Red dragon nativity set...

Last night, I couldn't sleep (something about Ohio I guess...seems to happen every time I stay in the state), so I put on my ipod and listened to a podcast by John Eldredge (www.ransomedheart.com/). This particular podcast was about Christmas and how a lot of times we focus so much on Jesus and the "peaceful" nativity scene that we miss what was actually taking place during the birth of our Saviour.

As we go on to read in Revelation, we discover that the birth of Christ is about Jesus, but it also about our rescue! Revelation 12:4b-12:6 says,

"The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days."

Hello! Do you have a red dragon with seven heads, ten horns and seven crowns on his heads with a tail that could sweep a third of the stars out of the sky set up on your mantle next to your nativity set? (Revelation 12:3) I sure don't! And if I did, I think I might lose some Christmas party guests the next time we have people over. But, that was the reality of Jesus' birth. He was coming to rescue us from sin and while he was coming to earth, war was breaking out in heaven, and Satan was defeated by the angels. Brings about a whole new meaning to Christmas carols about angels....

This Christmas, recognize Jesus in the manger, but also recognize the great fight for our rescue! Hopefully it will bring about a deeper personal reflection this season.

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Homeless in Ohio...

Yesterday, we were on the road traveling to Sidney, OH. We were pulling off at an exit to grab something for lunch when we spotted a man and a woman on the sidewalk with a sign that said "homeless, please help." As we sat at the stoplight, I asked Justin to grab any food he could find from the back of the van. We pulled up a bit and safely pulled over on the shoulder. I walked up to the couple and asked them if they could use some food. They graciously received it and we began talking a little.

I asked them if they were ok and if they needed anything else. They told me about how he was trying to find a job, and came to live with his brother, however, his brother moved and left them on the street. Unfortunately, as they talked, I could smell alcohol on their breath, but I wasn't going to judge them - especially without knowing the extent of their situation.

I told them that I was sorry I couldn't do more, but that I would be praying for them. We shook hands and I walked back to the van. My prayers go out for them tonight as the temperature outside dips below 30 degrees.

I normally miss these kind of people, but today, God reminded me to notice those around me - especially those in need, and he provided an opportunity for me to serve them. I wish I could have done more. Maybe I could have. But my prayer is that a seed was planted and I am asking God to grow it....

New blog starting in 2009

I have been a bad "blogger" the past week as I haven't taken time to write in several days. The reason however, is because I have been finalizing an agreement with a new coffee company called LAND OF 1000 HILLS coffee that my Dad actually introduced me to.

Starting next year, I will be writing weekly blogs for their site on poverty related issues. I am looking forward to partnering with a company that is using products, job opportunities, and resources to help fight the war on poverty. 

Check out DRINKCOFFEEDOGOOD.COM and consider getting a bag for the holidays....

Greetings from the snow covered roads on the 3RD ANNUAL WILLET SNOW ON CHRISTMAS? TOUR   :)