This Christmas.....

Be inspired Love Be loved Inspire others Experience peace Show compassion Remember the birth Know the gift that God gave to the world was delivered not by UPS,FedEx or even Santa's sleigh- but by a humbling woman, away in a manger. Isn't it amazing to know that God sent his perfect son, the God-Man who made no sin through an imperfect woman- a sinner and to an imperfect world? One of my favorite words during the Christmas season is BELIEVE Be inspired, God Empowers all to Love faithfully Inspire others Empathize Victory is in Christ Evangelize I wanted to share with you that Carley's teacher asked for us not to give her Christmas gifts this year- instead to donate to a charity of our choice. How selfless and thoughtful all in one request. During the holidays, we always want to do for others and I am captivated by the spirit of Christmas. It is a magical time to me. We have bought and stuffed boxes for operation Christmas child- and Carley just enjoyed this act of kindness to pieces. We Christmas caroled last Sunday with our church- one of my favorite Christmas traditions- we have bought, wrapped and will deliver our Christmas presents this Sunday to the family we adopted this year. And now to add a new favorite: we just made a donation to St. Jude Childrens Hospital in honor of Carley's teachers. I read a story this morning about a little boy named Nate Elfrink- he was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 20 months. He is now a first grader, recently released from St. Jude as the doctors are not certain there is much more that can be done for him. One of Nate's wishes is to receive 1 million Christmas cards- I know I am eager to send him one. If any of you would like to send a card I wanted to post the address: Nate Elfrink 2415 Taylor Blair Road West Jefferson OH 43162 May you be encouraged today to Be inspired Love Be loved Inspire others Experience peace Show compassion Remember the birth and BELIEVE What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions??!!??