December 30, 2007

The Blessings of Neighborhood

(Note: This is a follow-up to our 2007 update. This will all make more sense if you read that entry first!)

With our finances strained as we headed into the holiday season, we sat the kids down to let them know that things were going to be different this Christmas. We explained that our current situation was an opportunity to focus on serving others and not on what "stuff" we would be getting for Christmas.

What we learned in the weeks to follow is that sometimes serving others means being willing to accept God's blessing through them. We have seen God provide not only for our finances but for our spirits. It seemed that whenever we felt at our ropes end, there would be a note, a card, a conversation, a call or a ringing door bell - each with some token of God's presence and persistent care through willing and giving neighbors, friends and family! The story of God's provision isn't about a single event, it's an unending process of an ever faithful and loving God working through obedient, loving people.

Thanks to everyone who has been such a blessing to our family. We are very excited about all that God is doing in our lives and your generosity has been a beautiful picture of Him at work around us!!!

December 26, 2007

Any Unfullfilled Promises?

As we wrap up 2007 and look forward to God's blessings in 2008, I came across a "joke" that hit a nerve. Here it is:

Christmas Present

It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. Pastor Mike was looking at the nativity scene outside when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the figures.

Immediately, Pastor Mike turned towards the church to call the police. But as he was about to do so, he saw little Jimmy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus.

Pastor Mike walked up to Jimmy and said, "Well, Jimmy, where did you get the little infant?"

Jimmy replied, "I got him from the church."

"And why did you take him?"

With a sheepish smile, Jimmy said, "Well, about a week before Christmas
I prayed to little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it."

So here's the question I'm asking myself - do I have any unfulfilled debts to my Lord? Not that we owe Him anything - he holds no accounts - but at the same time we are indebted to him for everything. It's what being a bond servant of Christ is all about.

There is nothing we can do to earn more of His Love or compassion, but our actions - our promises fulfilled - can go a long way in building our relationship with Him. And once that starts to happen there is truly no limit to what he might do in and through us.