I was thinking tonight after the “Encha-Salada-Jalitto” , just how great the Quest really is. The jokes and conversations are more than just words, they are life. I watched as people hung out and talked and laughed; That is what life is suppose to be.

I really struggle thinking about people that are alone, especially this time of the year. I have had seasons of being alone, have you? It is quiet and empty. There is no conversation, no laughter. You have to reach way down deep for strength. So when I see people laughing and talking – I know there’s life for them.

We’ve been in a series called “The Nightmare before Christmas”. It’s a series about missing the point of Christmas. Don’t miss the point of God with us, it’s about life. As Jesus said in John 10:10 , I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.

Do not isolate yourself from people. Be open to conversation, allow yourself to laugh and hang out with people. Talk with God, Laugh with God (He has a sense of humor), experience life with Him.

For those that were there at the “Encha-Salada-Jalaritto” – thank you for sharing life with me and others. It is what the Quest is about – “Doing life together”.

Have a great week with God.

We've started this new series entitled: "The Nightmare Before Christmas".

In the movie, Jack Skelington stumbles upon Christmas Town and loves it, but no matter what he does, or how hard he tries - He can't do Christmas. He continually misses the point. This makes me wonder, How often we too miss the point of Christmas?

The talk on Sunday was about how so many go into debt during Christmas - which is missing the point.We go into debt celebrating the day that Jesus freed us from the debt of sin we could never repay.Going into debt makes no sense (at least not to me). I don't want to miss the point of Christmas. I like Christmas trees, I like Snow, I like presents and Family.; However none of these are Christmas. Christmas is about Christ. And Jesus is what I want to celebrate.

The nightmare we set ourselves up for, is leaving Jesus out, or making Christmas about something other than Him. I plan to write more about this in the coming days, but I would like you to think of ways to make your Christmas about Jesus.

I'm not suggesting that we have to stop giving gifts, or having Christmas dinner as a family.
I am suggesting that it is time to redefine Christmas in our hearts.

Dave

I always enjoy Thanksgiving,

It is a short family get-away (which is always nice). I get to talk with Cynthia for four hours while driving. Another great part of Thanksgiving is getting to spend time with our families. I am very fortunate; we all love each other and look forward to seeing each other.

As some of you know, I have a brother that always has a story of something that has happened to him; And his stories are always funny (Like "I love Lucy" funny) Well, this year is no different. Two days ago he was working (laying carpet for a family) while the family was away. While waiting for the carpet iron to heat up, he noticed a rip in his shorts...but also that the hem was frayed and coming apart. So with nothing else to do he started picking at the hem and pulling it apart. To speed up this story, He ended up with the front of his shorts being frayed up to his zipper area on both legs - but no big deal, he was working by himself and no one else was there to see this unsightly sight. He finished the job of ironing the carpet seams, and while packing up, the smoke alarm goes off. No big deal just fan them he thinks....again, to speed up the story, The smoke alarm was tied into the house alarm. Just as he figured that out there was a knock at the door. He was able to shut the alarm off, but not before the Fire Dept was notified - and now knocking on the front door. They seemed understanding about what had happened, but did not seem to understand about his attire.

You have to picture this. He is standing and now walking outside with the Firemen, with his shorts frayed all the way to his crotch area. When he got outside all the neighbors were standing in their driveways (because this alarm had been sounding for 10 min). The neighbors happened to consist of families they go to church with, and one lady my sis-in-law works with. All of them surprised with his work "Fashion". The way my brother describes his shorts were very similar to the village people's "Indian guy's" attire - Like a frayed skirt.

I am Thankful for many things. Today I am thankful for my brother and his stories that always make me laugh so hard that I cry.

I hope you are able to laugh that hard today.

Dave