It's a God-Thing

Have you ever had something happen to you that just can't be explained by the work of any human being? Some people call these occurances coincidences. I call it a "God-Thing". No matter how well I try to make plans and control circumstances, God can work things out that I think are impossible, or at least unlikely. Just in the past two days, plans have made a complete 360 degree turn and have worked out even better than I could ever had done on my own. It's experiences like these that make me realize that no matter what I do, no matter what plans I make or dreams that I have, God has bigger and better things for my life and the lives of those around me.

Paper or plastic?

Christmas season has arrived! Carried in by the lights, music, decorations, and celebrations, the season of Christ's birth brings joy to my life. As a child, this time meant a family trip to pick out a Christmas tree. It was then delivered back home where one of us kids was given the responsibility to choose the decorations for the tree. Would it be the candy ornaments or the western cowboy hats? Maybe it would be Victorian with the gold picture frame ornaments that held a photo of each of us. Whatever the decision was, the tree was decorated and loaded with ornaments and lights. When the last ornament was hung, the lights would come on to show a beautiful tree, decorated with care.
However, in recent years live trees have been replaced with fake, plastic trees. While I have grown up in the time of "plastic", this is one conversion that I just can't make. Some argue that purchasing a plastic tree is more eco-friendly, while others argue the convenience of storing the tree in the attic. Though I can't debate the convenience aspect, I did learn recently that live trees can be rented from different places for the same amount you would pay to buy one, but the tree is potted and after Christmas is over, the company takes the tree back and plants it in a park. Not only does this save space at the local landfill where a large amount of live trees end up, it actually helps the environment.
Moral of the story: Christmas is the season of giving. We celebrate the Gift that God gave us- His Son that was sent to live a perfect life so that he could pay the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. This season, be conscious of ways that you can give back to your community and to the world that God created for us to be good stewards of.