Wednesday

Mornin' Ladies! Merry Christmas eve eve! I have to say Jackson really gave us a scare yesterday. His temp got up to 105.6!! Can you believe that? This was 3 hrs after his motrin. I gave him tylenol and stripped him down, put him in the bath tub. Called the dr. and I called everybody into the living room (Donnie was home yesterday) and we prayed over him. God is great!! His fever went down, and last night it was 99.6 when he went to bed. Last night was the first night he's slept all night in 3-4 nights! Prayers are answered!!

So, what are ya'll up to today? Wrapping presents? Cooking? Shopping? I just love this time of year! Today is my Granny's birthday, I don't know exactly how old she is, but I'll go see her today, and later tonight we're going to Donnie & Jane's for Christmas over there. I hope ya'll have a good service tonight, I'll miss ya'll.

Here's a little devotional I found for you. Hope you enjoy and have a great day! I love ya'll!!

What Will You Give?

Dr. Ronald D. Welch, Associate Professor of Counseling

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Ephesians 5:2, KJV)

In O. Henry’s classic story, “The Gift of the Magi,” a young man and woman, deeply in love, give each other gifts from the heart at Christmas. The young woman sells her beautiful, long hair to pay for a chain for the man’s prized watch. He sells the watch to pay for combs for her hair. The selfless acts of this young couple have touched many hearts since O. Henry penned the story in 1906.

In today’s busy world, even at Yuletide, too many of us think first of ourselves and then of others. Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:2 remind us that we are to “walk in love,” just as Christ did in the sacrifice of His life for our salvation. Walking in love with those around us does not have to involve extensive time or financial commitment—it is not the size of the gift that Paul and O. Henry were referring to. It is the condition of the heart that matters.

What motivates you this Holiday season? Think about the gifts you spend so much money and time on. Is your intention to impress the receiver with the amazing gift you have chosen, or to sacrifice a part of yourself through the act of giving? Paul suggests that our Savior has provided the model of sacrifice and gift-giving that we are to follow.

Take some time to consider what you can truly give of yourself. Instead of rushing around to seven different stores to buy the “perfect” gift, spend some time with God to ask how He can use you to walk in love with those around you. Listen to Paul’s words and make an offering of yourself to others in ways you have never done before.

This Christmas season, challenge yourself to give gifts of the heart, gifts of sacrifice and selflessness. Give the gift of the Magi, and marvel at what God can do when we truly give of ourselves in His service.