Christmas Presents

December 16, 2009

My community group is meeting tonight, and we’re having a Christmas party. I love parties! I love party food! As a part of the night, we’re all bringing presents for a girl in our community whose family has had a difficult time and can’t provide presents for their children this year. It was awesome to watch people respond to the need. It didn’t take hardly any prodding. The email went out and people instantly responded. I really do love to see people give generously, and I really enjoy being able to help out others. It makes me feel good. It’s fun! I also think this is a GREAT way to share the love of Jesus with others. We can meet a need in Jesus’ name. However, this also got me thinking.

I see all the shoe boxes at churches, all the offices taking up donations, and the schools filling the need for students. We love to buy new shoes, a pair of jeans, a new game of Yahtzee. Our culture absolutely won’t allow a child to wake up, wipe the sleep out of their eyes, and not find something under the tree. We’ll go to almost any length to make sure that doesn’t happen.

But here’s the question that has been running through my head: Am I just as concerned about these kids having THE Christmas present in their heart as I am of them having A Christmas present under the tree?

Yes, I know that providing a new pair of Reeboks is a great way to show them that I love them. Yes, I can, and should, do it in the name of Jesus. However, if my concern was more for their heart would I stop at delivering the present? Or, would I go to great lengths to make sure they understood WHY I was concerned about them? Would I continue to invest in them, love them, provide for them, and do it all in Jesus’ name? Would it be as fun and easy as buying a cool gift? Or, would it be difficult, messy, time consuming, and costly?

If I’m really honest with myself I have to admit that I’m usually ready to move on once they have the goods. I think I’ve done my duty. I’ve had my fun. I can feel good about myself. But now, I’m wondering, what happens when they go to sleep that last time and wake up in eternity? What gift will they find that morning? Will they know, will I have helped them understand, that Jesus left it hanging on a tree?

I think I have some work to do this Christmas.

 
 

What Can I Do?

December 2, 2009

I’ve been asked this question a million times, “What can someone like I do to make a difference?”. The easy answer- a  million things! There is so much opportunity for you. I may or may not know you personally, but I know that God created you just the way you are, and He did so for a purpose. He gave you a passion for something as well as gifts, talents, abilities, whatever you want to call them. I’d love to talk with you about your role in His story, but if you’re looking for something you can do right now then here you go. Compassion International makes it really easy for you to have a significant impact in the Kingdom of God. I had the privilege of traveling to Peru this past year with Compassion, and I was able to see first hand how incredible this organization is. If you want to see for yourself then click on the image to watch this video. Just make sure you watch it all!

 
 

Nuevo Laredo, Mx

November 18, 2009

Many of you may have heard me talk about this part of Mexico before. I’ve been visiting Casa Hogar Elim since 1995, and making mulitple trips each year for the past 6 years. Casa Hogar Elim is a children’s home that houses over 100 kids who are some of the most joyful, caring, loving kids I know. It’s a blessing to just walk through the doors- once you get past the odor, the poverty, and the language barrier.

This past week was my first visit in almost 10 months. It seemed like a lifetime. But, my first impression when walking through the door reminded me of why I keep going back- Read more

 
 

N*Rich 09

October 22, 2009

Well, I just got home from a trip to Atlanta for N*Rich 09. N*Rich is an annual gathering of the staff’s of all of North Point’s Strategic Partner churches. I think there were around 140 people there from about 20 or so different churches. Since we’re a new partner (we launched our Sunday environments on Aug 30th, 09), this was my first N*Rich to attend. Here are a few things I took away from the event. This is not at all an exhaustive list. Just a few random thoughts. Read more

 
 

Middle School Cheerleading and Church

September 11, 2009

This past week I found myself at another middle school football game. Cali is a cheerleader, and even though she has a broken leg, she’s pretty involved. She still cheers and dances, but she no longer “flies” during stunts. Since this was the first game of the season, we were all excited to see her. As a matter of fact, my mom, sister, and niece all came down to watch. This wasn’t easy for them since all middle school games are on Thursday nights, and my family lives 6 hours away. They had to take off work and/or skip school to come down. So, what does this have to do with church? Read more

 
 

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