We had Christmas Eve Service together with our church family. It was a great service and it was beautiful seeing this gorgeous chapel decorated and the body of Christ coming together for one purpose; for worshipping the One True King! Lyndlee and Gavin had a hard time sitting still through the service. They were loud, saying funny things, Lyndlee tried eating the candle they handed out, etc. After this adventure, we ended up at Denny's with a few families from church for a late supper.
Christmas morning serving at our church went great. We had a great turn out and made some new friends! What a blessing it was to our family, to serve and give to others instead of focusing on ourselves, on gifts and other things. Really put some things into perspective. We were able to help some poor families pick out a coats, hats, gloves. Some families picked out extra winter clothes and blankets. One girl chose to Christmas shop for her mom. I watched as our music minister took his shoes off and gave them to a man who wasn't wearing shoes. I watched some of our youth girls walk up to total strangers to talk to them and make them feel loved. I saw some men go out of their way so they could know as many people as possible at this breakfast. I saw them reach into their own pockets to give this sweet girl some money so she could buy a Christmas gift. I saw numerous people that didn't even attend our church come to help serve because they wanted to do something different at Christmas. I saw groups of people that came to serve others and not themselves. I saw a group of people come together to be "Jesus" to our brothers and sisters that needed it the most. And isn't this what every Christmas, what everyday should be about. Shouldn't we always be striving to serve and love others? After all, our perfect example Jesus did not come to be served but came to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many people! (Mark 10:45)
Wishing everyone a Wonderful New Year!
Blessings.

Christmas in Joplin

We had a great time visiting both families for Christmas. This year we are having Christmas at home. But we are having a busy day. We are starting the morning off early, serving the homeless in our area. Our church is serving breakfast Christmas morning and handing out coats, gloves, winter wear to those that need it. What a great time this will be, just showing love to those that truly need it on Christmas. And then at 2pm we are having a few friends come over that are staying put for Christmas and we are cooking up a feast. Brennan is excited as he is going to deep fry the turkey. What a great day it will be.
Was sad not to get a family picture of my brother Jeremi, his wife Jenni and sweet baby girl Ellie. She was napping when all the pictures were getting taken! So I had to sneak in a picture of her with my sister Joy because she is the sweetest little baby!
We are headed back to Joplin on Sunday to see my brother Josh. So I will have to sneak a picture of him too!
Merry Christmas!

Christmas in Joplin

Adoption

We were once like children, slaves to the useless rules of this world. But when the right time came, God sent His Son who was born of a woman and lived under the law. God did this so he could buy freedom for those who were under the law and so we could become His children! Since you are God's children, God sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, and the Spirit cries out "Father." So now you are not a slave; you are God's child, and God will give you the blessing he promised, because you are His child! Galatians 4:3-7
Adoption is not Plan B!
Thank you Lord for adopting me as your child!

Christmas in Columbia

We had an early Christmas in Columbia. The kids loved being around family, especially Hayley and Brett! They enjoyed making cookies with Granny, Gavin ate about 3 cookies in one setting. Lyndlee and her cousin Hayley played the piano together. Well Hayley played, Lyndlee just hit the keys but it was still cute. Gavin loves watching football so the guys watched a game or two. I love the picture with the kids by the tree, they didn't want to hold still at all. Next Christmas will be this weekend in Joplin. Christmas morning we actually get to stay at home in Branson. Christmas morning at our church, they are serving breakfast for homeless people around Branson. Our church does such a tremendous job reaching out to the community, letting them know we all love them and are there for them. We have a great woman of the Lord over all of that outreach, her name is Sarah and she is always doing things for others. What an example she is of Jesus' love. We can't wait to be apart of this Christmas morning, to give joy, food, encouragement to others and have our family serve together.
Blessings.

Eric Ludy - Depraved Indifference