Becoming less: Christmas on the Prairie

Winter in Kansas always brings back good memories…like driving to Topeka High in our little Tempo listening to Dean Martin sing Christmas songs, climbing out through the passenger side door because the driver door was frozen shut, running across the untouched sparkly whiteness of fresh snow in the yard, watching geese in the perfectly blue sky head south, experiencing everyone infected with the attitude of giving at Christmas…

It’s very sweet to be able to add new memories to this file in my brain called “Kansas Winters”. Last night has a special spot in that file – about 40 friends, supporters, and family from Topeka gathered in our home despite the freezing temperatures and sleet falling outside so that I could see them and they see me and we all share encouraging stories. I was unbelievably blessed by their kindness to come and care. It made me remember how my friends and supporters all over the country (and world!) are truly examples of God’s grace in undergirding my life and ministry.

As the last few friends trickled out into the night, the most beautiful thing happened – it started to snow! My friend Christina from Embry-Riddle is home with us for Christmas and has never seen this weather phenomenon. My awe for God and the things He blesses us with was renewed as I experienced snow as if for the first time with Christina.

After Christmas, Christina and I will leave for Chattanooga, TN, and the Campus Outreach National Conference! We will join the students from our Florida campuses and from around the country for five days – we’re excited to seek to know God and be known by Him! Click here to listen to live streaming of the speakers including John Piper and Matt Chandler: http://www.conationalconference.com/live

Merry Christmas! Would you too be filled with that spirit of giving as you remember the most astonishing gift ever given and ever received – reconciliation to God our Father.