But this year I feel like I received some special gifts from my Saviour as well. They have come in some very special moments of just being obedient to him. He knows our hearts, my heart, and how much we miss home during this season. And yet he continues to help us every step of the way and encourages me as I continue to walk. So, if you will, I would like to share my gifts with you as a testimony of His faithfulness.
Gift #1 - My children
Obviously, those two gifts were given to me several years ago, but they seem to be the "gifts that keep on giving"! This week in particular I have seen their love for their Saviour and it hasblessed me beyond measure. 
On Monday, we hosted a party for some "little friends" of ours. They came over and we made crafts with them and gingerbread men. I was overwhelmed at the love Hannah and Hudson had for their "little friends" and how excited they were to do something special for them. 
They gave their day to prepare, play, and then clean up so their little friends could have a special day. It was nothing big, but it blessed this mom completely!
On Monday, we hosted a party for some "little friends" of ours. They came over and we made crafts with them and gingerbread men. I was overwhelmed at the love Hannah and Hudson had for their "little friends" and how excited they were to do something special for them. They gave their day to prepare, play, and then clean up so their little friends could have a special day. It was nothing big, but it blessed this mom completely! Gift #2 - Baby Jesus and Karaoke
While this may sound a little strange, my second gift was the simple reminder of Father's faithfulness. 
We have a small group of friends that meets together, and Tuesday night we met for karaoke and a Christmas party, they invited friends and we had triple the number of people we normally have come to our party. So we met new friends that night and were able to tell His story to them, and they heard for the first time.
His faithfulness and goodness to us comes as He reminds us "do not grow weary in well doing, for in due time you will reap what you sow". His faithfulness gift to me also came in the fact that I told the Christmas story from start to finish....not in English....which is something I couldn't do a year ago.
We have a small group of friends that meets together, and Tuesday night we met for karaoke and a Christmas party, they invited friends and we had triple the number of people we normally have come to our party. So we met new friends that night and were able to tell His story to them, and they heard for the first time. His faithfulness and goodness to us comes as He reminds us "do not grow weary in well doing, for in due time you will reap what you sow". His faithfulness gift to me also came in the fact that I told the Christmas story from start to finish....not in English....which is something I couldn't do a year ago. Gift #3 - 207 Elementary students
My third gift is summed up in the new song by Shane and Shane that says "Jesus you are my great reward!" After coming home from our Karaoke party we headed back out with some friends to help them with a Christmas activity they had planned. 
In a small village about an hour away from where I live, there is an elementary school our friends have made relationships with. Their home church has helped sponsor them the last two years and have sent backpacks to each child full of socks, underwear, toys, school supplies, and other goodies. 
We had the privilege of going yesterday and playing games with these kids and giving them their gifts. These children have parents who have left to go work in factories in the big cities, only coming home maybe once a year. Some of these children even live on their own at the school, cooking for themselves, caring for themselves. 
Seldom do they have someone play with them, laugh with them, share them love. They were dirty, had clothes on that didn't fit, and were neglected. It was obvious from the time we drove in the gates and got out of the car that this was going to be a special day for them. Jesus said, "when you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me" and yesterday as we served these children and made them smile with our games, songs, and gifts, the Saviour reached into my heart and reminded me visually that His love is for everyone. 
As I watched my whole family together with our friends love these children, the true reason for the season was glorified. No matter how much I may want to enjoy the "comforts" of home and the love of family this season, my Saviour gave me a sweet gift of Joy and Peace yesterday and truly Jesus is my Great Reward! 
In a small village about an hour away from where I live, there is an elementary school our friends have made relationships with. Their home church has helped sponsor them the last two years and have sent backpacks to each child full of socks, underwear, toys, school supplies, and other goodies. We had the privilege of going yesterday and playing games with these kids and giving them their gifts. These children have parents who have left to go work in factories in the big cities, only coming home maybe once a year. Some of these children even live on their own at the school, cooking for themselves, caring for themselves. Seldom do they have someone play with them, laugh with them, share them love. They were dirty, had clothes on that didn't fit, and were neglected. It was obvious from the time we drove in the gates and got out of the car that this was going to be a special day for them. Jesus said, "when you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me" and yesterday as we served these children and made them smile with our games, songs, and gifts, the Saviour reached into my heart and reminded me visually that His love is for everyone. As I watched my whole family together with our friends love these children, the true reason for the season was glorified. No matter how much I may want to enjoy the "comforts" of home and the love of family this season, my Saviour gave me a sweet gift of Joy and Peace yesterday and truly Jesus is my Great Reward! I am so thankful for Jesus and so thankful He has led us to this place where we can serve Him and He continues to bless us in so many ways. So, Merry Christmas and may you find his Joy and Peace this season!
2 comments:
PTL-Thank you SO MUCH for sharing! we are SO BLESSED that we were JUST THERE and therefore can understand a little better! As we are, ourselves, preparing for "the snowstorm of the decade" and CHRISTmas w/R&T, the 4 "A" girls & K&P, and ARE missing you too (pretty bad)! But we did have our own little "O Fam" CHRISTmas! We are SO BLESSED right along w/you that Father has positioned you to receive the blessings shared! We love you (all)!
At this very moment I can hear the sound of the sweet little Reese Cup singing Away in a Manger from her bed and feel her tiny little brother clapping along inside :) and I too am overwhelmed at how blessed I am and grateful not only for my Reagan and kids and to be able to share in the gift of Jesus, but to call you all family too! Love you guys and miss you today! So touched by this post! (Gotta go check on your sweet brother now... Up sick ALL night. Sure it's not how he thought he'd be spending Christmas!) Love you all!
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