Christmas Thoughts

• I will be out of the office for the week. Spending time with my wife's family. I hope you will enjoy the next few days with friends and family. I trust you will see God in this Christmas and remember the reason we celebrate. Read the Christmas story (Luke 2:1-20) and praise Jesus for his gift to us.
• Remember to check out lifechurch.tv tonight or tomorrow to watch the Christmas Eve service.
• Here's a little Christmas story that really touched my life. Last Thursday I went over to Walmart and purchased two $25 gift cards and then walked around the store asking God to direct me to two individuals that I could give these cards to. As I searched the store for 20 or 30 minutes I was afraid store security was going to pick me up for walking around and around and around the store, looking up and down aisles for the people that needed this blessing. I finally came across one family and then shorty after, one individual who I thought could use a Christmas blessing. Both had this look of stunned thankfulness as I gave them the gift card wishing them a Merry Christmas from CATF. It was a great experience simply because God made us to be givers and when we give it helps us to reflect a little bit of God into this world. I hope you are able to find creative ways to bless others this Christmas. I was blessed beyond measure because someone gave me the idea to give in this unique way.
• Thanks CATF you are the best Christmas gift a pastor could receive. You have made 2008 an incredible year and I anticipate 2009 to be the best year yet. I am more excited about the year ahead than I ever have been about CATF. It will be a great year.
• I am thankful for my family. My wife and kids have made my life so full and blessed. I could never do what I do without them.
• Merry Christmas to all the great CATF volunteers.