I love Christmas, not only is it my birthday, but now it is little Addy's birthday as well (or 2 days after Christmas anyways). There is something different stirring inside me this Christmas though. I love giving, getting, and buying presents. I love watching Ella's face when she gets the best thing in the world-  but it all seems different this year. Something inside of me would rather see the face of someone less fortunate opening something they never thought they'd have. How can I want more when I already have so much. God is prompting in me a spirit to give. I want to give outside the walls of my family. I want my children to want to give. I want to make a difference in the lives of those in this world around us. But where do you even start? I talked to Dave this morning and I guess God has been prompting his heart as well because he quickly agreed. We need to give a special gift to our Church this Christmas. No doubt everyone, every organization is struggling financially during this time but the Vineyard needs our help and they need our help to do the right things. So many lives are being changed at that place. I am amazed everyday to hear the stories I hear. I am jealous that Dave gets to work at such an amazing place and I am so blessed to even get to go. I know our money is not much but if God prompted the hearts of the 6,000 people that attend the Vineyard the way he did ours a little bit adds up to a lot. I guess small things done with love really will change the world. 

Job 31:23-28, 

4 "If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, 'You are my security,' if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage then these also would be sins to be judged,  for I would have been unfaithful to God on high."

God - forgive me for putting my trust and my value in the things this world has to offer me. Help me to put my trust in you, help me to give the way you have given to me. Give me your eyes so I can see and give me your heart so I can give. Instead of the gift of want, want, want help me to pass on the gift of give, give, give to my girls.