Day Three - Choosing Faith Over Fine Things

Lk 2:12  
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (NIV)

And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (ESV)

This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” (MSG)

Too often during the Christmas season, we wrap our self-esteem in the quantity and quality gifts we give and receive. Most parents have struggled with whether or not to buy the gift your child desperately wanted but you couldn't quite afford. Likewise, most of us have had a time or two when we desperately wanted a gift but knew our spouse or parents wouldn't be able to afford it.

In one sense, it is natural to want to give and receive nice things. But let us soberly recall that focusing on our material things above our spiritual blessings is sinful. As you finish shopping, take some time to meditate on the importance of this fact: The best gift ever given in the history of mankind was born in a barn, wrapped in cloths and placed in an animal's feeding trough.

Thought questions:

• Why do you suppose Jesus was born into such humble circumstances? What is God trying to teach us through this? He was so truly humble himself to come and walk beside us here. It was a main theme in his entire life, and one that he repeated out loud many times. I think it's beautiful that he was born in a stable, and it is probably a bit too romantic for me. If my children were to have been born that way, I would probably be a bit anxious about it!  there IS A certain romance that all the paintings and images have brought to this scene. But I am pretty sure it was beyond surprising for the Jews in that day. For the teachers and shepherds and wise men and leaders, who were all expecting this king. Katie Davis had a lovely post on her blog last year (January 18th to be exact) about this thought.  
• ^Jn5:19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
• ^{Lk 14:7} When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: ⁸ “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. ⁹ If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. ¹⁰ But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. ¹¹ For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
• ^{Lk 18:14} “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
• ^{Lk 13:12} When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. ¹³ “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. ¹⁴ Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶ Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
• ^{Lk 22:24} A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. ²⁵ Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. ²⁶ But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. ²⁷ For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
• ^{MT 23:8} “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. ⁹ And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. ¹⁰ Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. ¹¹ The greatest among you will be your servant. ¹² For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
• What are some of the best non-material gifts that you have received?  I think just people sitting down with me in my home while I work are tremendous blessings. I love to be around people, but also have many things to do. I don't want to be rude by continuing to work, but there are a few who truly understand, and are willing to watch! I love that!! 
• What are some of the best non-material gifts that you have given?  I don't remember things that way, but I hear people say that they know I love people. I am glad for that, because there are days when I seriously WONDER!  I am glad I can convey my genuine love, even when I feel messed up inside.
• What are some gifts that God has given you this year?  God has given us new friendships and really great conversations about him. Thought provoking times!! He has also allowed us to see gaps with the kids and fruit in what we planted well. I love that! Those kids are such a blessing to us!
• What are some gifts you can give this Christmas that don't involve spending money?  Everything seems to involve money, even if it's a small amount. BUT - I did take in my little kindergarten friend to help his mom out. That was a joy for me to do. :)
• Are you overly reliant on material wealth for your joy, comfort and happiness?  Surely I am. I often fret over the things I'd like to see fixed or for the vision I have for my home - which seems farther away from reality each year. I am blessed beyond measure, but those little foxes come up and bite me on my heels all the time. I try to let it go, but I do feel there is a line between being materialistic and not being a good steward of the things he HAS given us already. I hate to see things fall into disrepair. Hopefully, those things can be fixed this year, but if they're not, it will all be ok. We are blessed to have our home.

Some FREE activities that may help to set you free:

1. Write a card to someone telling them how much you love them and why.
2. Use your talents to create a gift for someone.
3. Provide a service for someone: Help with yard work, do their laundry, make them a meal, wash their car, clean their house, etc.
4. Bake some cookies for a neighbor, your postman, the firemen at the local fire station, the folks at a local homeless shelter. Try giving a gift to a perfect stranger.
5. Visit a nursing home. Many elderly residents have few or no visitors during this season.
6. Watch The Little Drummer Boy. Whose gift was most appreciated?

Day Two - Choosing Faith Over Fatigue

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. (NIV)

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This was the first registration when^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³ And all went to be registered, each to his own town. ⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, (ESV)

2 ^1-5 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. (MSG)

How many of us can get tired over the holiday season? Baking, buying gifts, late night functions, long distance travel, hosting guests, struggling with the Christmas lights - the myriad of unique activities in the month of December can really take their toll!  The busyness associate with preparing for Christmas often contributes to a deep sense of fatigue that can rob us of our joy and even make us vulnerable to illness.

1. Joseph and his very pregnant wife had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. On their journey to Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary covered a distance of over 80 miles.

Thought questions:

• How many days do you think they traveled? How many hours of walking/riding do you think it took them?  From Scout hiking experience, an arduous trip is about 20 miles a day or more. Pacing it, would be more like 15 miles per day.  that's 5 1/2 days. No horses really back then, so horseback is out. Camel travel was between 16-25 miles per day? Not sure they were camel owners though. (A carpenter) Let's assume possible donkey...  20 miles per day. Considering the pregnancy, 4 days to 6 days.  
• Physically and spiritually, how do you think they sustained themselves on this rigorous trip?  I would think they would be using dried cakes, dried fruit, and bagged wine. I wonder if they could buy food from vendors, or if it was a picnic lunch everyday. 
• Consider taking a nice long walk today or tomorrow. As you finish up your walk, take a moment and compare it to the walk that Joseph and Mary took.
• Express your gratitude to the LORD, Sometimes our journeys aren't as hard as we make them out to be!

2. Joseph and Mary's journey wasn't optional. They were obeying Caesar's decree. In contrast, much of our stress and fatigue are self-induced.

Thought question:

• Are there some things that you should consider eliminating from your schedule this week that will reduce your anxiety?  This is a tough one. This year, I haven't felt nearly as stressed as I have in the past. I am almost done shopping and completely done shipping. THAT was expensive!!  I would really like to shop slowly and carefully all year long. That would be a blessing to have everything wrapped and shipping in mid-November!!!! Whoa.  I should probably lessen my desire to get presents for everyone. I am always wanting to bake more and give more, and this leads to me feeling like I am not making the mark. If I met the goals I set, I know I would feel joyful and content. So, I possibly need to lower my goals, and definitely need to plan better in advance.

3. Make a schedule of what you have to do. Share it with your family, pray about it, and come up with a fun family plan to work together to get the necessary things done.
I could have used that about 3 weeks ago! I really needed some help, but couldn't seem to slow down enough to ask for it or plan it out. Jim was pressing me on all sides it seemed to get things done. Sometimes telling me to get things done isn't really helpful at all!  We were able to resolve that, but it took a couple of days to work it out.
As you go about your day, consider this Proverb and what it means:
²¹ Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (NIV)
²¹ Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
    but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.(ESV)
²¹ We humans keep brainstorming options and plans,
    but God’s purpose prevails. (MSG)

4. This week, in the midst of the busyness, let's seek to fix our eyes on the simple, beautiful story of the birth of our savior. As we do, may we remember that we are deeply loved by God, and that this is "The Reason for the Season".

Day One - Choosing Faith Over Fear

The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The LORD is with you."  Mary was greatly troubled at his words...  (Luke 1:28-29)

Perhaps one of the most inspiring aspects of the nativity story is that Mary chose to faithfully obey God rather than give into her fears. God surely knew what He was doing when he selected Mary to be the mother of Jesus! Let's consider why she was chosen and what it means to find favor with God.

Luke 1:26-28

²⁶ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
²⁹ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
³⁴ “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
³⁵ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called^[a] the Son of God. ³⁶ Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. ³⁷ For no word from God will ever fail.”
³⁸ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (NIV)

²⁶ In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed^[a] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. ²⁸ And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”^{[b] 29} But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. ³⁰ And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
³⁴ And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”^[c]
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born^[d] will be called holy—the Son of God. ³⁶ And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. ³⁷ For nothing will be impossible with God.” ³⁸ And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant^[e] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.  (ESV)

 

^26-28 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:

Good morning!
You’re beautiful with God’s beauty,
Beautiful inside and out!
God be with you.

^29-33 She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.

He will be great,
    be called ‘Son of the Highest.’
The Lord God will give him
    the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob’s house forever—
    no end, ever, to his kingdom.”

³⁴ Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”

³⁵ The angel answered,

The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
    the power of the Highest hover over you;
Therefore, the child you bring to birth
    will be called Holy, Son of God.

^36-38 “And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”

And Mary said,

Yes, I see it all now:
    I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
    just as you say.

Then the angel left her.  (MSG)

 

 

Consider verse 38. What a humble, submissive attitude Mary had!

 

Do you think Mary had any idea what she was committing to?

I think she knew that God could move in many ways and she was willing to serve Him no matter what. She seems to be completely sold out to God. I don't think she knew the specifics, and that's read about later on... but because I've read the ending, I can assume that. She was so young, how could she know??  My study bible says she was ____

 

Have you ever considered what it was like for Mary, an unwed pregnant teem in a Jewish family?  

Yes, many times now that I have children. Being pregnant during the holidays in my first pregnancy really made me consider what Mary went through. I was in a safe place, with a husband who adored me, with a home around me, with a planned pregnancy that was not only planned but I felt had been difficult to conceive. What must Mary have gone through!! And on a donkey at 9 months trying to find a hotel?? Seriously, God??  THAT would have been a MAJOR fight in my home. Why didn't you call ahead?? What were you thinking, Joe? You couldn't make a plan for us, even knowing I'm about to POP????

 

Think about the suspicions and doubts she had to endure.

So God's been quiet some 400+ years, and a teenage girl walks in to tell me that God has impregnated her. RIGHT!! What is this child thinking??  It's a good thing Joseph backed her up quickly. God was so good to send him an angel to verify her story!!

 

Luke 1:39-56 

 

³⁹ At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, ⁴⁰ where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴² In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! ⁴³ But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵ Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
 
⁴⁶ And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

⁵⁶ Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. (NIV)

 

 

 

³⁹ In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, ⁴⁰ and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, ⁴² and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ⁴³ And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵ And blessed is she who believed that there would be^[a] a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” 
⁴⁶ And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
⁴⁹ for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
⁵⁰ And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
⁵² he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
⁵⁵ as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

⁵⁶ And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.  (ESV)

 

 

^39-45 Mary didn’t waste a minute. She got up and traveled to a town in Judah in the hill country, straight to Zachariah’s house, and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb leaped. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sang out exuberantly,

You’re so blessed among women,
    and the babe in your womb, also blessed!
And why am I so blessed that
    the mother of my Lord visits me?
The moment the sound of your
    greeting entered my ears,
The babe in my womb
    skipped like a lamb for sheer joy.
Blessed woman, who believed what God said,
    believed every word would come true!

^46-55 And Mary said,

I’m bursting with God-news;
    I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
    I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
    the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
    on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
    scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
    pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
    the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
    he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,    beginning with Abraham and right up to now.

⁵⁶ Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then went back to her own home. (MSG)

 

 

What character traits do you see in Mary that led God to choose her to be the mother of his son, the savior of the world?

She was quick to follow him and his plan. She left immediately. She just knew what to do! Gabriel had told her Elizabeth was pregnant, but not that she should go see her. She was clearly Spirit led here. Upon arrival, she trusted Elizabeth and was overjoyed the she KNEW! What a relief for a young girl trying to follow God. To have an older (much) mentor who was also willing to follow God with his unpredictable plans.

Mary was also quick to stop and praise God in all his goodness. To bring up MANY great things about God, and not just those that concerned her at this particular point in her life. She remembered God's great promises; his history with his people, his strength, his mercy, his expectations, his punishment for those who are hard-hearted.

 

Luke 2:1-7

 

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (NIV)

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This was the first registration when^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³ And all went to be registered, each to his own town. ⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,^[b] who was with child. ⁶ And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷ And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (ESV)

 

^1-5 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.

^6-7 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. (MSG)

 

 

For Mary to be favored by God meant great suffering as well as great honor. While the pregnancy and birth were not what you would expect for a king, it must have been amazing to witness the shepherds and Magi coming to visit her newborn baby. She was warned by Simeon that "a sword would pierce your own soul" (Luke 2:21-38), but she would be known for eternity as the mother of the Christ.

 

How has being used by God brought both honor and challenge into your life?

It definitely taught me how to honor my relationships with other people better. I feel my family has the best chance ever because of God in my life. It has allowed me to talk to others and help others, but it has also caused great hurts at times.  

 

When you weigh it all out, does not the blessing outweigh the difficulty?

Absolutely! I have been a part of a HUGE family of people that love and are willing to sharpen each other. I think people are alone and afraid. There are many who have very few truly deep friendships that are the kind that strive to make each other BETTER people. So many have decided to live and let live, to enjoy each other's follies, to think that it's not right to call someone else to becoming a better person with God as the magnet. I don't think I'm explaining myself well, but I know many people of faith who are still not ready to tell others around them how to become more Christ-like. It's all about love, but it feels more like tolerance and "like". For me, I feel very unloved if I completely blow it and no one tells me how to grow through that.

 

God saw qualities in Mary's heart and he chose her, despite her humble station in life and her circumstances. Sometimes we feel that God can't use us. Believe that God knows the qualities in your heart and he has chosen you for a special purpose.  (Eph 1:11-12)

 

 ¹¹ In him we were also chosen,^[a] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, ¹² in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. (NIV)

 

 ¹¹ In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, ¹² so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. (ESV)

 

^11-12 It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. (MSG)

 

I need to choose to believe!!

 

How has God shown you in your life that he has chosen you and favored you? 

I think God shows this to me through my friends voices. They are the ones who usually speak up and tell me that God is using me. I am so grateful for their encouragement!! I need to be more like that.

 

How can you prevent your fears from casting a shadow over God's choice to use you?

I need to find more security in God's words alone. He tells me all the time in his word that he loves me and that he has entrusted me with his precious secrets! I need to share the secrets of his kingdom, and listen to His Voice. I need to TRUST the bible, and not listen to the negativity in my own head that springs from all the lies I have believed. I have to CHOOSE to believe the truth and not a lie.

Christmas 2012

Holiday Activities and Ideas:

Movies:
The Nativity Story
It's a Wonderful Life - check!
A Christmas Carol
Elf - check! check!
Little Drummer Boy - check!
A Christmas Story

Veggie Tales: A Meaningful Life
Saint Nicholas, A Story of Joyful Giving
The Crippled Lamb (Max Lucado)

For Young Kids:
Act out the story of Jesus' birth
Make a birthday cake
Teach about the meaning and purpose of gifts (Acts 20:35), Go with them to pick out family gifts for family and friends. Allow them to give some toys or things to needy children or families.

For Older Kids:
Consider being in the place of Mary or Joseph. How would you respond?
Make gifts and write cards for teachers, friends, etc.
Go caroling - check!
Volunteer for one of the many community Christmas projects - check! check!


***  Be sure to review any movies prior to watching them with the kids!

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Pinewood Derby Prayer

Pinewood Derby Prayer:

Dear God,
May our cars be true, may our hearts be humble, may our friendships today be encouraging, may we sincerely root for each other and not only for ourselves, may we smile and shake hands in admiration of each others' best efforts - win or lose, and may we all leave today having made you proud that we have Done Our Best in both action and attitude.

Amen

I have things to say today.

I have many things I want to talk about sometimes, and then I have days and days and days when I feel like I have nothing to say. Today is one of my many thoughts days. So, I am posting separate thoughts on separate dates that are not today - usually in the past. Sorry if that confuses anyone, but this is my blog and I can do that! :)