Not a typical Christmas

This hasn't been a typical Christmas for us. This is the first year I wasn't running around worrying about last minute presents, in fact I didn't have to worry about presents at all this year. God presented our family with an awesome opportunity, instead of buying Christmas presents our family is leaving tomorrow for a 7 day mission trip. When the idea of not buying Christmas presents started to sink in I have to admit it really started to bother me. I started to fret and second guess myself. This second guessing didn't come because anyone expects gifts from us or because our kids were angry that there weren't any presents under the tree (they never once complained), but it came because I truly enjoy giving gifts.

As I sit here amongst the mess in my bedroom trying to pack for tomorrows journey, I realize that by falling God's call I learned how to enjoy Christmas in a way I would've never imagined. Usually I'm so busy with all my lists, making sure I spent evenly on the kids, worrying if everyone would like their gift, hoping not to duplicate and worst of all - fighting the crowds in the stores. But this year we didn't have any of that. We just enjoyed each other, we talked about the gift of Jesus more and we spent more time with family.

And I pray that as we leave tomorrow for Mississippi that we do more than just build a house. I pray we build relationships and that our relationship with our Heavenly Father is strengthened in ways we never dreamed possible. That our children see that the true gift, not just at Christmas but throughout the year, is the gift of helping and loving others; not because we have to, but because we choose to. I pray that the people we meet and those that just hear about what we are doing don't see us, but see Jesus Christ. I pray that these 7 days plant seeds that will impact lives greatly, seeds we may never even see bloom until we reach heaven.

I'm not sure if we'll have internet access in Mississippi, if we do I'll blog before I go to bed each night. If not I'll have lots to tell after the first of the year. In case I don't have access I want to challenge you as you make your New Year's Resolutions for 2010. In a fast paced society I challenge you to try and simplify your life, slow down and enjoy the little things in life. There is always going to be a bigger and better something out there, and chasing material things only leaves us empty.

Matthew 6: 19-21 says "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or - worse! - stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being."

I pray that you know that our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ has been pursuing a relationship with you from the beginning of time. There is no greater gift than the gift of love and salvation that He has to offer. He won't force it on you, but it is yours if you choose. No other king in the history of the world has stepped down from his throne. Over 2000 years ago He left all His glory to join us as a baby in a manager, not because He had to, but because He chose to. His love for us is immeasurable and will sustain you through all things.  His love will never fail, will never rust, can never be stolen.  He's waiting, if you listen closely you can hear Him calling your name, will you follow?