Life is never quite what we expect, I think.
It is always an adventure, even when it may not seem like one. It is always about perspective.
I was expecting to spend a week in Missouri with a third of my family, namely Dad, Mom and Jeremiah serving with our church
Instead, I found myself in bed over Thanksgiving with bronchitis which delayed the plans a bit. Dad ended up staying back with me, so kind.
Once I was a bit better, he and I road tripped out to Missouri to join Mom and Jeremiah for the last half of the week.
Our mission was serving the staff at Child Evangelism Fellowship for their “Spiritual Renewal” week.
This included working in a huge-wonderful-commercial-kitchen, making meals, cleaning dishes, wiping tables, etc.etc.etc.
This also included working with the ministry of CEF and grading the Bible lessons that they do through the postal system.
Certainly that was one of the highlights of my afternoons at CEF, grading and writing “huggy” notes on countless lessons.
I was reminded, yet again, of the incredible simplicity but overwhelming power of the Gospel.
All sorts of lessons were graded.
As young as 1 years old up to Adults and even Prisoners.
All studying the Word of God. All learning Truth.
Powerful.
Our final mission was putting on the yearly Christmas banquet that our church provides for CEF staff and families.
It was a joy and soooo much fun to assist my dear friend Anna who was coordinating all the desserts and decorations.
This included howevermany hundred cupcakes (made from scratch), a dozen cheesecakes and endless other sugar filled goodness.
It also included cutting over 100+ pine branches from the woods to use for the table center pieces which became my project.
I love ministry.
I love ministering.
I love the Body of Christ.
I love seeing the power of the Gospel.
I love the joy of the Lord which is my strength.
It was a wonderful few days. How good it does one’s heart to serve and minister and be the hands and feet of Jesus in practical ways.
Already I am praying, plotting and planning a return trip to CEF next year, if not sooner.
On the return trip home we were able to stop by the St. Louis arch. Lord Rillian was quite thrilled, one more exciting place to have seen!
Sadly, we weren’t able to go to the top… after waiting in line for over half an hour, there was maintenance issues and we couldn’t go up.
But it still was a lovely almost-seventy-degree day to walk outside and enjoy the fresh air under the largest structure in America.
Have I mentioned recently that I adore adventures?
Have I also mentioned recently that I adore Christmastime?
And it is here!!!
Even though it has been practically like spring outside, the Christmas music has officially started, twinkle lights are appearing…
and generally I cannot stop thinking about the most Precious Baby the World has ever witnessed. God becoming flesh.
Choosing humility and filth instead of everything He deserved… glory, honor, praise and adoration.
When I think of how I have been hurt, wronged, sinned against… it pales compared to Jesus.
How often I need to lift my eyes and see Him. See Jesus and love Him. Love Him more!
“Even Christ pleased not Himself…” [Romans 15:3]
Consider Jesus, friends. Consider Him!!
Oh, life is so much sweeter because of HIM.
“Christmas should remind us that God makes good on His promises.” [Pastor Mark Vrogop]
-KM
PS- As you will see evidenced in pictures, my family is getting rather used to a Penguin accompanying us everywhere.
Their opinions on the matter range from “Cute” to “You are crazy” to “Only Kristi would…” *grin*
Well, only the random-crazy people have the best kinds of fun, or so I am told. hehe
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