For those of you not addicted to children's radio shows, this is Focus on the Family's offering. They are having a marathon of programs on Saturday starting at 12, I think. But on the web you can listen all you want. Or you can download them as mp3's for your listening pleasure.

I have been listening: It's a Pokenberry Christmas 1 & 2 is a variation of It's a Good Life. Christmas Conundrum reminds us it is all about giving and that we can't ever match the gift of salvation that was the beginning of all this. 

 Back to Bethlehem 1,2, & 3 and The Star 1 & 2 utilize Mr. Whitakker's time machine to travel back to the real time of Jesus' birth. Connie and Eugene meet not only Mary, Joseph, and the baby, Jesus; but, also some fictional people who could have been there and their thoughts.

Try it if you haven't been there. there is a link on our links page. Or you can go to Whit's End from here.

To quote a non-Christian source..."tradition, tradition, tradition." I won't break into song, but those words do cover this season well.

Many of the things we do at this season are things we have done for years and we may have lost the reasons behind them. Why trees, why green and red, why lights, why angels, why bells, why caroling, why snow, why Santa Claus, why  a manger, why evergreens, why baking, why gifts,...and on and on and on we could go.

Some of these are based on Christian sources and some are not. For a comprehensive look at a few http://www.soon.org.uk/christmas.htm has the real story of the beginnings of the celebration. At the very bottom of the page are links to other helpful things you might need or want to know.

Celebrate the birth of the Christ child or Messiah who came to earth as the on we call Jesus of Nazareth. Go tell, go tell, go tell,...

Wow! I have such little faith...

My goal for the shoe box collection was met and exceeded by 50%. I will set a bigger goal next year because your hearts are way bigger than my faith.

We had a shoe box for almost every person in Sunday School and although some were given by others, LIKE OUR DAY CARE FAMILIES, that is still a huge accomplishment.

And we are supporting House of Hope at the same time for your youths' project. What a precious gift to Jesus on his birthday, being obedient to his instructions to help the poor: widows and orphans. Both of these projects are to those people in our world.

Prisoner bags are the next thing we will be doing.

And don't forget Lottie Moon!

You all know the story of Pinocchio. It used to be read to children, but now is watched in a Disney version somewhat universally. It is about a puppet who wants to be a boy but has a little problem with the truth.

That is where I thought the reference was going this morning, but it took another more interesting turn.

It seems there is a conversation between Pinocchio and his real father Ghepetto about Pinocchio's dissatisfaction with his lot in "life." He has been created differently from the other children in his group. But his conclusion was that if his papa, Ghepetto, is ok with him the way he is then he could be ok with himself the way he is.

I wasn't expecting that turn, but it is a powerful statement for those of us who have trouble "blooming where we are planted." Very perceptive for a wooden head. Maybe there is hope for us.

It has been awhile again since last I wrote. Busy is what we are. We have chosen a search committee, begun preschool choir, gone to a deacon and wives retreat, begun a Sunday School class at Honorage Nursing Home, had a tour of the jail...yes, we will do anything for a little excitement.

We have 2 baptisms on the horizon: one child, one adult. The JOY Club has a trip to Charleston in the near future, too.

And some of the singles have begun a new work...an associational group of singles. They will be combining for fellowship, projects, and study.

But don't forget that Operation Christmas Child is going full force with boxes due on Sunday the 18th. And the youth are collecting for House of Hope: November it is garbage bags of 3 sizes. They took the paper towels and had a little Fall Fling while they were there.

No wonder I haven't had writing time.