I know sometimes this blog is taken over by a parent who thinks all pictures of his daughter are cute.  But what can I say, its my blog not yours.

The other night, we were at Kohl’s shopping for coats and Hannah was standing between two racks.  I looked down and noticed that she was trapped between two coats with alot of static.  Pretty cool result!

As we were hanging around the house today, Hannah did a little preaching.  She was dressed up in her Snow White dress and asked for my Bible.  She started saying a few words and then got real loud. (I don’t know where she picked that up)  She shouted, “Thursday is pink day!”  She read (mumbled) from the Bible a little more and shouted out, “And Tuesday is purple day.”

Not sure where she learned those things but at least she used her Bible when she preached:)

It’s cold!  For this old Texas boy in the land of Northwest Arkansas, temperatures dip lower than I am used to.  I am certainly thankful for global warming, otherwise we might be too cold.

Because it is winter, I invested in a small room electric heater.  This would help heat my office, while keeping the gas bill down, because I do not have to run the central heat as much.  When I bought this heating unit, I was especially enticed by the fact that it had a remote control.  This is so I do not have to overcome laziness to turn it on/off, hotter or colder.  I can do this from the confines of my chair 4 foot away.  When I was a kid the only remote control we had in the house was me and my brother.  My kids are spoiled because they do not have to get up and turn the TV on or off.  (and they say kids have it hard these days)

Back to the remote control…This heating unit by Lasko doesn’t have an ordinary remote control.  No, this bad boy is equipped with an ergonomic remote.  That’s right, ergonomic.  I have heard of ergonomic chairs and furniture but never an ergonomic remote.  Ergonomic is defined as an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. 

I am glad someone was looking out for me when they developed this ergonomic remote.  I cannot say that I feel more efficient or safer because of it, but there must be a reason for promoting such a thing.  I must say, the shape of this special remote, is comfortable to hold and I can see the benefit of such a design (if I were to hold the remote for 12 hours).

I love our lives today!  We have every comfort at our disposal.  Ergonomic remotes, standard remotes, microwave ovens, central air and heat, cars with air and heat, comforts galore.  We are blessed beyond measure, yet we are not content.  We are always looking for something to make our lives easier. 

We have a tendency to complain because our internet not being fast enough (anybody remember dial-up).  We have fast food and that isn’t fast enough for our rushed society.  We can shop online for all the items we want at cheaper prices, but we get irritated if the package takes a week to come in.  I once read a report that showed that America was one of the unhappiest nations in the world.  Many third world countries rated happier than us.

The reason I believe is because, happiness depends on happenings but joy is a product of the heart.  We must find our happiness in the things of God not the conveniences of this world.  Though I am only in jest about the ergonomic control, I am reminded that marketers have to find another comfort to appeal to the buyer.  Honestly,  I am just happy to have heat, even if I would have to walk across the room to turn it on:)

At RFA, we are sponsoring two families this Christmas Season.  We are working with the Salvation Army Angel Tree ministry and we would like to enlist your help.  We have a family of 2 as well as a family of 5.  If you would like to buy something for them, check out the information sheet below.  

We need all items to be turned in by Sunday. 

If you would  like us to do the shopping for you, you can donate to: First Assembly of God, 1710 W. Sycamore St, Rogers, AR 72758.  Please note Angel Tree on your gift.

We appreciate all of you as you bless others this Christmas.

Saturday we had our men’s night out.  We went to Chili’s and then over to the bowling alley for some good friendly competition.  The bowling was a load of fun, but quite humbling as us young guys were beaten by the older ones.  Top score for the night went to Mac, who is the oldest of the group, he knocked the socks off us “kids”.  He was gracious though.  He didn’t brag or talk trash.  That duty was left to Lance and I.  I think if we would have talked less, we might have bowled better.

Over all is was a great time fellowshipping and getting to know one another better.

Today was our annual picture with Santa.  Hannah told him she wanted a Buzz Lightyear, Woody and a Doll House.  We will have to see what Daddy Claus brings her:) 

By the way, what do (did) you tell your kids about Santa?  Would love to hear your take on old Kris Kringle.

The last couple of weeks our youth have been working hard to put together a float for the Rogers Christmas Parade.  They have used alot of their talents and time to design a Charlie Brown Christmas Float.

Monday night, in the terribly cold weather, they were one of the 100 floats in this year’s parade.  The float looked great and they did a fantastic job putting it all together.

I am always amazed at the generosity that springs up in December.  People seem to have more compassion for the needy when the holidays come around.  There is something within most people  that urges them to respond to those less fortunate.  This is why we get more volunteers to feed the hungry or to provide presents for those who have little.  I am thankful for this type of compassion.

There is, however, a place we can grow and that is in year-round compassion.  I overheard a conversation between a director of a local nursing home in which it was said, “At Christmas we are overwhelmed with volunteers, but we need people all year long.”  That struck a chord with me.  Perhaps, we should find a way to serve others in January and June and September. 

I agree that there are more ways to have compassion in the holiday season.  There are alot of organizations that are doing these things and it is easier to work with them.  I am challenged that we must find a way to serve others every month of the year, not just Christmas.

Just a thought!