LET’S KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS!

LET’S KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS!

One of my greatest desires this Christmas is to keep Christ in Christmas. Many of you are probably thinking…you’re a Children’s Minister, of course that should be your focus! Well, unfortunately, I have been finding this to be a difficult task. I know, it shouldn’t be so, but I’m just being real and saying that it is.

I was standing in the return line at Walmart a couple of weeks ago thinking, “Can this take any longer?” You know the hustle and bustle of Christmas…trying to get everything done and feeling like you just don’t have the time. As I’m standing there, I took a moment (something I don’t do often enough) to turn around and watch. There was a buzz of activity going on behind me. People shopping like crazy, buzzing from one item to the next, reading labels, looking at their watches, probably thinking like me…can this take any longer? All of a sudden, my thoughts turned to Jesus. All this…and how many are thinking of You! I wonder what it would be like to have a birthday that was celebrated worldwide (or almost worldwide)…parties being thrown, presents purchased and given, decorations going up, celebrations with feast, etc…and not be invited.

Now, don’t get me wrong…I am all about Christmas. I love all of the traditions and fun things that happen this time of year. I just had a moment. I have a second to stop and think about Him and His perspective on the holiday season.

Unfortunately, many of us are so busy this time of year that we don’t feel like we have time to stop and really focus on Him. I know the feeling.

I just wanted to encourage each of you, as well as myself…Let’s keep Christ in Christmas this year. Take time with your families to focus on the real reason we celebrate and the importance of what happened on that day so long ago. Sometimes, we are so familiar with the story that we forget its significance in our lives. Take time with your children to focus on the real meaning of Christmas. You are preparing them for the future and the focus they will put on Christ, not just at Christmas, but in their lives all years long.

You Are Not Alone

Do you ever have moments when you feel totally overwhelmed with the job before you?  What am I asking…of course you do…you’re parents.

I started off this week feeling overwhelmed. Christmas is coming. That means Christmas curriculum, programs, parties, events, etc.  And to top it all off, at the church we work with a volunteer army. A very busy, active and often overwhelmed army.

I was thinking of all the things that needed to be done and in the midst of it all I heard a prompting from the Lord…don’t forget me. I didn’t actually hear a voice…just a thought.

Pause…take a deep breathe. I took a few minutes and shared with the Lord all that was upcoming (somehow I don’t think He was surprised or shocked) and asked for His wisdom, guidance and direction.

I felt like the Lord was leading me to let go of all the pressure, opinions of others, ideas of how things should be or how they have been in the past and let Him be God of the present. All of a sudden things were not so overwhelming any more. I was at peace. Things don’t have to be like they have always been. It’s a new day and He always has a new way!

As I am ending my week, things are looking up and the vision is a lot clearer. Plans have begun to unfold and take shape, step by step as I have followed His leading.

Sometimes, I need that reminder that I am not in this alone. I know…duh. The Greater One with all the answers is living inside of me. All I have to do is ask and listen. He will show me the way.

For all you parents out there that may be feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. There is One living inside of you that is just waiting to be released as you seek His wisdom and guidance. So stop, take a breath, inquire of Him and listen. He will not let you down.

And don’t forget to remind your kids of this too! They are never alone. The Almighty has chosen to live inside of them.

Moms and Dads...What you say and do Really Does Matter to Your Kids.

I am writing this Blog as a ministry tool to the families at our church, but I hope it will touch the hearts of many who read it. As a Children's Pastor, I am always looking for news ways to touch the hearts of our children with the Father's love. I have found no better place than from the voice of their own parents.

I realize that I am limited in the time and contact that I have with the children to whom I minister each week, but their parents are ever present in their lives - even when they are not physically present. They hear their parent's voices when faced with a decision, when having a dispute with friends, when they have messed up and when they have gotten it right.

Parents, be encouraged or maybe for some it is discouraging, you are a voice inside of your children's head even when you are not around. The things you say and the things you do matter to your kids. They influence their lives in so many ways.

Be sure of this...your children are listening. If you don't believe it, then take time to quietly listen to them talking to others when they aren't aware you can hear. You will hear your words come out of their mouths.

You are teaching your children who they are really are. You are teaching them how to treat other people. You are teaching them the value of being a person of integrity. You are teaching them what love looks like. You are teaching them how they should be treated. You are teaching them the value they have in Christ. You are teaching them to lean upon and trust in God in all things. You are teaching them to value others in Christ. The things you say and do really do matter.

I know this can seem like a heavy load, but don't be discouraged because you are not alone. There is One inside of you that will never leave you or forsake you. He will guide you into all truth. He will give you wisdom as you seek Him. He knows the hearts, needs and destiny of your children. He will guide you in guiding them. How awesome is that! The One who created all things is really the One guiding your children through you into their destiny.

Be encouraged today! You are up for the task of parenting, because He lives in you!

Until our next meeting...continue in Him,
Carla