John 5:30 – “My judgement is right because I don’t seek my own will.” -Jesus  One of the reasons we have such a great country is because many of our Founding Fathers did not seek their own will.  In fact many didn’t even want the office of President.  -They didn’t seek it.  Their entire energy was put into making a great country.  I asked the Heavenly Father this morning how I could stop seeking my own will.  He was silent.  I suspect in that silence is where I find my answer.  He speaks very low, so low I must incline myself very low.  I must die, so he can live in me.   

I returned to the “physical” place of my 1st love.  Gulfport, MS was where I fell in love with Jesus.  All though I couldn’t find one single landscape that I recognized because of Katrina;  I found the place that wasn’t made with human hands.  It was at that place that I heard God for the first time; it was at that place where I sensed his presence for the first time; it was at that place where he told me his dreams and it was at that place where I told him I would serve him.  I reminisced with my first Pastor.  Pastor Jeff Fillmore mentored me into my life I have right now.  Returning to my first love is like having the honeymoon all over again.  Thank you Jesus.   

New Orleans & the the Gulf Coast was wonderful, exciting, discouraging, horrible all wrapped into one.  The TV does not show the true picture.  Imagine Christmas touched more the 12 thousand children and adults in 3 nights.  We had carnival games, sleigh rides, 12 huge inflatable games, 3 stages that had children’s ministry going on.  There were magicians, clowns, puppets and many more children ministry things. Santa & Mrs. Clause were there. (We met the children where they were at.)  So many children said, “I thought Santa Clause wouldn’t find us this year.”  Understand that EVERY children’s program is non-existent in New Orleans and the gulf coast. – No Santa at the malls, No Chuky Cheese, etc - nothing for the children.  There is no children’s ministries in the churches – no nurserys.  I watched as the children entered the grounds.  Their eyes were in total shock as they seen the brightly lit up grounds.  A search light beamed into the sky to advertise.  They left with handfuls of nice gifts.  Their gratitude was overwhelming.  People from all walks of life were there.  The poor, the middle class and the well to do - those that use to have a lot.  We took a tour of the devastation.  TV doesn’t even come close to capture the hundreds of miles of agony.  The people have lost hope & they’ll gain it back only if the rest of the US stays by them.  I told many people that South Dakota loves them.        

We’re off to New Orleans.  I’ll tell you all about it when I get back next week.

Here’s our Family Letter that we sent out with our Christmas Cards:

Seems like Clement Clarke Moore’s immortal poem, “Twas the Night before Christmas” has been changed into many different versions.  So I thought why not us.  Here goes:

 

Twas the season before Christmas,

When all through the house everyone was stirring, with Kristina clicking her mouse;

Her e-mail was piling in inboxes, such

She was finalizing plans for college with a special touch! (Kristina is in college for Massage Theropy.)

Kalli’s stocking she’s suppose to wear upon her feet, hopefully with care;

In hopes that Mommy won’t see her little 17 month old feet bare.

When the children were arising from being all nestled in their beds,

while visions of going to the creek, bounced in Austin’s head;

and Mommy knitting away, and I in my book,

had just settled our brains for a long winter nap,

when coming from upstairs, trotting downwards with such clatter

arrived Noah, awaking me to find out what was the matter.

Out of my chair I flew like a flash, (not really but it sound good)

To find out what his intentions were, as he made his dash.

Alicia, not able to ride her motorcycle because of the snow;

Gave us an update of the college she intended to go.

When to my wondering eyes should appear,

Alisha Dawn and her desire to paint rein deer.

More rapid than eagles, Brooke from upstairs came;

as I whistled and shouted Danielle’s name.

Now Danielle, don’t be slow,

You’re driving us to where we’re planning to go.

Now to my dismay not all came;

causing me to say each one by their name.

Now, Kristina, Now Alicia, Now Danielle, Now Brooke, Now Alisha Dawn, Now Austin, Now Noah, Now Kalli Anne

To the top of the porch, to the inside of the van!

Dash away! Dash away! Dash away! and don’t make me say it again.

 

& Noah

 

I haven’t been able to make it here because of the prepartion in going to New Orleans.  It’ll be a experience.  Children’s Workers from around the states are going to get together there and put on a Christmas Program.  There are 12 of us from South Dakota.