Weekly Newsletter Dec. 10

At home on Christmas morning is, without a doubt, the best time! Moms, dads, kids, come bounding down the stairs in their robes excited to see what's under the tree! Moms and dads watch the wrapping paper flying all over the place, and listen to the kids squeals of joy! 

Each year my brother David and I anxiously looked forward to Christmas morning! But in our household, there was a part of that special occasion we didn't like much. My father would not allow us to go to the tree until after we were dressed and had our breakfast. Can you imagine walking past a beautifully decorated tree with lots of gifts and having to sit down to a full breakfast first?? Oh, the agony! What kid wants breakfast when there are bunches of gifts and toys waiting?? 

There was a time (before I was born) when mom, dad and David would open Christmas gifts in their pajamas and robes. Hmmm, something changed in five years. I eventually asked my mother what the reason was for daddy's rule -- her response: "Your father said that you need to have a healthy meal before opening presents." Huh??!! For years I wondered if perhaps we had done something wrong.
 
David and I had no choice but to accept this change and for several years that's the way it was. For the record, mom was not happy about the change either.
 
Fast forward many years -- mom, David and I still talk about those Christmas mornings from time to time...but now we can laugh about it! 
 
James 1:2-4 tells us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

We are here to love God and all people so that all people may experience the

life-changing love of Jesus!

LOVE - We meet every weekend to experience God's love for us and show His love for others.

SERVE- We use our abilities, talents, skills, and passions for the good of others.

ENGAGE - We engage with friends to care for one another and to make new friends so they may experience God's kindness too. 

Heavenly Father, help us in times of need, to pray for change in ourselves and not our circumstances. Help us to understand that You have a Plan for each one of us. Guide us through the difficulties, help us to persevere. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

- Lynne Poindexter