Christmas Day- From Heaven's Perspective

   At Christmas time, we're always thinking from our perspective, or perhaps Mary or Joseph since we're most like them when truly, the biggest change happening that glorious day was probably sorrowful/bittersweet for all of Heaven.  They were saying goodbye for a short time to their King.  The right hand of God leaving his throne to be put in sensitive flesh and tossed on a pile of itchy hay in a manger.  Bebo Norman articulates it best:

Or do you think all of Heaven was "in on it"- knowing that this small going away party would benefit the rest of History.  Makes you wonder...

Either way, thank you, Jesus for being willing to step from your throne into the humblest of "welcome parties" all so you can welcome us into Heaven one day.

Through my Eyes and Out of Memory

  This morning, Tyler and I went to a free breakfast.  Ty went to leave a tip, and I looked at it thinking he had left $6.  I asked him, "How much are you leaving?" He responds, "$3.  Natalie- it's Thanksgiving" 

   As he says it, what really dawns on me was not only is it ThanksGIVING and a time to bless others around us, but what had I read not an hour earlier in the Bible?  2 Corinthians Chapter 8.  The entire chapter was on generosity and giving what you can and then some.  This is a lesson I've been learning for quite some years now.  My save every penny-won't buy new clothes or shoes when mine have holes in them-frugal self have been learning from Tyler's leadership in our marriage that every time we give more than we think we can financially, God always comes through and provides what we need!   Even if Ty HAD left $6... how much better to bless someone- Especially Today!

   Something in teaching that makes me laugh (okay annoyed too, but mostly humored) is when kids don't follow directions the first time.  (Stay with me, I promise this relates).  A study says that middle school brains are so underdeveloped that you must repeat things 3 times to ensure they heard you.  So I do.  I repeat directions every time.  I say the same thing in different wording again.  And I repeat it a third time.  It's hilarious to watch kids react when they officially hear/comprehend it.  Some, it truly does take a 3rd time to get through (and some are still in lala land no matter what you do/say/dance/rap/sing in front of class).  Does God crack up at us, too?  Or perhaps feel angered by our lack of memory?  We read things from his Word, think we "get it," and when tested to actually put it into action, it's as if we never learned it the first time.

     Here's my new resolve- I'm going to try and take one thing out of my Bible readings each day and APPLY it at least once in the day.  If it's a stretch, so be it- but as long as I'm starting to taste the Word of God, digest it, and let it pump into my body so I may truly BE the hands and feet of God.

2 Corinthians 9:12 "This service {giving} that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God."