Hams and Boxes

Over the last two days nearly 300 families (we dropped a few off at homes) came onto our property to receive a free ham and food box for Christmas. It was great to be apart of LFCN today as I recognized that our family of faith is doing the work of Christ. As we finished up today Ethan Steele and I had the opportunity to carry one of the boxes to a man who has no transportation. As we approached his door he invited us in and asked us to sit down. As I sat down and looked around his small but neat apartment I inwardly gave God the praise for the opportunity. After some small talk I simply told him that this gesture was done in love that came directly from God Himself. He was extremely grateful for the gesture and then I asked if we could pray..... his response, "Why sure you can!" We prayed..... and it was good. :D

Stephen

"Least of These"

Tonight I showed up at our place of worship to watch (I helped a little) the "Church" fill food boxes for our Christmas Outreach event. This coming Sunday through God's provision we will give a ham and food box to three hundred families .......we are grateful to have the opportunity. On Sunday I will share with these families (we are having a special service at 4 pm for them) that they have helped us "make our joy complete" as we get to share with them what has been provided to us by our Heavenly Father.

I know that when we do "for the least of these....we have done unto Him."

Check out a presentation from our great night. http://vimeo.com/8218154
Blessed!
Stephen

first wrapped gift

Tonight I took time to read the familiar Luke 2 passage in which Mary "wrapped" the babe in cloth and placed him in a manger. Isn't it great to know that the first "wrapped" Christmas present on the very first Christmas was the Son of God who came to take away the sin of the world. No doubt that gift far supercedes the dress socks I'll get this Christmas. :D However, when I open those dress socks (I really do need them) I will be reminded of the Christ child and just how desperately I am in need of Him.

Abiding in the first Christmas gift.

Stephen

Time

This wednesday night I slipped into the back of the worship center to watch our children practice for our church play. When I walked into the back of the worship center, I was shocked as I focused in on my oldest boy Nick. It seemed like yesterday I was watching him perform in his first Christmas play as a four year old. Back then he didn't know most of the songs but he was placed on the very front so he would be seen by all. Today as a nine-year old he towers over most of the kids, he has a speaking part and he knows all the words to all the songs. Where did all the time go?

Tonight as I sit at my computer I am determined to enjoy every day.....if we aren't careful they will get away without us making the most of them!!

Pastor Stephen