Hi Everyone,
I’ve just had my first Christmas get together in Portland with the staff of Brilliant Book House. Daughter, Sophie, son (in law), Mark, plus Sara and Danielle make a good team. It was fun just chatting and laughing over an excellent lunch.
Then my first Christmas Day of the season with four beautiful granddaughters at Sophie’s home; Eveylyn Rose, Anabelle Heather, Penelope Violet and Juliet Lily…age range 18 months to 10 yrs. are the perfect children to play games with and be creative. So enchanting.
My next Christmas party is with my Santa Barbara Tuesday evening group tonight (6/20). I love these young men and women so much. Theresa and I are so thankful to be a part of their lives to practice community in the pursuit of Jesus.
This time of year is a great time to stop, look around our relationships and take stock of who we are for people and who we want to become for family and friends. All relationships need to be upgraded every few years or we may lose the vibrancy and expectation that comes as we appraise one another in a healthy, loving way. All true relationships are constantly changing for the better.
Nowhere is that more vital than in our relationships with the Lord. Express gratitude this Christmas for all that He has been for you in 2016. Look forward to what you want Him to be for you next year. In that context, ask yourself, “what was I to Him last year and what can be upgraded in the next twelve months?” Enjoyment and reflection are two great ways to process life into a greater experience of fullness.
Enjoy your time with family and friends and please look around for people who may be alone and think about including them. Write a card with a blessing for a homeless person and put a Subway or Starbucks card (or both) inside. A small blessing goes a long way when you have no one.
Blessings to you all and thank you for journeying with me.
