I live on a long stone lane on the side of a little mountain – but close enough to the grocery store to quickly pick up bread, milk and toilet paper before the snow storm.  I chop and stack firewood like a pioneer – but if I get really cold I can bump up the thermostat a couple of degrees and the heat kicks on.  It’s equidistant to the beach or to the mountains for vacation. My kids are old enough to be slightly independent – but young enough to still cuddle.

I feel so blessed to have the best of both worlds.

Contrary to what society would have me believe – I CAN have my cake AND eat it too!

Especially around the holidays I really try to keep that balance of both worlds in my personal life.  It’s easy to get caught up in the whole “keep Christ in Christmas” debate.  Are people permitted to say “Happy Holidays” without getting punched in the face?  Can we display nativity scenes in public places?  Do Christmas songs recorded after 1994 really count?  Is red and green camouflage appropriate office attire……

But really – every day – in every area of our lives – we need to balance BOTH the secular AND the spiritual sides of our world.  We need to focus on our non-Christian friends, family and community as much, or more so than we do our extended actionchurch family.  It’s comforting and comfortable to hang out with people who really “get” you.  It’s great to be a part of an actiongroup where you receive the love and support of fellow Christians.  It’s easy to want to immerse yourself in all things Christ for Christmas……AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT!

Just don’t forget the rest of the world.

 I encourage you to take the time to invite someone who doesn’t know Christ

to join you THIS Sunday at actionchurch.

Bake your Christmas cookies AND eat them too!