Aren't you glad the hectic days of Christmas are over?  I mean, we all love Christmas, right, so it's kind of sad the family traditions, get-togethers, and special worship of Christ are past, but it's kind of nice to have any added stress the season brings in the past, too. 

I noticed this year at Peace Church so much of our busyness came not from all the decorating or shopping or parties, but from all the mission and service activities we had planned.  Even these very good Christmas traditions bring their own increase in stress level.  Well, I received a God-sighting story today that relates to that and brings a very insightful perspective to that busyness.  Enjoy:

"Ooops!  I thought I had sent this, but found it today in the draft box.  I am sending it on because of the message I felt we received that day.  Blessings, Vicki

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me."  Matthew 25:35

Before Alex and I had breakfast together this Sat. morning, December 17, 2011, I shared with him what the "These Days" devotional had to say today. Action Step (taken from the devotional): Rather than battling the shopping crowds in these days before Christmas, spend a day volunteering at a local soup kitchen, food bank, or homeless shelter.

I know Alex would like to be home with me today as I prepare for our family Christmas celebration next Saturday and Sunday, but he volunteered to do the food bank solicitation at the Kroger store in Pearland for Christian Helping Hands food pantry (this Saturday and last Saturday, too).  I, also, have been feeling somewhat stressed at doing so much myself and missing his help.  However, I believe God was speaking to both of us through this devotional this morning and telling us that there are other things besides our wants and needs that are important, too."

Our Christmas busyness at Peace was really about kingdom-building!  Let's keep it up in 2012 and beyond!  And keep looking for God to show up and then share the stories!!

In Christ,

Scott