Thank God

I just helped pack my little girls belongings in the trunk of a car....again... She just left with her friend, Nathan, to head back to Mississippi when she just returned from there only 1 week ago today. Her heart is truly bent on helping those in need. It was hard work but she feels useless just sitting here when the phone isn't ringing with job offers. Nathan just got home tonight on Christmas break from college. They could be going out to the movies or playing Catan with their friends. They even had a "friends" Christmas party planned this week. We all look forward to those! Yet they have chosen to pass on that to go do more relief work. I think it is pretty amazing that they want to spend a week of their break doing volunteer work. Yes, it will be a fun time on the road. Yes, they will have one day free of their duties to sight see. Something about visiting New Orleans and laying on the beach were mentioned but who knows what will actually come to pass once they get there. I am proud of them. Perfect? No way! Good kids? Absolutely. Pray for them. Pray for safe travel and the opportunity to minister while there. I love the song that says, "If but a cup of water, I place within your hand. Then just a cup of water is all that I demand." Jesus expects us to give from our hearts. A kind word. An encouraging word. A helping hand. A hot meal. Pray for those who are still in FEMA trailers uncertain of when or if they will get a new/repaired home. Pray for those who are living on the streets because they have no FEMA trailer and no where to go. Thank God for what we have. Hug your children. Tell your spouse how much they mean to you. Hug your mom or your dad or both if you are fortunate enough to still have them. Tell them you love them. Even if they are not perfect. When the washing machine hose leaks, thank God for the machine. (not that I'd know about that!) When the wind blows half the shingles off your roof and you have to get a new one put on. Thank God for insurance that will pay part of it. Thank God the house is still standing; that it was only shingles you lost. (not that I'd know about that this year either!) When you get a bad haircut and it is much shorter than you intended, thank God you have a healthy head of hair to mess with. I see more and more women without hair due to cancer. I don't know about that one personally but I have a dear and close friend who does. Christmas is upon us. Many people get all stressed out trying to do too much. I have been asked several times if I am stressing or if I am "done" or "ready". I am never sure how to answer because I am always "ready" to celebrate the gift of Love sent to us in human form to redeem us. I am never really "done" trying to give to those I love. I am not stressing at all. I have not for several years now. I take it in stride. I have ideas. I have plans. I have hopes. But I am realistic. I do not worry if they all come to pass. I do what I can each day but I make certain that I spend much time with my family. We have been watching movies, playing games, singing Christmas songs and laughing when we can. Thank God for my family. I am truly blessed.