Do you See Him?

By: Max Lucado
God Came Near


It's Christmas night.
The midnight hour chimed and I should be asleep, but I'm awake. I'm kept awake by one stunning thought. The world was different this week. It was temporarily transformed.
The magical dust of Christmas glittered on the cheeks of humanity ever so briefly, reminding us of what is worth having and what we are intended to be. We forgot our compulsion with winning, wooing, and warring. We put away our ladders and ledgers, we hung up our stopwatches and weapons. We stepped off our race tracks and roller coasters and looked outward toward the star of Bethlehem.
It's the season to be jolly because, more than any other time, we think of him. More than in any other season, his name is on our lips.
For a few precious hours, he is beheld. Christ is Lord. Those who pass the year without seeing him, suddenly see him. People who have been accustomed to using his name in vain, pause to us it in praise.
All of a sudden he's everywhere.
In the grin of the policeman as he drives the paddy wagon full of presents to the orphanage.
In the emotion of the father who is too thankful to finish the dinner table prayer.
He's in the tears of the mother as she welcomes home her son from overseas.
He's in the heart of the man who spent Christmas morning on skid row giving away cold baloney sandwiches and warm wishes.
Emmanuel. He is with us. God came near.
It's Christmas night. In a few hours the cleanup will begin--the lights will come down, trees will be thrown out. Size 36 will be exchanged for size 40, eggnog will be on sale for half price. Soon life will be normal again. December's generosity will become January's payments and the magic will begin to fade.
But for the moment, the magic is still in the air. Maybe that's why I'm still awake. I want to savor the spirit just a bit more. I want to pray that those who beheld him today will look for him next August. And I can't help but linger on one fanciful thought: If he can do so much with such timid prayers lamely offered in December, how much more could he do if we thought of him every day?



The gift is not from man to God. It is from God to man.



We pray each of you has a Blessed and Wonderful Christmas!
-Nick and Reyna

Just a little something.....

to get you in the Christmas spirit.

A Few More Things....

I forgot in my earlier post to remind you all of the changes in service times for Sunday. There will only be a 9:00am and a 10:50am.

Also, Kristi is showing her jewelry this Sunday from 1-3 at my house. (I hope you all got the invitations) Hope you girls can make it!

Blessed with great friends

I am continually reminded of how blessed we are to be part of such an amazing group of people. I love the fact that everyone in our group is so loving, genuine, and down to earth. It is truly a blessing to have you guys as friends. I am excited to see what God has in store for the future of our group and our friendships.

-Kristi

Life Group--This Sunday

Hey everyone. I hope each of you is having a blessed week. We will be getting together this sunday for regular life group. At our home...5:00pm.

can't wait to see you all,
reyna

Christmas Party Part 2

Here are some of the pictures I took. I hope we didn't scare Brooke, Craig, Eric and Ranae too badly with all our crazy kids, but it was lots of fun!

Gettin' the grub

a few peaceful moments before the craziness began

I don't know how Carson managed to snooze in our house with all the festivities

(or just downright pandemonium)

Brooke (smiling for the camera) & Craig (watching the Cowboys' game)

Rosalynn modeling the latest reflective fashions

Poor Nick. He didn't get near the awesome gift the he did last year (Did everyone see the camo deer/reindeer or whatever that was supposed to be hat that he was so proud of from last year?)

Our rugrats had fun unwrapping their gifts

My husband is shameless.

Christmas Party

Last night was so much fun, thanks to Marco and Kathy for a fun filled evening. Be sure to put some of your pics on here too!



Do we know how to put on a spread or what?!



The kiddie table



chillin






"girl talk"



Opening gifts






Sweeties!

Thanksgiving

So it's a little late, but I here's my first post!

I just want to say I’m thankful for this group
Nick and Reyna – keeping us all in the loop
You make the effort to go the extra mile
Open your heart and home with a warm smile

Marco and Kathy – always finding a way to give
Every day showing us all how to live
Fixing my sink or making a website
You guys are always shining God’s light

Webb and Kristi – are great examples for us
All that comes with a baby, I never heard a fuss
Creating youth events or hanging out at jail
You keep on working for Christ and never fail

Will and Rosalyn – we’re here because of you
Reaching out to strangers, that’s not easy to do
Facing struggles, you don’t blink an eye
It’ll be tough next year but we’ll be by your side

Tate and Abbey – are just what this group needs
They have a great house and lots of chicken feed
I know that they are following after Christ’s love
Being apart’s tough but you’re following the will from above

Eric and Reana – you guys came along at the perfect time
Even if you’re at the mall trying to commit a crime
Ya, so we’re the only ones without kids
We’re watching them and eventually just do what they all did