ANOTHER DAY OF SNOW

Well, two days til Christmas...and it is snowing again. I am beginning to think it is a snow conspiracy! Actually I really like it and sort of wish it was like this every year. My plan today is to go cross country skiing out my front door before heading off to the family Christmas party. I hope I have time.

I have read my Bible already today and have to say that it is a really refreshing way to start the day. I went from feeling a bit grumpy and annoyed about being awake to feeling like I can actually do "it" all today. It is a great feeling. We do have a few major adjustments to make over the next few weeks due to a certain family event that shook our lives but I am very optimistic that we are well on our way to having that ironed out...until next time.

Let us be aware of those who are in need of help during this unusually snowy time. Whether it is the neighbor needing to be dug out, the single mom who can't afford a gift for her kids or the homeless freezing on the streets, let's try to help where we can. Remember that when you ask God to use you to help others, he will. Just keep your eyes, mind and heart open. When it happens, you do not want to miss the opportunity.

I am reminded of the time my sister and her friend were able to help their neighbor kids. Kristy and Jolene were neighbors in an apartment building and another of their neighbors was a neglectful mother of two or three kids. Kids old enough to be left alone but the youngest would glom onto Kristy as a stand in mom. Since the mother was off on one of her week long stints away from home it became clear to Kristy and Jolene that a happy Christmas was not in the cards for the kids who were sitting alone in the filth next door. Kristy and Jolene plotted for a way to do something for the kids. Late on Christmas Eve they went to Walgreens to see what they could find in the way of gifts for the kids. Even at the last miniute they were able to come out with quite a haul. The got it all wrapped and went next door. They told the kids that they were out and about when a fat man with a white beard and a red jacket approached them and asked if they knew Sally and Billy. (Of course that isn't their real names!) Kristy and Jolene said yeah we know them. The man said, well I have some things I am hoping you can deliver to them for me. So of course Kristy and Jolene agreed and did so.

These kids were SO HAPPY! Though they lived a rough life and deep in their hearts they knew the gifts were from Kristy and Jolene, for that day they believed in Santa. Regardless of anything else, for those kids, Kristy and Jolene had performed a Christmas Miracle.

Without ever mentioning His name, Kristy and Jolene had shown the love of Christ.