I get to go home to Georgia in about two weeks! I've posted this picutre of my adorable DJ wearing his santa hat because I am really excited about this Christmas. Thanksgiving was only yesterday but I am already looking forward to being with my family. I've tried to resist the urge to buy all kinds of Christmas gifts for friends and family now that I have a stable job. Last Christmas, I gave hardly any presents because I had no money. But it is very tempting now and I'm trying to figure out how to steward money well. What types of gifts will endure and are actually worth giving? I've thought about supporting World Vision or Advent Conspiracy to provide farm animals and drinking water to poorer countries, but I guess a part of me likes receiving a gift I can use or cherish myself. Is that selfish? Sigh...
I just received a really cool gift from my Aunt, it was a clear plastic container with 5 types of beans, a seasoning bag and a recipe for bean soup. The container is reusable, the soup will be yummy and clearly the gift isn't just something she bought. She knows I like to cook and it really made me pause and be grateful for her thoughfulness. Now if only I could come up with great ideas like that for all the people I'd like to bless this Christmas.
On Sunday, I'm going to go down to Skid Row with my church, Christian Assembly to distribute blankets, socks, and clothes to the homeless. Every year we bring a hot meal and offer prayer to anyone who will accept it. I used to go every week back when I lived in Highland Park and it really helped me to see and understand what Jesus meant when he said to love the least of these. The most amazing thing is how far a little love can go...we witnessed people on skid row coming to faith and even those who had spent years there, breaking down crying as they heard that Jesus still loved them no matter what mistakes they had made in the past. The transformation isn't just limited to those we sought to serve, but many of the volunteers say that their faith has been deepened by seeing God manifest himself unmistakably. Please keep this ministry in prayer.
Merry Christmas and may the Lord Jesus Christ be glorified by all the nations!
