe whatever situation we experience in life God's promises are true.  "He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along".  Psalm 40: 2 
I started giving praises to God for the struggles and triumphs.  

"Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered.  It keeps no record of wrongs." 1 Corinthians 13:1 

Caring for a loved one who has limitations both physical and mental can be stressful for the caregiver and family members, but it doesn't have to be.  Everyone deserves your very best, time and love through every situation.  Too many times our lives are impacted by rushed society and things of the world that are less important.  Life is too short to miss opportunities to be kind in everything you do.  Remember when someone reached out in your time of need, it's time to share the love.  I used to work in a long term care facility, as a certified nursing assistant.  Everyday I was welcomed by a gentle smile, and hand to hold, and a story shared from the past.  Because they have aged, isn't a reason to see them less, or dismiss their life until their last day.  It's today, it's now, don't let one more day go by without reconnecting with your aging loved one.  Parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends, and so many more people who did and are still making a difference. Let them know they are loved. 

Do you have a resolution for the New Year? Have the experiences you've been through the last 10 years changed your direction for your future? The last 10 years have been small and big blessings for our family.  We had 5 graduations 2 college including my own in 2013 when I received my Bachelors Degree, a long term goal that came true.  Our children graduated from high school, went onto college, found their careers, then moved to different states of Nebraska, Iowa, and North Dakota.  There were many joys an challenges in the last ten years, including career changes, illness, and death.  I started a small Business Senior Lifestyle Advantage and have published 10 magazines since Fall of 2016.  I couldn't have imagined the future or circumstances that we would face.  We have traveled, and met many people who have become our friends.  But some of our friends and family passed away in 2019, 2018, 2017.  My dad and Scott's mom passed away in 2017 and 2018. I didn't know how could write, or express my joy when I was so sad.  But God had another plan for me. When I trusted him, he showed me day by day, even when I couldn't understand or see. 

So how do we keep momentum and focus for this year?  Whatever your circumstances God longs to comfort you, heal you, and give you peace, joy, and hope fix your eyes on Jesus.  I know and believe this to be true.  We are all living making differences for each other, I hope you experience joy this year and always.  
"May the God of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 

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The Anticipation of Christmas By: Pastor Kahn 
 
As I opened my eyes one Christmas morning, it was still dark in my bedroom. A thought came into my head. Should I go sneak a peek under the Christmas tree, or go wake up my mom so we could open all the presents?
As a fifth grader, the latter seemed like the only reasonable option for Christmas morning. For weeks I had waited with anticipation for my gifts, hoping that one of my presents was a black basketball jersey that read “Jordan” in red letters. I had wanted it so bad and hoped that my mom picked up on the many subtle (or not so subtle) hints that I gave her. It didn’t take long to see it laying under the Christmas tree, with the red “Jordan” and the red “twenty-three” clearly visible. I had waited sooooooo long and finally it was mine!
I think we have all, at one time or another, felt the anticipation of the approaching holiday season. What we tend to forget in the anticipation and preparation is the real reason for Christmas.
During this time of year, we forget that the main reason for celebration is the miraculous act of Jesus Christ making himself nothing, being born in the likeness of man (Philippians 2:7). We forget that this baby, thirty-three years into His sinless life, was put on a cross as the ultimate payment for our greed, selfishness, gossip, and self-righteousness (all things that tend to happen when we focus on the materialistic aspects of Christmas). May I suggest our anticipation not be about the things that will only last on earth, but instead celebrate the one that, after the cross, conquered death and restored our relationship with God. I’m looking forward to celebrating Jesus’ miraculous coming to earth and am also looking forward with anticipation to when I’ll see Him again. 

 It's Tuesday morning, are you excited for the day?  Do you have all of the answers? God tell us that he is the potter  "Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand". Isaiah 64:8.  He is going to make your day, life, business, relationships into something beautiful if you just trust him.  We are a work in progress, and God's work is not finished until Jesus returns. So give thanks for every day you have to be with your family and know that God is still doing great work through you and them. 

Seasons change us.  We all are going through something in life.  Celebrations, becoming a new grandparent, getting married, a new career, moving to another home, attending a loved ones funeral, or even bearing cancer.  Do you wonder why? If God is so good, then how can he allow good an evil in our world? Sometimes it isn't easy to understand, but we live in a fallen world.  Imagine how life would feel if sin didn't exist, it would be perfect as referred to in Genesis Chapter 1:31 "And God saw everything that he had made, and it indeed was very good.  And then there was evening and there was morning on the sixth day".  God did make the world perfect, until Adam and Eve sinned.  So evil and sin exists since the beginning of time.  But don't loose hope, because God still loves us. He knows we can never be perfect, but asks us to trust in him, and give him the glory for our life.  He sent Jesus Christ to forgive our sins.  It's through grace, and believing Jesus is the Savior, that you will have eternal life.  There is hope of better things to come.  Romans 8:18 "The pain that you've been feeling, can't compare to the joy that's coming". God wants you to do your best and let him do the rest, because he loves you. 

If you have any questions or comments, or prayer requests, please contact us today. infor@slamagazine.com 

On September 11, 2001, the terrorist attack killed 2,996 people immediately. This number includes the 2,977 victims and the 19 hijackers who caused the attacks. Of these 2,996 people, 246 people died on the airliners that flew into the World Trade Center, Pentagon and the field in Pennsylvania.

Left behind were family, friends, and everyone who lived and loved the people who were killed that fateful day.  Do you remember where you were when you heard the news? I remember standing in our wood shop going to get bakery items out of the freezer, and over the radio I heard an announcement of a plane that hit the Twin Towers in New York City.  I was alarmed, and ran inside to check on our children.  My husband and I were both standing in the living room when we observed the second plane live on TV hit the second tower.  It just brought me to my knees in tears.  Everyone who lived through that day has a different experience.  When you looked up into the sky it was silent.  Even through such a horrible tragic event, God was there, he is always good, and love will always rule. 

Who is your greatest teacher? Someone you can count on, who knows you more than anyone else.  Is it your best friend, your parents, spouse, or child? Who knows you better than anyone else? Hold onto hope. As I have aged, I am still learning, still praying and asking God for another day.  All of us suffer from pain, illness, and challenges, but the greatest teacher has shown me to trust him. Are you praying for a breakthrough? Be encouraged, we have the joy of knowing that God keeps his promises, hears and answers our prayers. 

Somehow through all of my struggles, and changes, God has showed me to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding". Proverbs 3:5-6

Resurrection
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21 ​

Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.”Mark 16:6 | NIV | ​