It's Not Always a "Happy" Holiday

I was at my small group last night. One of the people in my group shared that for her, the holidays are an incredibly painful time. She doesn't look forward to them; she wishes she could essentially just "skip over" them. She shared some of the reasons why she feels this way, and I couldn't help but think of how many other people must feel this same way. So if you love and look forward to the holidays, then know that you (and I) are blessed. Thank God every single day for the incredible goodness He's given you. Yet in the midst of your gratitude, remember to pray for those you know who may, instead of joy at this time, feel pain.

Never Without a Challenge (or a Laugh)

So here's a snippet of my life as a Bible study leader for 7th & 8th grade girls:

Girl #1: "Andrea, I have a question."
Me: "Okay...shoot."
Girl #1: "How do I know that what I believe is really the truth and that I'm not believing the wrong thing?"
Me: "Wow...great question." (And then we proceed to discuss this.)

Girl #2: "I have a question, too."
Me: "Okay...go ahead."
Girl #2: "If God created everything, then where did God come from?"
Me: "Wow...you guys are killing me." (And, once again, we proceeded to discuss this.)

Girl #3: "Ooohhh, pick me!"
Me: "Yes, what's your question?"
Girl #3: "Someone once told me that rain comes from when God pees, and snow comes from when He 'dookys'. Is that true?"
Me: "No. That's called the water cycle."

Never a dull moment :)