Share CHRISTmas

It’s truly more blessed to give than to receive. In fact I live to give. I’m most thankful that my husband is kind and allows me to give. This morning the alarm went off at 3:00 am for Kent and me to rise and shine and give God some glory! Redonia joined us in our Black Friday quest. At 4:00 am Kent dropped Redonia and me at Target. He then went to Whataburger to get Redonia her favorite bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit with the bacon crispy (like her Popsie). We had so much fun filling our cart with gifts for kids. We purchased quite a few gifts for some children who ride our buses to Sunday School. Then we purchased gifts for nieces and nephews. The next stop was Wal-Mart to purchase a few more gifts for the kids.

Before taking Redonia to her last stop of the morning we opted to use our coupons for free mochas at McDonalds and Redonia decided to get another biscuit. While in line I began to talk with an elderly man. I’ve seen the gentleman riding his bike around town for 20 years. It’s obvious he has a few handicaps; however, he has such a positive outlook on life. I felt a little benevolent and felt I should purchase his breakfast. Unfortunately I over rode my conscience and missed my blessing. While sitting across the restaurant from him I observed him striking up conversations with anyone who would listen. He is such a pleasant person. I sat quietly and endeavored to fight back tears. Finally I lost the battle as tears gushed over my lids. I shared my regrets with my family.

As I sat and reflected on my emotions I discovered again the true meaning of Christmas. It isn’t about me rather it’s about giving unselfishly of me. The purchase was small – a senior coffee and a sausage biscuit from the dollar menu. I’m certain he could afford the purchase but maybe he simply needed someone to show him kindness. Maybe I was the one needing to listen to the still quite voice that I recognize so well.

I have vowed this will be the best Christmas season, ever. It proves to be a very busy season, however, I will not be too busy to entertain angels unaware nor will I be too busy to spend time with those I love. Christmas is in my heart and I pray I don’t keep it there. I want to spread Christmas everywhere with everyone.

May we all share CHRISTmas…Remember He IS the reason! If He being love is in us He will manifest Himself through us.

Africa Trip

Kent and I were blessed to spend two weeks in Africa. While most of our time was in Zimbabwe we did get to enjoy a couple of days in Johannesburg South Africa, too.

We saw hundreds and hundreds of elephants. What massive animals! One of the coolest animals in the kingdom is the giraffe. I thought it was especially awesome watching the tall giraffe separate his legs as if he were doing the splits to lower his tall body enough to drink water from the watering holes. Baboons and monkeys were everywhere! One of the hotels warned us to keep the doors and windows closed to ensure we didn't have special guests - the baboons. We saw a herd of more than 200 Water Buffalo's. I have a list of more than 20 animals we saw in the wild. I was disappointed that we didn't see any of the big African cats.

More impressive than the animal kingdom was God's kingdom - The UPC of Zimbabwe. Our first Sunday Kent preached in a regional evangelistic service. I'm certain 15 or 20 people received the Holy Ghost. Several were baptised as well. Vicki and I were privileged to be apart of a children's crusade. Later that week I was the guest speaker at the National Ladies Conference. I was truly blessed! Zimbabwe is blessed with wonderful leaders and pastor's and wives. I felt I made some friends for life. Hopefully this week I can create a slide show of our trip.

Thanks Vicki and Tremayne for being wonderful tour guides and hosts!