Christmas presents

I remember my first mission trip to Arizona. It was emotionally and physically the most difficult trip to date, of all of my trips. Somehow my zeal for missions was exponentially increased. Definitely a "God thing."

One day, during a devotional time, God gave me a scripture that I immediately internalized. "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:37-38. I recall where I was sitting, the smell of the air, the color of the sky, tinged with the rays of the setting sun. In my heart, at that moment, I vowed to take up my cross and follow my Savior at any cost. For me, it is and always has been a no-brainer.

Other scriptures elude me, regardless of how I try to embody them. I've always related to Martha more than Mary. Generally--at home, at work, at church, I'm the one running around, cleaning up dishes, cooking dinner, setting things up, tearing things down, making sure everything is running smoothly for the feast. I've read, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. I've tried to put Jesus' yoke on. I've recited this scripture countless times. I've begged God for His yoke. I've cried bitter tears, wondering why God would forsake me and not allow me rest.

This Christmas, God gave me a gift--actually many gifts--for which I have been asking. Looking at the past few months, I've actually had the gifts and have been walking in them. I spent much of Christmas day with the Jacksons. I had the opportunity to talk trash on my pastor as my team beat his at "Deal or No Deal." I was heckled by him as my Cowboys were crushed by his Eagles. I really enjoyed my Christmas--no stress, no weirdness, no aggravation. As I was driving home down Rt. 70, I heard Matthew 11:28-30. And I realized that I now have Jesus yoke. My soul is truly at rest.

When you are where God has called you to be, doing what He has created you to do, your soul can rest. It is the natural effect of walking in His will. For the first time in my life, I am not looking for the next opportunity to jet off to another place in the world. I am satisfied in NJ because I know that this is where God wants me. He hand-picked The Sanctuary, Pastor John, Voorhees Township to be in my life for such a time as this. Yes, my family life is chaotic at best. Yes, I need a less temporary job. But, even in those tings I find favor in my Savior's sight. Because I am where God has called me to be, doing what He's called me to do.

Merry Christmas!

Last night at the Christmas Eve service, Pastor Kathy showed us a figurine of Santa kneeling at the manger. It really struck me that someone thought to make something in which Santa honored Jesus. So, I present this image to you today.

I hope and pray that you have a blessed Christmas. I pray that the Lord blesses you with peace and joy on this, His birthday.

Merry Christmas!

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David's throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the LORD Almighty

will accomplish this.

Christmas Eve

What a day. I am so overwhelmed by everything. Our Christmas Eve service was so us. The music was really lovely. The scripture reading was eventful. The poetry was awesome. I was taken aback by the way that our service celebrated who Jesus is. Not only what He did, but who He is. I cannot overemphasize that. Wow.

I lost my voice. That is a problem. Because I didn't realize how much I like to talk until I couldn't. It's coming back, though. Thank God.

I got some cool gifts. I got a journal to help me write the book I've begun. I have sketched out the skeleton of the book--the general direction of the book and chapter names. Don't worry. I'll share. I also got a cool necklace that Natalie made for me. It has magnetic beads...hopefully I'll be coordinated enough to wear it gracefully. It's really, really cool.

Colleen and I went to lunch and had our standard conversation. "Wow. Can you believe that this is where we go to church?" "Wow. How awesome was that service?" "Wow." To put this in perspective, it's been over six months since I've been attending The Sanctuary. And for six months, after church, I stand amazed that God has placed me in this place. A place where my pastors invited me over to their house for Christmas. A place where I see people thriving in who God has called them to be, no matter who that person may be. Wow.

Tonight I went to Hammonton United Methodist Church for their Christmas Eve service. If you live in the area, you should check out that church. The pastor is a friend of mine, and she is a woman who is after God's heart. Again, I left the service saying, "Wow!"

God is awesome. Nothing more can be added to that statement.

The Nativity Story/Christmas

What an amazing day.

The Nativity Story was a great hit. We had about 175 people, give or take a few. I didn't know what to expect when I went into the theater. Yeah, I'd seen the trailers. But the movie was great. I only saw about 2/3 of the movie, with policing my niece and nephew and trips to the potty. But, what I saw was great.

Today was a colliding of my worlds. People from ROL were in attendance; my aunt, niece and nephew were there; people from The Sanctuary were there. Seeing Coach, Dawn, Bonnie and Joanna made me emotional...I realized how much I really miss them. But, I also realized how much I belong where I am. I wouldn't go back for all of the money in the world.

My pastor made a great impression on my family. Isaac said, "He's cool." My aunt said, "He's wicked nice." Isaac doesn't just say that people are cool without coaxing. So he meant it. And my aunt doesn't like people, so when she says someone is nice, she means it.

I just found out that my parents are going to grandmom's for Christmas day. And my sister is planning on spending the day in her jammies. So, I'm looking to be adopted for the day. I wash dishes, and I'm a pretty good cook. If you're interested in my presence, let me know. LOL

**Edit** I've been adopted for the day. I have the best friends and the best church in the entire world :-)

Christmas magic

Today I was reminded of the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child. My aunt and I went to Macy's in Philadelphia. We saw the light show. When I was a child, one of my fondest memories of my grandfather was the time that he took my sister, my aunt and me to the light show--at the time, we went to Wanamakers. We took the train, so I remember walking up the stairs, the smell of the city, new to my nose, and all of the people.

The light show hasn't changed all that much...the twinkling lights, the order of the songs, the wide-eyed wonder of a large crowd of children, watching an amazing display. I was a seven-year-old child again mesmerized. I have to admit...I thoroughly enjoyed seeing life through the eyes of a child again.

Then we walked through the Dickens' Village, also in Macy's. It was lovely...a walk-through rendition of A Christmas Carol. Very nice. Even though I expected it, the end part when Scrooge has his change of heart always makes me cry. The jolly old guy who told me "Bah humbug" when I refused to sit on Father Christmas' lap...he's another story. I wanted to sock him.

I love Christmas. It is my favorite time of the year. And, for this adult, some of the magic has been recpatured.

It helps that I am falling more deeply in love with my Savior each day as well.

Busy, busy day

The four scariest words strung together are the following: I read your blog.

Since I am so shy and introverted, and I don't write all that much, I always have to wonder: what is it that I said?!?!?!?!

Today was awesome, amazing, fabulous, fantastic...I could go on and on. Beth, Ehrin and I delivered the presents to Voorhees Township. After we spoke with Grace, we ran into the Director of Economic Development. He and Grace were talking about us, and one of them said, "They are a great addition to our community, aren't they?" Wow. We're not only the church that gives, but now we're also "a great addition to the community." It just gets better and better.

Then we went over to the trailer to see our friend Val. She and the ladies loved the cookies. They wanted to know about the church. We had a good time kibbitzing with them. I look forward to seeing what God develops over the next few months.

After I left Beth and Ehrin, I delivered some cookies to the VTPD. The dispatcher who accepted the cookies appeared perplexed. But I think that they'll wind up enjoying the cookies as well. I also went to the new Christian bookstore in the Eagle Plaza. I had a nice chat with the woman who works there...her husband is a pastor in Camden. That store has a little bit of everything.

I actually accomplished everything on my mental to-do list. So, it's free sailing from here on out. Rumor has it that I start working at the salon tomorrow. That should be interesting.

Christmas

There are some days when I am utterly and totally amazed at what God does. And then there are days like today. Days when there are literally no words.

The Sanctuary is, by far, the most generous church that I've attended. We adopted two families this Christmas. God's not only supplied every request made, I'm fairly certain that their expectations have been exceeded!!! Tomorrow I have the opportunity to take the items, along with two beautiful women from my church, to the township. I am completely astonished by the generosity of this group of people. I can only imagine how overwhelmed the township will be. The families...I can't even fathom.

Today at lunch, a "chance" encounter occured. Colleen and I ran into old friends from our old church...my former pastor's sister and her family. It was awesome because there was no weirdness, no awkward pause. It just was. Movie tickets were offered...they will be coming to see The Nativity Story along with Jim and Dawn, her parents. I cannot wait. God has done so much healing in the past two months. I actually want them to come to the movie. Just because I want to see them, love them, hug them...it's amazing how sometimes I don't realize that I miss people until I see them. Weird, eh?

Lessons learned by the Grinch

Well, tonight was my first Sanctuary Christmas party. I learned a few valuable lessons that will not leave my memory for a long time, and I have some thoughts about life in general that I think it's time to divulge.

First of all, I learned not to have a bad attitude about games. If you do, you will be labeled The Grinch. Literally. You'll have to wear the tag on your back and then on your arm. For the whole night.

Secondly, I learned that calories cannot and must not be considered real on the night of a gathering of the people of The Sanctuary. I thought that I did pretty well with my eating tonight. However, I am avoiding sharp objects at all costs because I'm afraid that if I come into contact with a sharp object that I may pop.

I think that the person who invented the chocolate fountain is evil incarnate. Who can resist flowing chocolate? If you are one of the ten people in the world who don't like chocolate, shame on you :-) Seriously, though. If you add together the flowing chocolate and the handmade marshmallows, you have a PMS dream come true. (Sorry gentlemen. But...yeah...it's true.)

Seriously. I've been to some church functions involving food. But I've never been to a function where the people brought so much food that two trays of food were thrown in the trash. Usually people bring a bit of this and that. But at The Sanctuary, we all bring enough food to feed the entire clan. Oh yeah. Did I mention that all of the food was out of this world??? Usually I find something about which I can complain, because I am a food snob. Not tonight.

I was so apprehenisve about going to the party. I always have anxiety about being in groups of people. I love people, but I'm not good at small talk and mingling. I'm just not a good mingler. But tonight was awesome. God has placed me in such a great group of people. Quirky, funny, caring, generous, compassionate.

I thank God for The Sanctuary. I've said it before, and I'll probably say it a million more times. It is what I always thought church could be, but never thought it would be.

O Holy Night

I love Christmas. And I love this song. Happy listening.