I hope everyone had a wonderful and glorious Christmas. Please remember the reason for the season: the birth of Christ.  Yes, Christmas is over, but the manger in Bethlehem really happened. Never forget that Jesus came down for us. God is so good.

Thought for today: Want fresh strength for each new day? Want to run and not be weary? The key is to trust in the Lord (see Isa 40:31 NLT). (Joseph Prince)

Congratulations to Duran South 7^th Grade Boys’ Basketball Team who won the Odenville Christmas Tournament Championship. The team ended the season with a 14-1 record. Michael Snow was named MVP of the Tournament and Caleb Groce was named as one of the All-Tournament Team Members. Team coach is James “Coondog” Causey. Assistant coach is Wendell Young. Congratulations guys for an awesome season!

Also, congratulations to Duran North 8^th Grade Girls’ Basketball Team who won the Odenville Christmas Tournament Championship. Madison Farris was named MVP for the Tournament and Heaven O’Neal was named as one of the All-Tournament Team Members. Coach is Brittany Gillison.

This team went 8-0 for an undefeated season. Congratulations to you girls for an awesome season.

A special birthday wish for my grandson, Ryan Snow, who celebrated his day on Dec. 21.  Other birthday wishes to Kristian Reaves on the Dec. 23, Linda O’Shaughnessy and Chase Reaves on Dec. 27, and to Jamie Cline on the Dec. 31. Happy birthday to Erskine Smith, Bill Ervin, Jamie Jack, Sandra Carruth, LaVette Hazelwood, Rogers McDaniel, Warren Smith, Chloe Baker, Brooklyn Black, David Garrett, David Jensen, Sue Smith, Lyle Harmon, Wanda Roe, James Butler, Joan Campbell, Paige Edwards, Piper Mitcham, Michael Fambrough, Lillian Fambrough, Glover Pope, Kaitlyn Rich, and Scott Edwards.

My son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Barbara Vaughan, had family  over to their home for Christmas Day fellowship. We enjoyed the food and being with our family. In attendance, were Annette, Tommy, Michael and Kayla Snow, Jennifer and Jesse Elders, Eli and Summer Vaughan with children, Dax, Sawyer, Lennox, and Breck, Emily and Nick Doty with children McKiley and Harper, Ruth Bush and Harold and Delain Vaughan.

Victory Church had a beautiful Candlelight and Communion Service on Christmas Eve. The Worship Band, led by Brian Reaves, led the congregation in beautiful Christmas songs to praise and glorify the first coming of Jesus.

Congratulations to Victory Christian School’s Abraham Sargent who signed a baseball scholarship with Mississippi College. Abraham is the son of Tracy and Stan Sargent, grandson of Bill and Jane Gray and Steve and Shirley Sargent. Congratulations Abraham! 

On Dec. 27, 1941, the federal Office of Price Administration initiated the first WWII rationing program: No driver would be permitted to own more than five automobile tires. To conserve rubber and gasoline, the national Victory Speed Limit was 35 mph. I actually remember this very well. I was 11 and of course, couldn’t drive, but remember when it pertained to my parents.

On Dec. 31, 1968, the Soviet Union’s TU-144 supersonic airliner made its first flight.  

Remember: “Life can overwhelm us at times, and we have to turn to God for wisdom and strength when the curve balls come at us.” (Joe McGee). Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful blessing.

Be safe for the New Year.  Pray daily for our country, its leaders and for Israel. I know many of you had family come for the holidays. Please let me know about your wonderful gatherings. Contact me at 205-338-7746 or email information to annette_snow@yahoo.com.