Operation Christmas Child

I had the most amazing experience on Friday. Rather than fighting the Christmas crowds in shopping centers or camping out at my local Walmart, I ventured with a group of 10 others to the Operation Christmas Child collection center in Charlotte, NC. Words can not describe how moving and emotional the experience was for me. The center and our day was filled with people, shoeboxes and prayer. I made so many friends that day- and have learned a lot more about Samaritan's Purse and about how I can become involved year round in this unique ministry. The size and magnitude of this project grows with each passing year. Last year OCC touched over 8 million children in 100 different countries. Hopes are to exceed that number this Christmas. After my visit last Friday I have decided to pack a few more boxes with my classroom and church. I had only packed one box as an individual, however after my visit I wanted to do more- and I wanted my students to be involved. Lord willing I will be heading back to Charlotte within a week with a few more boxes and perhaps a few more hands to volunteer. If you have not ever taken part in OCC I encourage you to do so. Each box- isn't just a gift- it's a child and their opportunity to accept Christ. By the way- the more than 70 boxes that I myself touched and packaged will be heading to Peru and Zambia.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I put up my Christmas tree tonight and felt the need to officially begin the holiday season with one of my favorite Christmas songs. This is "Born in Bethlehem" from Third Day's Christmas Offerings album.

Beyond The Gates of Splendor - Part 1

This is a video that Steven Curtis Chapman shared at a concert a few years ago. I ran across this after searching for videos from the "This Moment" tour online. I first heard the story of Jim and Elisabeth Eliot from Focus on the Family and Family Life Today during a series of interviews on missions and missionaries. "Gates of Splendor" is the novel written by Elisabeth Eliot about her and her husband's mission experience in Ecuador. The novel and movie "The End of the Spear" is the same story told by the surviving son of one of the other missionaries. I wanted to keep this onhand because I have not yet had the opportunity to read either book. Being familiar with both the movie and the interviews- I was drawn to this video and feel certain that I will search it out when I do find time to read each book. Be sure to also watch Part Two below.

Beyond The Gates of Splendor - Part 2

See above for Part One

East to West by Casting Crowns

Everything

Life is hard- but without a Savior it is impossible. As I watch the world in this video- I watch with tears in my eyes. I realize that I often want to be someone to everyone- however all that matters is that I am everything to someone. Christ would have come if and only I had been the only one. He gave it all for me. He didn't need me, but He wanted and would not forget me. Isaiah 49:13-15


This video was taken at Winterfest in Knoxville, February 2007.

Better Hands Now by Natalie Grant

I love this song so much. It reminds me of those faithful hands that never let go- even when I run, ignore or forget. Thank you Lord for your grace, mercy and love. Thank you for your faithfulness...