Today is my first morning of the unstressed Christmas 2011.  This weekend at Special Gathering we had two Happy Birthday, Jesus! parties. One in Vero and the other was in Melbourne.  Decorations, cake, chicken, a pasta casserole, tuna/macaroni salad and sandwiches were  a part of my responsibilities.

These make up the fun, yet stressful parties we have each year for the members of  Special Gathering which is a ministry within the mentally challenged community.  Our only goal is evangelism and discipleship.  Part of our discipleship is fellowship and that means parties.  Functioning a lot like a youth group, as we minister, we desire to teach the truths of Christ and the gospel in as many ways as possible.

I am now on vacation and spending a late, casual morning.  Other people are cooking and cleaning and stressing.  I’m loving it.

My prayer blessing for you is that your children will grow up and actually (or pretend to) like you and invite you to their home for the holiday.  I pray you will have a wonderful Christmas and be blessed without stress.  I pray that Jesus become even closer to you this year and that you will enjoy His presence.  I’m enjoying my Christmas.