Are we missing the point?

For a long time, I believed that I was saved so I could live saved. I'm not sure if I'm tackling a philosophical issue here but Paul puts it frankly in his letter to the Philippians.

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4)

Did Christ love you so you could live LOVED or did He love you so you could live LOVE?
There are feeding seasons and giving seasons. I understand that some of us are underfed and need to commit to learning more about Christ and his promises before serving Him in this world. But do we hide behind this season so we don't have to face the one before us?

We are too comfortable in our I'm a Christian-once-a-week-lives! It's apparent in our prayers, our actions and our words.

A couple signs that you live un-uncomfortably:
1. You pray for his blessings MORE than you pray for the opportunity to bless others.
2. You struggle to put yourself in humble places so others or God may be upheld.
3. You don't give. Even if you don't have the means to give financially, you don't give your time either.

Let the Holy Spirit guide you this year into being his servant. Whether that means being a leader and volunteering at a shelter or mission, evangelizing or going to a new bible study, listen to His Spirit within you. And as much as the Lord pours into your life, pour it back somewhere else.

This is the season

What can I share about my Christmas that may be different from your own? 

Maybe this. Last year, I talked about my church group's caroling antics. This year, I actually have video so I can prove it to you. And they put it better than I ever could. 

CELEBRATE! Your Lord, Jesus Christ was born today to save YOUR life. 

Do you know?

Mary, did you know

that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know

that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

Do you know? 

Do you recognize the Great Purpose of this child, our God?  It is worth remembering and rejoicing every year--every day! 

Swiping that Visa never felt so good.

With a job (and money), I've had the pleasure of picking, buying, and wrapping gifts for my family this year and it's put me in a cheery mood.
Is there anything better than giving when you don't have to? Giving out of choice, not obligation? It's one of the best rewards from having a salary this past year--no joke!
It hasn't been all great. Here's the not so fun parts.
1. Getting to the check out counter and finding out it's the cashier's first day.
2. Thinking that I'm all done shopping and ready to head home when I remember that I forgot to get a gift receipt.
3. Buying a toy, getting in the car, then realizing I didn't get the sale price.

Don't forget to give this Christmas. To your family, strangers and those in most need. You were also given a great Gift, and not because He had to.

Who doesn't love Autumn?

It's September 1. Finally.
Though I'm a Texas girl, I've never been a fan of the sweltering summer heat that always seems to draaaaag.
Certainly thankful that seasons only last for about 3 months.

Fall means football, television shows, cardigans and scarves (though I never really stop wearing them), BOOTS (!!), turning on the heat in the car and pumpkin.

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, yum yum pumpkin.

It also means googling images of places where the leaves change color. (The leaves here have been dead since July. Really, how is not all of Texas on fire?)

The fall always means a birthday is around the corner so that helps, too.

Surely no human in their right mind doesn't like autumn. Surely.