Come together to pack Shoebox Gifts for Operation Christmas Child!
![Pack A Shoebox](https://spldecatur.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/OCC-2023-1080x675.jpg)
So, with EHS on the horizon and in the spirit of Christmas and its “twelve days”, we’re sharing with you a unique blog post from Pete and Geri Scazzero, the authors of EHS. Originally shared in 2015, this will expose you to some of the initial areas we’ll be exploring in message and study time in the weeks ahead.
The song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is an English Christmas carol. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone then wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It had two levels of meaning: first, the surface meaning of being a fun song and secondly, a hidden meaning known only to members of the Church. The “True Love” in the song, for example, is not a smitten boy or girlfriend, but Jesus, because truly Love was born on Christmas Day.
Geri wrote this for our small group that meets in our home for greater integration of EHS in their own lives. I hope you enjoy it.
Journal or share with a trusted companion today:
– What are you mad about?
– What are you sad about?
– What are you anxious about?
– What are you glad about?
– Listening for feelings – yours and theirs.
– Speaking honestly and respectfully.
– The return will be out of this world.
Living your life without understanding your family’s impact on you is like driving a car forward by using only a rearview mirror. Jesus may be in your heart but grandpa is in your bones.
– Don’t appease, declare yourself.
– Don’t blame and don’t attack, assert yourself.
– Don’t avoid the issue, face it.
– Don’t just look at the problem, take all parties feelings into consideration.
Freedom…
…to see and hear what is here instead of what should be, was, or will be.
…to say what one feels and thinks instead of what one should.
…to feel what one feels, instead of what one ought to.
…to ask for what one wants, instead of always waiting for permission.
…to take risks in one’s own behalf, instead of choosing to be only “secure” and not rocking the boat.
— Virginia Satir’s Five Freedoms
What are you quick to do? What are you slow to do? The Bible tells us exactly what we can be quick and slow to do by the power of the Spirit inside of us. Read about it in James 1:19-21
When we grumble, we reject joy. Grumbling puts us and our own expectations above the purposes of God. Instead, Paul gives us this challenge, “do everything without grumbling or arguing.” How? Read to find out.
Scripture is clear that it is by Jesus’ grace alone that we are redeemed and saved. Our works don’t earn us salvation. So, what exactly is Paul talking about in this passage from Philippians 2? Read more to find out.
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