Ephesians 2- Part 2

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Study and learn. Be changed.  Ephesians 2 Made Alive in Christ 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not
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Our Christmas letter to you..

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Dec. 15, 2010
Dear Friends and Family,
Another year has flown by. So many things have happened; some good and some ..not so good. January 8, 2010, John-Michael turned 6 years old and had his yearly MRI and there was no significant growth in the tumor. Good news! His next MRI will be 1/13/11 and we expect the same news. We enjoyed 3 different snow storms, well as much of a snow storm as Georgia gets. The kids had fun with snow/ice ball fights, making snow angels, and miniature snowmen. Russell took Noah to see a Braves game, and they actually placed decent ball this year. Aunt Linda and Uncle Carl were able to visit with us…all the way from Oregon. Russell took Noah to Franklin, North Carolina for Noah’s 12 birthday. They enjoyed seeing Steven Curtis Chapman in concert one night and seeing the hysterical, family-friendly comedian, Tim Hawkins, the next night. For several months, our 15 year old Chihuahua, Lupe’, had health issues. She passed away 3 months ago. We really miss her. Russell and I celebrated 21 years of marriage…how is that possible? Time does seem to speed up the older we get. Instead of going to Gulf Shores, Alabama for vacation, we headed east to Folly Beach, South Carolina. The kids loved boogie boarding! We got Mama Joan to come with us. We loved her company! Six weeks ago we got a new puppy, Olivie’, a Papillion-poodle. We found out after having her a week that she is deaf. She is doing great with understanding sign-language and is a very smart pup! We had an unexpected, devastating loss to our family. Our nephew, Michael Pate, will be greatly missed until we see him again in Heaven. Thank goodness we do not morn without hope. I ran my 1st half-marathon, thanks to the encouragement (peer pressure  ) of my good friend, Kathy Lee. Madeline celebrated her 10 birthday a few days ago by watching the movie, Tangled, with a few of her best buddies.
Now doing the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we pray you have good health and feel God’s presence. Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
With Love,
Russell and Rachel
(Noah, Madeline, and John-Michael)

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