Here's what I love: the gift of joy. Here's what I hate: my ridiculous purchase of a big, fat Christmas tree.

Here's what I love: smart people who come up with wonderful concise quotes like these...

"The manger is a symbol of what can happen when Jesus Christ resides inside us. The ordinary suddenly becomes extraordinary." --Billy Hybels

"Joy is the direct result of having God's perspective on our daily lives and the effect of loving our Lord enough to obey His commands and trust His promises." --Bill Bright

Two great quotes from two smart "Bills" (it's a good name!)

The first quote brings me so much excitment because I know that God has a purpose for my life and with Christ living and acting in me, that purpose will be lived out in an extraordinary way for His glory! I get to participate. It's all very exciting!

The second quote is so true too. When I remember God's perspective in my daily life and trust that He has a good plan (and therefore obey that plan), I am overwhelmed with a sense of peace and JOY. Jesus has overcome this world (John 16:33). So, if I am a part of His Kingdom, then I can participate in the new mission to bring everyone to a saving knowledge of Christ's love. Sure, there's laundry thrown in there, and bills to pay, and Christmas shopping to do...BUT, He can use those things to grow our spirits (when laundry time becomes prayer time, bill paying time becomes trust time (and generosity time!), and when I strive to remember WHY we give gifts at Christmas. (Because God has given us the most extraordinary gift of all: eternal Joy!)

Here's what I hate: having two very different feelings about my 10-foot Christmas tree at the exact same time. First feeling: I love it! It's funny and fun and huge and a crazy good memory for our family. Second feeling: It's a symbol of my ridiculous covetous behavior--I want this, I want that, I want a giant tree even though we are trying to live within our budget and entire FAMILIES in Sudan are living on one meal a day. So, what should I do? Well, I should learn my lesson this year and not go for the GIANT tree next year (for which we don't have enough lights to fully cover). And I should pause and listen to the Lord on the individual ways He wants our family to give to those in need this Christmas. I pray that the Lord will forgive my greedy tree purchase so that I don't have to feel like a fool every time I look at it.