Friday, December 24, 2010

Happy Birthday Jesus!

If you've read our blog, you know we've been Christmas transition for some years.  We have been convicted about how and why we give on Christmas.  This led to us moving our family gift exchange from "Christmas" and focusing solely on celebrating Jesus and giving gifts to Him on Christmas day. (We realize some use Christmas Eve for this - that's fine - we chose this way).  We've focused on giving to Jesus for years - but it was rather intangible for our littles. 


We hesitate to share much here, not wanting to seem pharisaical. However, this is a family journal and we do try to journal those things which are important to us. We do also share what we've bought for our children's birthdays. In that spirit, here are the tangible gifts we have been honored and blessed to give  to Jesus on His birthday today. Gospel for Asia gives 100% of our donations to the areas we designate.  We have begun brainstorming how we can leverage our donations next year. I think we'll sell something and spend the money on more gifts....we still didn't make the Water Buffalo....but we're happy for these gifts....most will allow a family some relief now as well as provide an income for years to come. Many of these are destined to those in the untouchable castes of India. 


Pair of Pigs
Pair of Rabbits
Fishing Nets
Water Filter for one family
Four Blankets
3 Pairs of Chickens
Embroidery Machine
2 Lambs
1 Rickshaw
1 Radio
1 Pay Telephone (income)
and a CAMEL! 

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Christmas Eve

I love the candlelight Christmas Eve services we've enjoyed at various military chapels throughout the world.  This service always seems like a wonderful illustration of all the best parts of various church traditions.

Last night we had various passages of Scripture read (Christmas story, John 1:1 - 14 and more), a host of hymns, special music....communion and candles. Lots of candles.

No, not my sweetie, but she IS the doll of one of my gals who said I could post this photo....

After the service we drove around in search of a truly LIGHTED up neighborhood. We were sadly disappointed, but I suppose that makes the ones who DO decorate stand out all the more. LOL

Back at home we baked a Birthday cake, ate pizza,  and played our new game - Don't Say That  (Taboo for the Jr set).

At Stacia's persistent request we even played Candyland.

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

21 Dec - PWOC at Nursing Home

At Misawa PWOC's Fall Rally, we passed out no sew, tie, fleece blankets. Each one said "God Loves Me". Our goal was to tie 100 before Christmas. We received permission to give each of the residents at the nursing home we visit a blanket - as well as the staff. 


Throughout the fall semester of Bible Studies, women took blankets home, brought them back and one study even tied together during their DVD each week. 





100 fleece blankets under the tree of a local nursing home

Mike discovered the doors are a bit short...or he is a bit tall. ::snort:: 

Susane had translated Joy to the World for us into Japanese and we had a good time singing it for the residents. Kilian and Christine provided Christmas music. (No photos as I don't have official permission to use children's images). 

Twyla (Misawa Outreach), Mrs. F and the Nursing Home Director display a blanket. 

This always cracks me up - the great shoe puzzle as we leave. 

This was a great outing. I wish we could have had more interaction with the residents...but we'll take what we are allowed. We met a woman who will be 105 in March. She was here when Miss Veedol made it's flight to WA. 


Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...