So Much to Write.... So Little Time!

The holidays are officially over!!!  Jeff's parents have returned home, closets been reorganized and our core family trying to reconnect.   
 How can I survive the holidays next time without feeling overwhelmed?  The reason for the season is Jesus, and I was struggling to find time for Him.  In my quiet thoughts I kept saying "All I want to do is think about you and I have ALL this to do". On top of all of the normal everyday "to do's", there's holiday meal planning, church rehearsals, family logistics, baking and making, shopping, planning for company, having company, shipping gifts, deciding on pictures, and the list goes on. I enjoy all of it individually, but collectively it's too much  for one person. In addition, we flew to Virginia in mid December to find a house to rent.   I can't imagine how overwhelmed Joseph felt when He and Mary had to return to Bethlehem to be counted in the census. The events leading up to the birth of Jesus had to feel like too much to handle for Mary.  

One of the most rewarding holiday activities was serving at the Mercy Mall during the Toy Drive and coming face to face with those in need of gifts for their children and many in need of a Savior.  The toy drive is so much more than making sure there is something under the tree of those less fortunate.  It's about stepping outside ourselves to focus on others.  Its about sacrificing time and money and taking care of the last, lost, and the least.  It's about the blessing you feel when you have been the hands and feet of Jesus.  The toy drive is a relevant way to reach hundreds of people, get them in your doors, love on them, show them Christ, and hope that they saw something in you that they want for themselves.  When you see them in the lobby of your church before the next service,  you know God is at work!

Maybe the answer for me is better planning and starting earlier on the gift planning and making and baking.  I also would like to start some new traditions next year in our new home.  Maybe we could have a neighborhood birthday party for Jesus... or adop a family again...how about going Christmas caroling with the kids?  That would definitely create some memories!

We have a family party planned on Friday night that I'm looking forward to:  games, meeting, food, and fellowship!!  We invited my sister and Ryan since they will be living with us - she has already RSVP'd!  We will be discussing relationships and goals for 2011.  

Until next time...