With Christmas right around the corner, the girls’ residential team customized their devotional time on the real meaning of Christmas. Little did they know that God was working overtime in the hearts of two girls. (more…)
November 2011
Another Great Story…
Parent of the Year
The parents of our residential children recently participated in a holiday celebration dinner held in each of our homes. Traditionally, we incorporate a celebration of the children’s efforts and achievements with an awards ceremony. Additionally, each house also gives a “Parent of the Year” award. One of the homes awarded the “Parent of the Year” to an outstanding grandfather this year. (more…)
Another Great Story…
On a chilly December day, Veronica beamed with excitement and joy while delivering over 200 Christmas cookies to the teachers and staff of Walter C. Young Middle School. Along with the other residential girls, Veronica warmly spread Christmas cheer as she served those who have poured so much love and instruction in her life. (more…)
Upside Down Christmas – Is Giving Better Than Receiving?
“It is more blessed to give rather than receive?” You’ve got to be kidding! What kind of a statement is that? That’s ridiculous! Of course, it’s more awesome to receive than it is to give – that’s what we’ve been taught all our lives. That’s what makes us feel good isn’t it; getting more things?
Many often wonder how giving could be better than receiving; but just because they don’t understand it doesn’t mean that it isn’t true. As crazy as it may sound to some, that statement is true. We must acknowledge it to be true because it comes from Truth. Acts 20:35 states, “…You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NLT)
Giving is kind of like eating vegetables. At first, I didn’t want them. Once I was taught to eat them, I eventually grew to like them. Then, I discovered that I actually really liked them. I realized that eating them made me feel better. I know that I am healthier now because of them – unlike my previous diet of burgers only.
You see, when I spend my life getting, I never seem able to satisfy that hunger. No matter how much I get, I want more and more… the bigger the better. My appetite becomes insatiable! The problem is the more things I have – the more I need to worry about things getting lost, stolen or broken and I end up spending much of my time trying to protect my acquisitions.
On the other hand, when I risk learning the art of giving, I end up doing something that can’t be taken away from me. Sharing with others is free of baggage, warrantees, and contracts.
Giving to others is really an opportunity to do something for Jesus. He even said when we do things for people in need (He called them the “least of these” in Matthew 25:40) we are really doing it for Him. This kind of giving should excite us because we have the opportunity to help someone in Jesus’ name and for His glory alone. When I give like that, no one can take the blessing away. Whether the recipients express appreciation for my gifts or not is irrelevant, if I’m doing it for the right reasons.
This is a difficult lesson to learn because our culture doesn’t teach it. That is why it is so important for parents to instill this principle in the lives of their children. Children that are taught give to others as an act of worship to Christ receive a great gift for life. As they grow up, they will not be victimized by marketers and advertisers; since they have been taught the great life lesson of learning to be content with what they have been given (Philippians 4:11).
Imagine what Christmas would be like this year if our children were more excited about giving rather than getting. As you and your family focus on Christ’s birthday celebration, you have the opportunity to turn Christmas upside down. Start by scheduling a family meeting early in December. As a family, select the target for your giving. It could be a widow in your church, a single parent family in your neighborhood, or a charity of your choice (see below for a suggested list.) Then, get excited about giving to Jesus through your chosen target this Christmas.
If you’ve spent a lifetime believing that it is better to get gifts rather than give gifts, this Christmas season is a great time to take this faith step. Remember the vegetables? If you haven’t eaten them in a long time, asparagus will take some getting used to; but once you experience the health benefits, you see the value they have in enriching your life.
When it comes to this year’s Christmas, it’s time to teach our children the joy of another kind of healthy consumption – the joy of giving. It is a blessing that no one can take away, but it is a hunger and thirst that must be taught.
Christmas in July!!
Christmas in July!!
Once your kids are nestled all snug in their beds, it’s time for the Christmas spectacular to begin! Pull out an artificial tree that you have (whether big or small), light it, and decorate it with ornaments and set-up any surprise gifts that you have previously purchased for your kids. Then, let the surprise begin…
Start the day with your favorite Christmas music playing and enjoy your traditional Christmas breakfast in your pajamas. Whether it’s a breakfast casserole or homemade pancakes, your family will be sure to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday.
Once you have finished, put each family member’s name in a hat and have each member draw a name. Give them 20-30 minutes to come up with a “gift” they can present to their chosen family member. This isn’t about how much money someone will spend; it is about a gift of service. For instance, your son might offer to wash your car, your daughter may be a “chauffer for the day” to her younger sibling, or you may give each child a “day with you” to spend however they like. The idea behind it is to think about the recipient and to make it personal and fun. With wrapping paper and boxes handy, everyone can prepare their gifts to put under the tree.
Then, it is present time! Go around (youngest to oldest) and enjoy watching everyone open up their gifts. Then, bless your children with the gift you selected for them. If finances are limited, we suggest purchasing one fun-family game or an experience that the whole family can enjoy like a day of fishing, sporting event, or a local free music festival. It isn’t about how much you spend, but with whom you are spending your time.
After everyone is finished, read the Christmas story in Luke 2. Remember why you are celebrating and the sacrifice that was made in order to free all of us.
Then, start on the Christmas meal. Have everyone get involved. Some can prep, others can set the table or cook. Simply enjoy your time together while enjoying a favorite family meal.
As dinner is wrapping up, discuss what the family can do to give back to the community. It will be a great way to continue to instill the principle of showing God’s love to others and will be fun all at the same time.
After dinner, turn your air conditioner down so the house is chilly, then snuggle up and enjoy your family’s favorite Christmas movie.
Merry Christmas to all (in July)!!!
Diana W.
Once your kids are nestled all snug in their beds, it's time for the Christmas spectacular to begin! Pull out an artificial tree that you have (whether big or small), light it, and decorate it with ornaments and set-up any surprise gifts that you have previously purchased for your kids. Then, let the surprise begin…
Start the day with your favorite Christmas music playing and enjoy your traditional Christmas breakfast in your pajamas. Whether it's a breakfast casserole or homemade pancakes, your family will be sure to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday.
Once you have finished, put each family member's name in a hat and have each member draw a name. Give them 20-30 minutes to come up with a “gift” they can present to their chosen family member. This isn't about how much money someone will spend; it is about a gift of service. For instance, your son might offer to wash your car, your daughter may be a “chauffer for the day” to her younger sibling, or you may give each child a “day with you” to spend however they like. The idea behind it is to think about the recipient and to make it personal and fun. With wrapping paper and boxes handy, everyone can prepare their gifts to put under the tree.
Then, it is present time! Go around (youngest to oldest) and enjoy watching everyone open up their gifts. Then, bless your children with the gift you selected for them. If finances are limited, we suggest purchasing one fun-family game or an experience that the whole family can enjoy like a day of fishing, sporting event, or a local free music festival. It isn't about how much you spend, but with whom you are spending your time.
After everyone is finished, read the Christmas story in Luke 2. Remember why you are celebrating and the sacrifice that was made in order to free all of us.
Then, start on the Christmas meal. Have everyone get involved. Some can prep, others can set the table or cook. Simply enjoy your time together while enjoying a favorite family meal.
As dinner is wrapping up, discuss what the family can do to give back to the community. It will be a great way to continue to instill the principle of showing God's love to others and will be fun all at the same time.
After dinner, turn your air conditioner down so the house is chilly, then snuggle up and enjoy your family's favorite Christmas movie.
Merry Christmas to all (in July)!!!
Diana W.
]]>
