Today's Bliss: One More Weekend

I have had a long, restful break from work this holiday. I am very blessed that I was able to have so much time with my family, with Scooter, with N, and with myself. When I am not running around in the midst of a hectic schedule, I have the opportunity to read, think, write, and accomplish things that have needed some attention for a while. I am so glad that the year has ended in this way!

One of the things that I am doing this week is reading a book called Catch. (I am studying for some church duties that I have for 2012.) I am only about half way through, but it has been an interesting read so far. The writer comes from a church that focuses solely on ministering to the non- and nominally-religious in their community. When I read this, I thought: isn't that what we are all doing? But...is it? Really? How many churches worry more about their current members than those outside their walls? One point in the book that really got me thinking was a statement about church congregations. The author was encouraging her readers to help their church's congregation focus on the mission of ministering to the non- and nominally-religious. She wondered what the church members were more worried about: reaching out to their community or whether or not they got their parking place and their pew of choice. Huh...good question. I think that every church has a mix of people and each person has a different focus for some reason or another. But no matter our differences, our primary identity should be love. Receiving it from God, showing it to each other, and showing it to our community.

I hope that 2012 will bring more depth to my faith and my love for the people around me.

I have one more weekend of my break. I have some fun things planned for the end of this long respite and I look forward to enjoying every minute of it! I hope you feel blessed and blissful as you enjoy the last two days of 2011!

Today's Bliss: Christmas

Christmas is a time of peace. Time to reflect on the blessings we have and the grace that has been given to us so freely by our Father in heaven. The gift of Jesus can get lost in the hustle and bustle of our American culture this time of year, but if you take some time to think and look around you, He is with us...even in our busiest, most stressful moments.

Symbols are everywhere at Christmas. Lights remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Evergreen trees remind me of nature, God's beautiful creation, and God's faithfulness. Family gatherings remind me of the supportive people that God has given me to help me make it through life. Good food and sweet treats remind me that God wants us to celebrate our blessings and enjoy the life He's given us. Gifts remind all of us that Jesus was the ultimate gift of love so that all of us can have abundant life.

I hope that you have a blissful Christmas. Take time to remember the reason for the season and the love that you have all around you!

Today's Bliss: Shopping

I am not really that much of a shopper. Christmas crowds and crazy bargain hunting is definitely not my usual scene. But yesterday, I was very blessed to shop. I know that sounds odd, but it was true. We had a Manger Marketplace event at my church where twelve or so non-profit causes set up booths and sold items that would benefit their charity. There were wind chimes, Christmas ornaments,scarves, baked goods, jewelry, coffee, ice cream, lotion, and many more items available for purchase. Many items had been handcrafted by people in far away lands...and it was beautiful work!

I got a lot of people crossed off of my Christmas shopping list after this event and I am so glad that these gifts will be doing more than putting a smile on the reciever's face. The purchases will also put a smile on the face of a woman seeking to provide for her family, of a man who can give his children somewhere to live, of a woman who needs to get off of the streets and make an honest living, of a homeless person who needs a bite to eat.

Giving gifts can change the world and I am so glad that many of mine this year will be a blessing to people in need, here at home and around the world! If you still have some shopping to do, take a moment to consider what you can buy that will have an impact on those in need.