Check out these new Church at the Gate blogs…
Gate Post - Pastor Steve’s blog
Midnight Cry - Kristen’s prayer blog
GO Kids! - Tara’s children’s ministry blog
More to come… stay tuned.

Thanks to everyone who visited our 2007 City Christmas Blog!
We have great ideas already for next years Christmas Blog and are even very seriously thinking about launching an Easter Blog for the forty days leading up to Easter.
If you haven’t already, please share your email address with us through the “email updates” link to the […]

Ahh, the Friday before Christmas. Seems like the best time to plan the office Christmas party. While the conversations may be going on around you, thousands of messages are being sent non-verbally. This article gives you some tips and hints for reading the unspoken messages in the crowd around you. While […]

We are already talking about ideas for next year’s Christmas blog (we are even tossing around the idea of a 40 day Easter blog during the season of Lent). Your feedback, ideas and suggestions are very welcome. How can we make this THE place for people to congregate during these seasons? What type […]

You may have to watch a commercial first, but this video is worth the wait.
CNN: Best Christmas Gift Ever
God as our heavenly Father gets the award for the best Christmas gift ever - salvation through Jesus Christ. Who would get your vote for the best gift ever and what was it?

Nothing is as exciting for kids at Christmas time as presents. Kids can get in the spirit of giving by helping create great gift bags. Here are some links to cool kid projects on a Saturday afternoon.
Christmas Tree Gift Bag instructions
Reindeer Gift Bag instructions
Snowman Gift Bag instructions
Mitten Gift Bag instructions

Who are you going to miss this Christmas?

Tired of buying Dad a tie?
Are there 8 bottles of unused cologne in his bathroom?
Here is a list of rules we have borrowed and adapted to help you buy a gift for the man in your life.
Rules for Buying Gifts for Men
Rule #1: When in doubt, buy him a cordless drill. It does not matter […]

This video was nominated for YouTube’s video of the year. Since it was posted millions of people have watched 4 year old Heather sing about her brother Shaun who was stationed in Iraq. Shaun has come home, but this song still brings home the heart ache experienced by families who have loved ones stationed […]

This is the BEST sugar cookie recipe ever! Don’t double the batch, because you will eat them all.
The dough rolls out best if you let it chill overnight, so if you are planning on making them over the weekend start early.
PS Ace Hardware has the best selection of cookie cutters around town.
White […]

Back on November 28, we asked a question in our poll for the day. The question was - What one area of Christmas did you have the most trouble with in 2006? Of the 88 people who responded, 22 said that the hectic schedule was the biggest headache. In response to that we submit the […]

What can you do to bring some Christmas cheer to someone else this season??? Have you considered…….
Caroling, caroling now we go
Christmas bells are ringing!!!
It may seem like a simple gesture but is a sure way to brighten up someone’s day! Grab some friends and spend some time going to those who are unable to get […]

Hey Kids! Santa loved Jesus too!  And his relationship with God was the very thing that made him want to give gifts to people.  Here’s a great website that let’s you write to him and get a letter back.  You’ll find loads of fun games and stories about Santa and the whole North Pole crew.
This […]

Last night I went out for an evening walk in beautiful Sioux Falls, SD.  My gait was more than jubilant due to a joyous hopeful optimism welling up within me.  So joyous was the atmosphere that my arms were swinging at least two inches higher than normal. No suprise really from the crisp look of the sky and the fresh […]

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.” Matthew 7:1-2 (The Message)

Ebenezer Scrooge and the […]

DISCLAIMER - If you’ve got believers in the house…scroll past this entry.
Several years ago, when our daughter was 7, she finally asked her mom the question. She did have an interesting slant on the matter when it persued it. Here’s the dialogue:
Kate: Mom, is Santa real?
Mom: Well, Kate, what do you think? (This question buys […]

After much consideration and long deliberations, the winning name has been chosen for our penguin. We waited a week to give everyone a chance to weigh in, and this contest was by far our most commented on blog entry.
Thanks to everyone who contributed, and congratulations to Joe! Our penguin has been named Peng Nguyen. (For […]

“The turkey was a little dry”, but this cookie recipe will knock your socks off!

Best Ever Oatmeal, Coconut, Chocolate Chip Cookie
1 1/4 c. oatmeal
1 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 c. flake coconut
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. oil
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix all dry ingredients together in bowl. Then add […]

At our house there are a few treasured ornaments that everyone wants to have the priviledge of hanging on the tree. One of those is a ornament that depicts the Real Santa Claus. When the kids were very little, we began the telling the story of the real Saint Nicholas and how he […]