What about balance?

It's a wonderful, exciting time of year--this season we call Christmas. It's also exhausting. We find ourselves falling wearily into bed at the end of a day of adding party planning and shopping to our already full lives; then, just as we're falling asleep, we remember yet another thing we really need to do this season. "How much am I expected to do?" we ask ourselves. "Where's the balance?"

The timing was perfect for me to read the latest issue of Fulfill magazine. I won't spoil the surprise--check it out for yourself at:
http://www.fullfill.org/fullfill/members/page.php?pageid=2621

And have a Christ-filled Christmas!

The Faith of a Child

It’s been a hard week as we’ve watched a very dear couple welcome a baby into their family only to lose her five days later. One of many concerns was how our four-and-a-half-year-old grandson would handle the news of his little cousin’s death. He has prayed fervently for Olivia since her health concerns first surfaced months before she was born, and has been persistent in reminding other family members if they fail to include her in their mealtime prayer. How would this affect his belief in the power of prayer? So this morning his mother, weary from a long night’s vigil, braced herself as she broke the news to him. “Last night Olivia went to heaven to be with Jesus,” she told him.

A huge smile took over his face. “Really? She's with Jesus?" he exclaimed. It was obvious that he was convinced that his prayers have been answered. And they have been! Although the separation is painful, where better for our loved ones to be than in the arms of Jesus?

His perspective, unclouded by human expectations and assumptions about what’s best, gives us a glimpse of God’s point of view. It brings to mind Jesus’ statement, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Leading a girls' small group

I was encouraged by this tip of the week from Jennifer Rothschild Ministries. Check it out for yourself:

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001u8SjZbUCyfNOSBaTTmRh92jRqmkAjoeq7YK-VCwwu-CE7s3DFIwjdvDsZlwgBzbiUphADnZw_epmQy42V37lv1BCbeemh_8yfWo92L4SRiwMsmG3YEJ88k8ICepAynqYK7Zf4NqIIssYgAzFSAkTN4JvglfJi0Co5x4K58-1KZP4XbK6sDBG8zRrwOOr-dmM