simply living for him…christmas challenge

I’ve loved hearing everyone’s ideas for simplifying this year.  I have to admit, even with simplifying, I still did get a certain amount of stress as of late.  Between homeschooling, entertaining, keeping up with the house, and all the extras of the season, I started to let it get to me.  I am glad to admit though, that I let alot of that stress go, and am keeping my focus on what is really important now.

We did simplify in many ways.  We did not put up lights on our house this year outside…just some in our tree in the front.  There just never seemed to be enough time.  So we let that go.  My decor inside is always simple.  Shopping was done mostly online.  Not too much running around.

As for being bold, I’ve been reading more and more on evangelism and have been very inspired.  I’ve been reading some great books and have also been reading R.C. Sproul these days…such good stuff!  More on that topic to come…


Overall, I think our family did an OK job of making things simpler this year, with room for improvement next.  As Christmas approaches I am very relaxed this week, and looking forward to a nice break.

This evening we had a very fun time making a gingerbread house.  We really were all extra hyper as the pictures will show.  It was certainly a memory, and a nice way to begin a relaxing holiday.

Enjoy!

I have loved reading all the ideas so far about how each of you are keeping things simple.  Some have commented on this site, some have emailed me, and some have commented on the facebook page.  Keep the ideas coming!  And remember, pray for all of us to keep our focus on Jesus, the reason for the season!

My second part of the Simply Living for Him Christmas Challenge was to be bold!  How are you doing with that?  Have you done anything this season, that even though may have been hard, you have been bold with someone to share the love of Jesus?

Jesus commands us in the Great Commission to go and make disciples of men.  We are called to share with everyone the good news of Jesus Christ.  Even when it is uncomfortable.  Even when we are telling those who do not believe.  Even when we don’t feel like it.  We are to share the good news.

I have been reading a book on evangelism.  It has been very inspiring to me, and has taught me that when I don’t share my faith with others it is a sin.  It is denying Christ.  I have also realized that when witnessing to someone about my faith, that person may not accept Christ for years to  come, but I still must play my part in their path to Christ.  The most important thing I have learned is that God will always meet the need.  He will NOT put me in a situation with someone to share the  good news and then not equip me to do so.  In 1 Thessalonians 2:2, Paul talks about his boldness “in our God.”  It is not boasting or pride, but confidence in Him that comes from Him.  Our boldness can only come from God and not from ourselves! All I need to do, is obey His call, and He will take care of the rest.  It is a beautiful picture of the Holy Spirit working through us to achieve all the glory for God.

Ok, so how are you using this Christmas season to share the Good News?  So many people are celebrating Christmas and don’t even know that they are celebrating! The tradition has taken over the true meaning.  What a gift to give someone…to let them know that the only way to heaven and the only path to eternal life is through Jesus Christ.  That anyone can have that gift if they believe in Him and have faith.  I have received that gift myself, and would love nothing more than to see someone else receive that gift at Christmas time.

Our family uses our Christmas cards to share the good news.  I write a small paragraph about how our family would love to have all know the truth of Jesus.  Sure I know some people roll their eyes at it, or may just toss it aside, but imagine the person struggling, or lost, and receives the card, hears the truth, and that day just needed to hear it…and they turn to Christ.  As Paul says in the Bible, he was persecuted, shamed, and ridiculed, but he didn’t care.  His faith in God was stronger.  I care more about what God thinks of me than any person, (afterall HE is who I will answer to for all eternity!)  and I never want to deny my Savior.  And what better time than at Christmas, to use cards, something that everyone usually does anyway…and use them for the Glory of God.  That is what Christmas is all about…Jesus!  

Another idea is this:  Last year I wrote out my whole testimony about how I came to Christ.  On Christmas Day, I made a bold decision to post it on facebook.  I said I wanted to share the best gift I had ever received.  I can only pray that my story would touch someone, and maybe years down the line remember it, and they too would turn to God.

So go and be BOLD.  Share your ideas, and I promise to pray for each and everyone of you.

Be blessed!

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:13-15