CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT WON'T BREAK

I received one of those from Alaska this week! When the package came to the front door, I looked at the return address. It read 'ak' I'm so up on things I called Catherine to see if she knew anyone in Arkansas. She informed me 'ak' was Alaska and then I was really stumped. So I proceeded to open the package.

Inside was an American flag with a certificate of authenticity to Mr and Mrs Greene. My first thoughts were skeptical (they didn't even have our first names) as I read the declaration. It had flown in actual combat in Afghanistan.(right) But then my eyes drifted to the person who sent the package. It was a young lady that I had followed through elementary, middle and high school who is now serving in the military. I have no clue why she chose me to be the recipient of such a special gift. Could it be that I shared gifts with her that won't break as she was growing up and she is now returning the favor. At least that's what I believe.

We can never know the impact we have on a child. And it is the simple gifts that matter, unconditional love, respect, hope,joy and peace. And she will never know how my heart was warmed on that cold December day.

Yes, it came in a box but it was packed with wishes of love, hope, joy and peace.

CAMP SUNSHINE PARTY

We had a very successful party again this year thanks to everyone's help and co-operation. The kids enjoyed the activities, presents they chose for their family from Kirby's store, food, singing and helping Giles tell the Christmas story.

One of the camper's enjoyed his scarf because 'he knew someone took special care to knit such a beautiful scarf'. The smiles and excitement on their faces always makes it worthwhile. Thank you FUMC for supporting this activity both during the summer and at Christmas.

ACTION FIGURES

Most teenagers despise to hear an adult start out a story with "well when I was your age," but that is exactly how my prayer breakfast devotion began. I shared with them about the birth of the Star Wars action figures.

You see, my dad owned a toy store so this was our time of year! Except when the most desirable toys were unavailable. Such was the case with the Star Wars action figures. Kenner toy manufacturer was not prepared for the popularity of Star Wars after the movie's inception. Every kid on the planet wanted a doll! So in a stroke of marketing genius, Kenner sold empty boxes with the promise to fill that box as soon as the action figures became available. This kept a lot of children from being disappointed at Christmas.

The concept of Star Wars features good triumphing over evil and gave people "hope".
Sounds familiar to our Biblical "action figure" who came to us in the birth of Jesus. He continues to bring that hope to a broken world.

As the sr hi's left McDonalds with their star wars key chains, I was summoned by two different people in the restaurant. They asked if I birthed all those kids and I said "sometimes it feel like it. I surely love them like my own," I continued. I had the opportunity to witness about the youth at First Methodist. They commented "what a great group of young men and women." Both folks thanked me for the message they overheard and for leading the youth. I told them it was an honor because our youth give me "hope".

Go out and hug one of our youth this Christmas season. It will warm your heart.
--beckygreene