Finding Christmas in the Chaos - part 1

Three years ago, and the years preceding, Christmas looked very different for our family.  When Josh was framing houses, his work schedule remained mostly the same throughout December although because of the weather he would take the occasional day off or come home early.  As for me and the boys, I determined that the month of December would be different than the rest of the year.  I intentionally planned holiday activities with my friends and family.  We took a break from homeschooling for most of the month and baked cookies, looked at lights, played with friends, and read stories by the fireplace.  I spent the entire month of December relaxing and overall just having fun! 

December looks very different for our family now.  This is the absolute busiest time of year for us.  Whereas most of the year, we average approximately twelve ministry events per month.  This month we have twenty-one!  Also, because we do not have our trailer and are staying primarily at my parents' house, we are doing A LOT of driving!  On average, we are traveling 1-2 hours each way to each event.  That doesn't include the drive last weekend to and from Portland, OR and next week to and from Spokane, WA.

So, how do we "find Christmas" amidst the busyness?! How do we experience peace amidst the chaos?  How do we keep from feeling stressed, exhausted, overwhelmed, and irritable?

By going on a date to see my little sister sing!

And by building an awesome LEGO parking garage on our one day off this week!

By making creepy, melted snowman cookies!

And by going outside on the ferry to "get a better view"!

Then, on our drive to each ministry event, we pray thanking God for the privilege of serving Him!  We rejoice at the thought of once again sharing the Gospel and encouraging the body of Christ to find Christ in their Christmas!

And every time I sing "O come let us adore Him!"  I think about what an amazing, truly incomprehensible love it required for the God of the universe to leave His throne in heaven to come live with us in this dirty, broken world.  And as a family, we "adore" Him!