I’m always amazed at God. I hope He never stops amazing me. He’s so wonderful. From the joy and peace I feel having a very full and blessed life to the pain I pray others through I see HIM reveal Himself. This Christmas has been no different.
First of all, one of my very good friends is about to meet what we both think is a very wonderful man. I’m so excited for her. I pray that God blows her away with this man and that he is HIS gift for her.
Second, I was part of praying a sweet little child through RSV this Christmas.
Third, I am part of praying another good friend through a tough time in her marriage right now. Oh, Lord give her strength and wisdom.
Fourth, I got to experience the pain of my children’s flesh this Christmas as well as the joy of their innocence. After believing the lie of "my kids need more" before Christmas God used the lie and turned it into blessing for two needy families this season. My kids argued and were not very nice to one another on Christmas Eve as we gave them their treehouse, skateboards and other outdoor toys. It so saddened my heart to see the greediness of our flesh in them. But Christmas Day night we took toys to two families in need.
I just bought too much. They didn’t need all I purchased. So most of it never got seen. We left it hidden. And Monday night we packed the back of the car and set off to find a family in need. We prayed as we left the driveway that God would show us where we needed to go. And He did. A grandpa, a mom, another mom and two precious children received gifts Christmas night. Then another family who’s dad can’t find work because they don’t have cars that work received gifts for their two kids.
Isn’t God just wonderful? My kids even wrapped several of the toys they had gotten to give to the needy families. What a blessing to see them giving out of their hearts. My youngest son gave his brand new helicopter. My middle son gave all 74 of his MatchBox cars. And my oldest gave his Darth Vader voicechanger mask and light saber.
Wow!
Lord, help me to nurture in them the spirit of love. The spirit of giving. The spirit of selflessness. Raise up in them a spirit of joy that only comes from serving you. Make all else empty. And thank you for allowing me to be a part of the awesome things you do.
I love you….your daughter, Julie
I just got the photos yesterday! Thank you so much!
Julie, your kids will always remember this Christmas as one in which you showed them how to give from their hearts. You have set a wonderful example for them.
I know another family that went out in search of a needy family one Christmas and God directed their path just like He did yours. Isn't that amazing? Yes, He is so good!
Have a great day!
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Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB
Julie:
What a gift! Your children gave to this family and you and your DH gave your children the gift of compassion. Isn't it amazing what God does? On Dec. 23rd, my husband tendered his resignation. We were so nervous and upset knowing we'd go into the holidays with him unemployed. But, God delivered for us…he was asked to stay and given a better position. God is absolutely amazing…on the 23rd, I had tears streaming down my face begging God to forgive me for being worried and not putting my faith in him.
Thanks for sharing your joy in God…it's so TRUE!
This was just amazing. This will be something your kids remember forever.
I was a bit "Grinchy" this season and felt as though I didn't really tap into the blessedness of giving ~ it was mostly just checking names off my list and seeing it as one big task and obligation. However, on Christmas day our kids and their best friends presented us with their own nativity play ~ complete with music and fainting angels. Pretty precious.
And yes…I am still alive!! I just had to take a blog break for a bit. I missed you though!!!
Blessings,
Michele
at times feel as though I have allowed the flesh to take over when it comes to not only Christmas but just our lives in general. A few years ago we used to minister ALOT at a local nursing home, but since our move south, we have not gone forth and done any of that… and we live in FL, the senior citizen haven of the world..LOL..
But seriously. I truly feel that God led me to read your blog. This issue has been on my heart and Satan has been there whispering.. "you don't have time" or "do it later'.
So this week ahead I shall work on going forth with letting go of our flesh and seeking to serve HIM who came for us on Christmas.
Thank you and God bless!