Shelley – Page 11 – The Shepherd's Daughter

Author: Shelley

The Contentment Club

Posted on February 27, 2013June 12, 2013 by Shelley

We were finally “empty nesters.” Well, for the weekend at least. With our three girls spread out across Oregon, Nebraska and Colorado, Chris and I found ourselves “home alone” for the first time in over 20 years! We tried to recall all those things parents wish they could do when the kids are young and constantly underfoot. (But we’re old and couldn’t remember what they were.) We did manage to take in a couple of movies and eat at a restaurant we liked, without having to listen to the complaints of a certain picky eater. Silence can be golden.

Then last weekend we were blessed with a “full house.” The chicks returned to the nest — along with several others, Rachel’s college friends/sorority sisters. (And Chris resumed his normal “Minority in a Sorority” status.) The Smith Bed and Breakfast/ Restaurant/Tea Room was Full. Not just of guests, but of laughter, noise, activity and Life.

P1060111 — The Smith B&B also boasts a full-service Craft Room. Here are the crafters doing their thing.

Talk about extremes! From an empty nest to a full house, all in a matter of days! When I mentioned this on Facebook, a friend commented, “I pray you’re content in both.” This got me wondering, What does it really mean to be content?

I like to think of myself as a content person. I’m usually “in the moment.” You know, the “wherever you are, be all there” type. (My husband worries about this when I travel. I get so caught up in the here and now that I’ve been known to forget that I have a family back home who might appreciate a phone call every now and then.)

But even if contentment doesn’t come naturally to us, the apostle Paul maintains that it is a character quality that can be acquired: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11b, NIV) He expands on this in the next verse: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12b)

I was intrigued to discover that the metaphor Paul uses here is a reference to pagan initiation rites.* Rachel and her friends were recently initiated into their sorority on the CSU campus. I was also a sorority girl in college (please don’t judge). Initiation is the ceremony where the “secrets” of the organization are revealed to the new members. So what is the “secret” to contentment and how can we join the “club”?

Unlike Paul, I am still learning. But I believe it begins with knowing God and learning to trust His character. “A contented mind is an invaluable blessing, and is one of the fruits of religion in the soul. It arises from the belief that God is right in all his ways.” (Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, emphasis mine.) I can be content when I rest in the knowledge that God is good and therefore whatever He chooses to give me is also “good.” (See Psalm 84:11-12.) He has promised His children that He will take even the negative things in life and bring something positive out of them. (See Romans 8:28.)

Merriam-Webster defines content as to be “satisfied.” Barnes goes on to say that “…one of the secrets of happiness is to have a mind satisfied with all the allotments of Providence.” This reminds me of the saying, “Happiness is wanting what you have.” We have a choice to focus on what we wish we had or to embrace and find satisfaction in what we do have–the blessings, big or small, that a gracious God has bestowed on us.

A few times during The Weekend of the Empty Nest I did feel sorry for myself because I was missing out on a fabulous choir trip to Portland. But dwelling on that would have caused me to squander the valuable gift of uninterrupted time alone with my husband. The noise level did get to me during The Weekend of the Full House, when it disrupted a television program I was trying to watch or interfered with my sleep. But becoming irritable would have robbed my joy in being hospitable, so I chose to entertain my guests instead of those thoughts.

Members of the Episcopal church are encouraged to pray this prayer at the start of each day: Grant us…minds always contented with our present condition.** Perhaps we could make this our prayer as well. It might be another key to unlocking the secret of contentment.

Rachel and Co. have since returned to the dorm, and our home has returned to a state of relative calm. Who knows what next weekend will bring? But I do know that whether the house is empty or full, quiet or loud, or somewhere in between those two extremes, I can choose to be…content.

Care to join me?

*Source: Vincent’s Word Studies.

**From the U.S. Book of Common Prayer, 1892.

It’s Not Easy Being Green

Posted on February 9, 2013November 16, 2013 by Shelley

I was scrolling down my facebook news feed, unaware of what was lurking nearby. Without warning it leapt out from where it had been hiding behind a friend’s innocent facebook post. And in the blink of an eye, it had me firmly in its grip.

It was the “Green-Eyed Monster.” A.k.a. Envy. And green with it I was.

My friend was merely inquiring if anyone knew where she might find a Shih Tzu puppy for sale. I was startled by the intensity and suddenness of my response, not unlike the way our skittish Siamese cat’s tail “poofs” at the slightest provocation. (More on the cat in a minute.)

You see, our family once loved a Shih Tzu. (Only we prefer to pronounce it with a long ‘e’ vowel sound. It’s less offensive that way.) For nearly 8 1/2 years, our little “Sandy dog” graced our lives with her sweet personality and gentle ways. She went to doggie heaven just over two years ago. Her death left a gaping hole in our home, one we weren’t sure could ever be filled. So we were in no rush to run out and replace her.

Lately, however, we’ve been missing having a little fluffball (or “rat-dog,” as my husband prefers to call this breed) underfoot. But two major obstacles stand in the way: 1) an unfenced yard, and 2) the aforementioned cat. The yard would be an easy enough (albeit expensive) problem to fix. The cat is another story. She doesn’t play well with others. And she has claws. It’s all fun and games until an unsuspecting puppy gets an eye poked out.

So here we sit. Dog-less. Which brings me back to my green-tinged reaction. And helps me understand it.

Envy always exposes something we desperately want or deeply desire. There is nothing wrong with the desire in and of itself. It crosses over into sin, however, when we let the fact that others possess the object of our desire cause us to covet. Merriam-Webster defines “covet” as “to feel inordinate desire for what belongs to another.” (Emphasis mine.)

God is pretty clear on this:

“You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey (or dog–I added this), or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:17, NLT)

But He never issues a command without also providing the means to obey it. I wonder if the way to escape the clutches of the green-eyed monster might be found in this verse:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV)

Now I happen to really love this particular facebook (and real-life) friend. What if she were to get a cute little Shih (don’t forget, long ‘e’) Tzu pup? Would I begrudge her the joy this four-legged, furry family member would bring? Not if I truly loved her. For “…love does not envy others the happiness which they enjoy…” (Barnes’ Notes on the Bible)

When I focus on love instead of on what I lack, I find myself wanting what’s best for her. And I can trust that The God Who Is Love will also provide what is best for me. (Shih Tzus for everyone!) Love loosens envy’s grasp and frees us from its control.

Au Revoir, Envy. Hello, Love.

(Green was never a good color on me anyway.)

Ping Pong, Anyone?

Posted on February 5, 2013August 29, 2013 by Shelley

I felt a bit silly writing the check. My dear friend Terri Clark is headed to India later this month on a missions trip. Now please don’t misunderstand. It’s a wonderful cause, definitely worthy of support.

What felt silly was the fact that our two families keep passing this same $100 back and forth like a ping pong ball.

It started a couple of years ago when their son Nate served with Youth With a Mission in Australia. We were more than happy to help. Then our daughter Emily applied for a Cru Summer Project in Boston. The $100 returned to help send her on her way.

Now it’s Terri’s turn.

Isn’t this the way it’s supposed to work? The money doesn’t belong to any of us. It’s all God’s, and it’s to be available whenever someone needs it.

“At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need.” (2 Corinthians 8:14a, NIV)

So, back to you Clarks. The ball’s in your court. Let’s keep the volley going.

Who will be next? 🙂

An Experiment in Isolation

Posted on January 29, 2013August 29, 2013 by Shelley

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Feeling somewhat burned out spiritually, I decided to take the month of January to rest, refocus and seek God. So I requested a leave of absence from my volunteer commitments at church and initiated a month-long Facebook fast. I just never imagined I would feel so very… isolated.

An unexpected visit from the Flu Fairy didn’t help matters any. I literally did not set foot out of the house for over a week. On the days I left the confines of my bed it was only to relocate under a blanket on the couch. A couple of sweet friends brought meals. One joked about leaving the food on the doorstep, ringing the doorbell and running. I couldn’t blame her. I’d avoid this flu like the plague. Despite my aversion to needles, I am vowing from this day forward to get an annual flu shot.

But my big takeaway from this month of self and influenza-imposed exile is that we were never meant to do life alone. There are certainly benefits to withdrawing for a time from the busyness of life to commune with God. Jesus Himself modelled this. But withdrawal is never healthy as a long term lifestyle. We are hard-wired for human contact. The fact is: We Need Fellowship. Jesus modelled and taught this as well.

In the 1970’s, Reuben Welch penned a little gem of a book that was extremely formative to my early Christian growth, called We Really Do Need Each Other. I dusted it off today and was challenged afresh by the relevance of his words:

I have come to believe with all my heart that the life that Jesus brings is a shared life. The life of God in the world does not have its meaning in isolated units, but in a fellowship of those who share that life in him.

Isolation = bad. Fellowship = good.

When we feel like we are slipping spiritually, or growing cold, or indifferent, we have a tendency to withdraw and pray it through, or to get hold of God, or get back to where we ought to be, so we will have something to give to others–and that’s false.

Ouch. Guilty as charged.

Of course we believe in the total adequacy of Jesus Christ to meet the total need of the total person. But we must remember this also: he saves in the context of the community of faith. It isn’t “Jesus and me,” it is “Jesus and we…”

I’ve always remembered that last line. I just don’t always remember to live it out.

A month of near seclusion is more than enough time to remind me of the importance of community. This bear’s had enough hibernation for one winter. I am more than ready to re-emerge and re-engage.

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25, NLT)

You Are Being Watched

Posted on January 8, 2013August 29, 2013 by Shelley

“Restaurant Stakeout” and “Mystery Diners” are two of our new favorite shows. In case you’re not familiar with this Food Network fare, both programs feature restaurant owners who suspect problems with their employees. Hidden cameras are installed in the kitchen and dining areas, enabling the boss to secretly observe what goes on when he or she is absent.

And while the cat’s away, the mice do play.

The best part of the show comes when the staff are assembled and the restaurant owner reveals that he’s been watching them. The looks on their faces as they react to this announcement are priceless. You can almost see them rewinding and replaying the tapes in their own minds, trying to determine whether this is good news…or bad news.

Now imagine yourself in their shoes for a moment. An emergency meeting has been called, and you’re curious, wondering why you’ve been summoned. Then you hear the words:

I’ve been watching you.

Only this time it’s the voice of God.

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13, NIV)

Rewind. Replay. Gulp.

That bad attitude you unsuccessfully tried to hide behind a fake smile? Those little compromises you justified because you thought no one would ever find out? The poor work ethic you displayed when you assumed the cat was away? It’s all there, in plain view, up on the monitors.

Oh and by the way, there’s plenty more footage where that came from. Cringe.

Before you crawl under the table in fear and shame, may I suggest something? That whether the knowledge that you are being watched is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ news might depend less on your performance and more on your relationship with the owner? Please read that again. Then allow me to illustrate.

Typically on these shows, once the offending employees are identified they lose their jobs. Good riddance, right? Justice served. Problem solved.

But in one of the restaurant stings, a trusted employee was caught red-handed, brazenly stealing from his employer, a close family friend. When confronted, the thief begged for a second chance, promising to change and make restitution. Instead of being fired, he was forgiven. Why?

Because he was more than just an employee, a hired hand. He was “family.” He was shown mercy, because he was a beloved friend.

Certainly the fact that we are being watched should give us pause. We should try to live in such a way that we bring honor to Our Maker and Master, seeking to hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23, NIV) more than we desire our own convenience and comfort.

But if you have a personal relationship with the Owner, the revelation that He is watching you should not strike terror in your heart. For the eyes that are upon you are peering through the lens of love.

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” (1 John 4:18, NLT)

You are so much more than a mere servant. You are a dearly loved friend. You are Family.

“I no longer call you servants…I have called you friends…” said Jesus to His disciples in John 15:15 (NIV).

Listen to how one Bible commentator describes the watchful gaze of the Lord:

“He observes them with approval and tender consideration; they are so dear to him that he cannot take his eyes off them; he watches each one of them as carefully and intently as if there were only that one creature in the universe.” (From The Treasury of David)

Let that sink in.

He loves you. He approves of you. He values you.

He’s not waiting just to catch you in the act so He can kick you to the curb. He’s watching because He cares about you. He may discipline you and correct your behavior, but it is always out of a heart of love and a commitment to nurturing an ongoing relationship with you.

Isn’t that good news?

Doesn’t that make you want to please Him?

“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” (2 Chronicles 16:19, NAS)

The Helix Nebula, also called the “Eye of God”

A Mother’s Prayer

Posted on January 5, 2013February 4, 2014 by Shelley

The pond of emotion wells up, overflows and seeps out the corner of my eye, a quiet rivulet. I linger at the dining room window, prayerfully watching until that final moment when her car disappears from view. She’s happy and carefree, off to visit college friends on the Colorado western slope for a week.

I want this for her. I do.

But she’s also young, and it’s her first trip solo. And it’s over the Rocky Mountains. In January.

It’s not just her physical safety I worry about. I know there are other dangers. Spiritual ones. The kind that wake a mother in the dead of night and compel her to cry out in the darkness to the only true Light.

Does it ever get any easier? These goodbyes, this letting go, this releasing and trusting?

Seeking solace, I stumble upon a “mother’s” version of “The Prayer” by Celine Dion. I make it my prayer. I want this for her too, and for each of my daughters three.

And I am consoled, for I am not the first mom to pour out her heart in tearful intercession for a precious child. I find comfort, for there is One who watches, and the car never slips out of His sight.

A Mother’s Prayer*

I pray you’ll be my eyes
And watch her where she goes
And help her to be wise
Help me to let go

Every mother’s prayer
Every child knows
Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she’ll be safe

I pray she finds your light
And holds it in her heart
As darkness falls each night
Remind her where you are

Every mother’s prayer
Every child knows
Need to find a place
Guide her with your grace
Give her faith so she’ll be safe

Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she’ll be safe

*Lyrics to “The Prayer” by David Foster / Carole Bayer Sager. Here’s a link to Celine Dion’s beautiful rendition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNJBe5kZEjk

(Painting is “Woman at Window” by Holsoe)

Facebook Fast

Posted on January 2, 2013January 31, 2013 by Shelley

Sometimes you just need a break. So I’m “unfriending” facebook for the month of January. In the three-plus years I’ve been on facebook I’ve never had the courage to unplug for more than a day or two. (And to be honest, those times only came when I was out of town and/or without Internet access.) Maybe I have high inclusion needs, but I just hate the thought that I might be missing out on something important in people’s lives.

Two main concerns finally convinced me to take a leap off of the facebook cliff: 1) A cluttered mind. Too much information = too much for this tired old brain to keep track of. I am in need of a mental break! 2) Unprioritized relationships. Everyone gets equal billing on the facebook news feed. Some of my closest friends and family members aren’t even on facebook, and it is too easy to neglect them. I need to redefine and reinvest in my priority relationships.

I thought keeping a journal might help me chronicle my progress. You are welcome to follow along. Facebook Fast: Commence!

Day 1: Happy New Year! I had to resist the urge to get on facebook multiple times today. Yes, the addict is having her withdrawals. I did feel I was productive and had more time to get things done around the house, though, like putting the Christmas decorations away. I received one fb message via email from a friend asking for prayer for her wayward son, and it was nice to just concentrate on this one request throughout the day.

Day 2: Woke up to an email from my close friend Sue, who, with her husband, an optometrist, serves in Africa. Due to the sensitive nature of their work, they are not on facebook. This is one of those priority relationships I feel I’ve neglected, and I really desire to be a better friend and correspondent. I am excited to have the opportunity to put together a care package for her family this week!

Day 3: I dreamt about facebook last night. In the dream I was justifying the need to get on facebook because it was my birthday! Woke up a little disoriented and had to remind myself that it is January, not May! Oh. My. Word. On a more serious note, I received an email this morning from a friend whose husband just decided to move out, leaving a devastated family behind. And I have my prayer assignment for the day.

Day 4: Took a short road trip to CO yesterday afternoon as a family to celebrate the wedding of the daughter of longtime friends. Then enjoyed quality time with two friends today. Not sure if having more time to meet with people is due to being off of facebook or just a function of still being on Christmas break, but regardless, I am thankful for these opportunities to connect and fellowship with others.

Day 5: Today was the hardest day yet. I really had to resist the urge to get on facebook to see what I’ve been missing. I did have a good visit with a friend this afternoon. I think the challenge for me is to focus on ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ in my interactions with people right now.

Day 6: My big accomplishment today was getting the care package assembled, wrapped up and driven across town to the folks who will be delivering it to our friends in Africa! Woohoo!

Day 7: One whole week without facebook! But I’m not sure I’m really “resting” and “refocusing.” I need to remind myself of the reasons for the fast.

Day 8: Today we assumed Laurel’s homeschool P.E. class was starting back up after the break, only to discover we were mistaken after we had gotten dressed and driven over there. I am realizing how much I rely on facebook for information. But I could have just as easily texted one of the other moms to find out if we were having class. On a positive note, the van needed gas and Laurel ‘needed’ donuts, so it wasn’t an entirely wasted trip!

Day 12: The past few days have been busy, but good! I still miss being on facebook. But I do find that I am being more intentional about how I am using my time, and am seeking God more for His assignments for me each day.

Day 14: My “assignment” today was to care for Rachel as she recovered from her wisdom teeth surgery. Since she is definitely one of my “priority relationships,” I’m grateful for this opportunity to help and spend time with her while she heals.

Day 20: I was able to help Rachel for two days, before I got hit with the flu. It’s been a long week, and I’m still pretty miserable. I haven’t left the house since Monday! Talk about feeling isolated. At times like this I miss the prayer support that facebook provides.

Day 29: Only two more days and I can rejoin The Wonderful World of Facebook! I hope to set some perimeters to keep it in its proper place in my life, and will give that some thought the next couple of days before I return.

Day 31: Mission accomplished! I’m glad I did it. It was hard at times, but I did get a much needed mental break. On the other hand, I realized that I do need to stay connected with people, that facebook is a tool that I rely on for that, and that’s ok.

Santa Baby

Posted on December 21, 2012December 19, 2014 by Shelley

As a child, I loved Santa. No, I adored Santa. Since I was a “good” girl, he and I were very tight. In anticipation of his arrival on Christmas morning, my teeth would chatter so much I could hardly speak. And I was his biggest defender on the school playground whenever anyone dared to question his existence.

Of course Santa existed! We were best buds! BFFs! (No offense to those of you on the Naughty List.)

My loyalty to Santa persisted until the fifth grade, when I could no longer suppress the nagging feeling that I just might be the last remaining Santa follower in my class. Fearfully, I approached my mom one fateful December day with THE QUESTION.

Does Santa really exist?

She gently told me the truth. I still didn’t want to believe it. Being the tender-hearted type, I was traumatized by this “death” of someone I had dearly loved. The sight of jolly old St. Nick can still evoke the painful memory of that betrayal to this day.

Embedded in the heart of every child, every person, is a deep desire to be known and loved. As a college student, years later, I would learn that my devotion to Santa was really a misdirected yearning for God. Perhaps Blaise Pascal, 17th century French philosopher, physicist, and mathematician, said it best:

“There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.”

This world serves up many God-substitutes, things that promise to deliver like the delight of a Christmas morning. Only in the end they leave us dejected and disillusioned, clutching an empty stocking full of holes.

In God, however, we encounter One whose love for us is real and constant. In Jesus we find a friend who “sticks closer than a brother.” In His Spirit we discover true fulfillment and satisfaction. And unlike Santa, you do not have to “be good” to earn His approval.

God really does exist.

BELIEVE.

Let Him win and fill your heart. Become His friend and defender. Long for His arrival, like a little child with chattering teeth.

Take it from a former Santa Baby, now a Friend of God.

He will not disappoint you.

*For the Scriptural basis for these statements see: Romans 8:38-39, Proverbs 18:24, John 7:38, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 5:5.

A Familiar Carol

Posted on December 15, 2012December 19, 2014 by Shelley

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.*

This was the song I replayed most often on my “Mercy Me” Christmas album as I drove around town this past week. (Unless, of course, my 12-year-old daughter was with me, in which case we were “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.”) It was a familiar carol. But I seemed to hear the lyrics in a new way this year.

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Something about this particular verse really resonated with me. And that was before the terrible events unfolded yesterday at a Connecticut elementary school, interrupting Christmas preparations and shattering a quiet community’s peace. I can’t stop thinking about the parents whose children’s beds lay empty last night.

It is easy to despair.

Christmas carols seem jarringly out of place in the face of such grief and devastation. Hate is strong and mocks these songs. Peace on earth? Good will to men?

Where are you, God?

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

At times like this we need the message of Christmas more than ever.

God is very much alive. He sees. He knows. He cares.

Jesus came to bring us peace with God, with others, with ourselves.

He is our only Hope.

And the babe that once lay helpless in a manger will return, with fire in His eyes and judgment in His hand.

He will fix this broken world. He will right all that is wrong. He will triumph over evil.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Newtown, our nation, and our world need You this Christmas.

*Lyrics from “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1867.

Like a Winter Snow

Posted on November 28, 2012December 19, 2014 by Shelley

I scanned the first half dozen or so rows on either side of the aisle as I boarded the Southwest aircraft. An unoccupied window seat flashed like a beacon in a vast sea of vacant middle seats. I happily made my selection, stashed my carry-ons and buckled my seat belt in preparation for the flight from Denver to Tucson. The gal seated next to me was friendly, and we quickly struck up a conversation.

Her name was Nina. She was Jewish. And an Atheist.

And I was intrigued.

A spirited but respectful discussion ensued, filling the next two hours, and touching on such light topics as the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the free will of man. I had the opportunity to share a bit of my story with her and how I had entered into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

She raised this objection: “If Jesus really was the Messiah, then why didn’t he establish his kingdom and set up his reign on earth?”

It was a valid concern for someone from a Jewish background. Because Jesus didn’t exactly fit the “Messiah” mold. Sure, he had caused quite a stir when he healed a bunch of folks. There was a lot of talk around town that he might be “The One.” But in the end, he just didn’t live up to all of the hype. No mighty-ruler-who-will-deliver-us-from-our-oppressors here.

And they stumbled right over Him.

I referred Nina to the passage in Isaiah 53, where a “Suffering Servant,” who sounds remarkably like Jesus, is described. And shared that, while it is true that He didn’t fulfill all of the Messianic prophecies at His first coming, the story isn’t over yet. One day He will return to set the world right and establish His kingdom.

She listened attentively, but remained unconvinced. Soon our flight touched down in the Arizona desert. Nina and I both agreed that our conversation had been enjoyable and mutually stimulating, and we parted company. I am praying that she will encounter the Living Christ.

Today I pondered the lyrics of this Christmas song and thought of her.

(You) could’ve come like a mighty storm, with all the strength of a hurricane. You could’ve come like a forest fire with the power of heaven in your flame. But you came like a winter snow. Quiet and soft and slow. Falling from the sky, in the night, to the earth below.*

It’s true. The long expected Savior didn’t come as expected. After all, a Messiah shouldn’t nap in a manger. A king should wear a robe, not a cross, on his back.

This Christmas, don’t trip over the gift that is hidden in plain sight.

“And blessed is he, to whom I shall not be a stumbling block.” –Jesus, in Luke 7:23

*Lyrics are from “Winter Snow” by Audrey Assad. Follow this link to a great video of her song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=xpHiAmL8-b0