For better or for worse, we all like "reality" television. There is something we get out of seeing real people going through amazing obstacles and life changes. We also like to see people be rewarded or acknowledged for achieving some great feat, moral or otherwise. Even televison award shows, such as the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (the Emmy Awards), now offer statuettes for "Outstanding Reality/Competition Program"

These shows help us build ourselves up or encourage others in some form, shape or fashion. Various programs encourage us by showing the underdog winning the grand prize, while other programs make us feel grateful that we're not "as bad off" as those participating on national television! In the end, though, we like to cheer people on, and that is sometimes the best feeling in the world!

With that in mind, the Singles channel wants to take a page from reality series book.

Do you have a story you want to share about yourself or someone else? Do you have an "Extreme Makeover" that you want to share? Maybe a "Survivor" story to tell about a recent vacation or expedition of some kind? Has a "Blind Date" turned into finding the One? Do you have a funny or inspiring "Trading Spaces" household move you want to tell us about? If you do, we want to hear about it and feature it on UCD.

To make your submission:

1. Your story must be at least 250 words.

2. Must include your name, sector and/or region

3. Photos are a HUGE PLUS, but not required!

 Send all submissions to mizcrank@ucd.net ! 

Every year, many of us around the world take ourselves to task. Flashbacks of a year gone by swim through our minds: trials and tribulations; strengths and weaknesses; laughter and tears. Promises to make significant life changes for the better becomes our new personal anthem. Nothing will get in our way...not this year!

Yes, it's called the "New Year's Resolution."

How are we doing thus far?  With all great intentions, we have started the new year off with a bang! We've gone to the gym and/or exercised for the first time in a long while. We've repented of being selfish, lazy or debaucherous! We've shared our faith every single day!

However, for many of us, we've already experienced a sense of defeat. Temptation has reared its ugly head.  One of us has had that piece of chocolate we promised we wouldn't touch. One of us has missed having that special time in the morning with God. A day went by where you forgot to share your faith. By mid-January, the bang we felt at the beginning of the year has now become a whimper. ...

Editor's Note:  If the name J Brian Craig sounds familiar to you, it may be that you've seen a few of his songs on our Church's songbook.

JOSEPH'S SONG (CHRISTMAS TIME)
-This is a song I wrote after having our first son, Jameson. I started thinking, as Christmas came around that year, what it must've been like to have been Joseph. Having responsibility for a new child is already such an amazing thing. You want everything to go just right...no exposure to second-hand smoke or too much caffeine, you take the birthing classes, you make all the arrangements with the hospital. Imagine now that the responsibility is not just for any child, but for the Savior of the world!

Joseph's Song (Christmas Time)

Moon high
Baby low
Sweep down
Save our souls
No room
No light
No inn open to stay,
Every place so crowded this night

Low looks
High hopes
Nine months
So slow
People
Prideful
O they stopped and they stared,
How they glared, thinking we're in shame

Christmas time...
...

I never thought I would say this,  but one of the greatest things I am most grateful for this year is that "God disciplines those he loves"....as Max Lucado writes..."Jesus loves me the way I am but he doesn't want me to stay that way" but instead be transformed into his likeness. He doesn't do this overnight (although he could) but instead He accomplishes this through time and relationships. I can say that so much about my personal life but also as a church family. God has great hope for us.

I am grateful for my incredible boyfriend, Todd Paszkowski. We started dating August 21, 2003. Its amazing because we have had our "bumps" but even then God allows those times to resolve and rely on God's love to forgive, grow and move on....and grow deeper in love.

I am truly simply greateful for life, my family and church family and friends. I am grateful for the people I am going to meet.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving yourself. P.S. I am thankful for UCD and all you paid and unpaid staff that help us stay connected and informed!

Higinia Guardiola
Austin Int'l Church of Christ

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Hi there!  Thanks very much!  I am from Zimbabwe, and as you might know, my country is going through very difficult times.  God has been to good to me.  At first, things were not good for me  .But now,  financially, I am doing very well.  I have managed to rise at work.  THANKS BE TO GOD!!! Prayerfully, I  will be dating early next year.

Bhekuzulu Sibanda

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I'm thankful for being aware of my sins and how my sins disgust GOD.  Also, for having the power through God to repent so that everyday I can learn something new about myself and the people around me.

Danny Sanders

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