Life Group

Every Monday morning, we have Life Group as my house. Life Group is basically a group of people from my church that are in about the same place in our spiritual journey all meeting up and having a time of fellowship and bible study.

Since Christmas, our Life Group was on hold to allow people time to be with their families, get over the holiday “buzz” and get back to real life. We were supposed to start meeting again January 10th….then the snow came. Nobody could even leave their homes, let alone come to our house for Life Group so we canceled that week, too.

Without my Life Group, I’ve been in a bit of a funk. I missed them. I missed the fellowship and the study and the food.

This week, we finally got to meet again and I’m starting to feel more myself. Although, to be honest, it wasn’t as much of a bible study as I would have liked. It ended up being more like a group of friends coming together and catching up. Which is great! But, I still miss the study portion. I can’t wait until our church starts offering more study courses that will allow me to learn and grow.

The Bible in 90 Days challenge is really bringing some questions to my mind, but I don’t know how to answer them on my own. My group has been great helping with that, though. Out of the 900+ ladies that all signed up to do the B90Days challenge, the group of women I was placed with for encouragement, support and friendship have been amazing. They are all so full of wisdom and from all different walks of life. It’s nice to hear their thoughts, their questions and their answers.

I guess I’m just in a mental “funk” and I will eventually come out of it.

On the up-side, I am off work tomorrow. For absolutely no reason. I don’t have to do anything! My husband also has the day off and we are just going to spend some time together. I am so looking forward to snuggling in bed, watching movies, and just hanging out. We haven’t gotten to do that in far too long and it’s much needed time together.

The “W” in Christmas

I received this email from a co-worker and I can’t help but pass it on to all of you. It took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes – I’m a girl like that.

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Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations — extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas..

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage — held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of thes ong. As the class would sing “C is for Christmas,” a child would hold up the letter C. Then, “H is for Happy,” and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, “Christmas Love.”

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter “M” upside down — totally unaware her letter “M” appeared as a “W.” The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one’s mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her “W.” Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in he chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

“C H R I S T W A S L O V E”

And, I believe, He still is.

Amazed in His presence… Humbled by His love.

May each of you have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on His Amazing Love

for us…

Have a blessed day!

Happy Birthday Jesus !!!!!!!!

Just a reminder this Christmas…

I just saw this online and it smacked me right in the face. Just a little something to remember this holiday season. 

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. 

Proverbs 31:8-9 

It all started when I visited Oh Amanda this morning. She reminded me that while we may not have everything just as we want it this Christmas, there are families in this world who are only asking for food or clothing this holiday season. My wants and “needs” are truly nothing compared to this. So, even though my bank account is in negative numbers and I have no cash, I still have more stuff than many of the poorest families have and I plan to do everything I can to help make Christmas special for at least one family in my local area. 

There are several things you can do to help others this holiday season. I’m going to borrow one line from Amanda and I know she won’t mind because this is her passion and I just want to pass it along. 

Look through Compassion’s Gift Catalog. Or World Vision. Or Samaritan’s Purse. 

Sponsor a Child in Jesus Name with Compassion

Compassion has over 2,000 kids waiting for sponsors.

If you want to give locally, ask your pastor if there is a family in your church that needs help or even go on Craigslist. I found several postings on Craigslist today from families that just want to give their child a Christmas tree this year and they are asking for a tree. They don’t want a Wii or an Xbox…They want a freaking tree

Help where you can and how you can. Even if all you can do is ask others to help, it’s something.