I spent Monday helping a family move into their new Habitat home.  It was a great day for moving and  we got a lot accomplished by evening.  The house is beautiful and very much theirs.  The kids were very excited about their new home and new rooms.  What a wonderful fresh start and new beginning for them.  It is wonderful to be a part of something so good and so right.  I was not able to help as much as I hoped with the actual building of the home so I was grateful to be able to help out on moving day along with some others.   Habitat is a wonderful organization that has it right by giving a hand up, not a hand out.  People need a chance to get a hand up when life has beaten them done.

As I was moving and reflecting on how much help the mom was willing to receive from us and others, I wondered if my pride would hinder me from ever receiving or asking for such help.  It is very difficult for me to ask or receive help.  Here this mom was letting us unpack boxes and put away kitchen supplies wherever we decided.  Here this mom was letting a variety of people come through her home and look through her possessions.  That would be challenging for me.  I wondered if she was always this open to this or if the situations that she has found herself in the past two years has stretched her to this point.  I was mindful that I need to get to the point where I can ask for help – hopefully without having life force me.   

I’m taking some vacation days this week before I lose them for 2005.  There are some house projects that need time and some dates planned with friends and family.  Today I enjoyed some time outdoors with the beautiful weather.  I was walking and at one point felt tremendous warmth from the sun on my face.  That is such healing medicine for my soul.  Thank you, Lord, for the warmth and sunshine of today.  What a gift of hope that spring is coming . . .

Peace – Melissa

Merry Christmas to each of you!  We began our Christmas Day by gathering for worship – a unique opportunity when Christmas falls on a Sunday.  I do believe it is a wonderful way to start Christmas.  This morning had a very relaxed, family feel to the day and was a pleasant continuation from last night’s candlelight service.  Both services truly helped me to focus in on the beauty and miracle of Christmas.   This morning I led the children’s time and planned a birthday mini-party for Jesus.  I had a large box gift-wrapped and inside were helium balloons (weighted down so they wouldn’t fly to the ceiling).  When I took off the box lid, the balloons popped up and I shared with the children that Christmas is most important because it is the birthday of Christ.  I think invited them to sing along with me (and the congregation) "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.  At that moment, we all heard a beautiful little voice from the back on the sanctuary yelling "Wait for me! Wait for me!" as a little angel with blonde curls and a red Christmas dress ran from the back row and hopped down with the rest of the children.  It was a beautiful spiritual moment.   

^"But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."  Luke 18:16

This sweet little girl was not hinderd by 500 people in the sanctuary.  This little child was not paralyzed by fear of failing.  This young girl was not intimated by what others might think.  She simply followed her heart.  "Wait for me!"  I want to be a part of what is going on.  I want to join the party.  I want to celebrate Jesus.  "Wait for me!"

To be child-like once again.  To go back to a time of innocence and freedom.  To discover once again the ability to live with purity of heart and untainted hope.  Jesus says the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  The kingdom of God is reality for those who live with child-like faith.

Wait for me, Jesus.  Wait for me. 

Peace – Melissa