Poppy Smith - 'thrive' e-zine

WELCOME TO THRIVE, DECEMBER 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Joy to the world, the Lord IS COMING

Have you ever heard a choir sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord IS COMING”? Yes, Christmas is celebrating the Lord has come—but He is coming again and then there will be peace and no more pain, or loss, or fighting and sadness. What a glorious day that will be—and it might be today!

This morning my senses were overwhelmed with beauty. Five Oregon fir trees, adorned with white lights, lit up the stage during our worship service. The choir sang praises (and this new version of Joy to the World). A violinist and other musicians played using their God-given talents, soloists sang, we prayed, we gave, we took communion together, and we rejoiced in the coming of Jesus into the world and into our lives.

I have to confess, I wanted to jump up, wave my arms, and shout “Thank You, Thank You, God for your incredible gift—Jesus.” But, not wanting to make a big spectacle of myself, I sat smiling, face lifted up in joy to God. The love of God is so amazing to me that I’m speaking about it twice this month. Here’s one of the stories from my talk that I hope challenges you and makes your Christmas celebration even more meaningful. You’ll find it below In ESPRESSO FOR THE SOUL.

Why Bother with Christmas?

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A few weeks before our first Christmas in Singapore I lounged in bed one morning and thought, why bother to celebrate Christmas this year? After all, our children and Jim’s siblings were in the USA and my sisters lived in the UK. We didn’t have an oven big enough for a large chicken let alone a small turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and Christmas pudding (a British delicacy I adore).

There was no point in spending $200.00 for an imported Christmas tree from Australia when we had no lights, no ornaments, and no decorations—plus, we knew few people—and besides, it was 90+ degrees outside and steaming. It just didn’t feel like Christmas, so why bother?

Have you ever felt that way?

As I lay there, however, the thought came: But just what does it mean to celebrate Christmas? Is Christmas all the extras: decorations, food, parties, and gifts? Of course, these are part of the fun and celebration of the season. But, if we’re honest, is that what Christmas amounts to for us?

I thought of a story I heard about a family celebrating the christening of their baby. Friends and family came, enjoying the food and having fun. After an hour, one guest asked, “Where is the baby? Let’s see the star of the party.”

The baby’s mother rushed to the bedroom to fetch her son. To her horror, she realized that he had been covered up by layer upon layer of coats the guests had deposited on the bed. Frantically throwing them to the floor she was overcome with relief when her baby took a deep breath and cried loudly. He was alive.

I realized that I had done the same thing as those guests—I had lost sight of the reason for the party, for celebrating the season. I had lost sight of Jesus, Emannuel, God with us. He was buried beneath the layers of trimmings, shopping, cooking, wrapping presents, and writing cards.

As you celebrate Christmas this year—remember it’s about God’s Son coming into our world, and into your life and mine.

Jesus is God’s gift of love to us: God so loved that He gave (John 3:16).
Jesus is God’s gift--one that cost Him more than any gift we can ever give or receive.
Jesus is God’s gift--one that doesn’t lose value or importance as time goes by. Instead, He is THE GIFT who continues to change our lives for the better.

Enjoy the Season—but rejoice for the right reason!

Poppy Smith

BOOK GIVE AWAY: Moving From Fear to Freedom, by Grace Fox.

Congratulations to Pamela Rosales who wrote:

In these scary, anxious times, I often pray:
"Lord, weaken my fears and strengthen my faith."

For more encouraging words about overcoming fear, check out WANT TO GROW?

DECEMBER BOOK GIVE AWAY: FLOURISH, by Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D.

This book will help you discover the daily joy of abundant, vibrant living. Biblically based and filled with helpful, uplifting advice, you will find this book well worth reading.

Enter a drawing to receive a free copy of FLOURISH email me ( poppy@poppysmith.com ) with one Scripture or practice that helps you flourish spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. I’ll share some of your input in next month’s THRIVE.

Welcome from Poppy

Espresso

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Upcoming Events

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Here are some ideas from readers on how to overcome FEAR:

1.	Recognize FEAR as: False Expectations Appearing Real.
2.	Remember God, His promises and His faithfulness in prior times.
3.	Realize FEAR comes from the Evil One. God has not given you a spirit of fear (2 Tim.1:7).
4.	Review your heart and be purposefully THANKFUL (for WHO God is, what He has done, and not forgetting his blessings vs. worry, anxiety, ungratefulness).

Order your copy before Dec. 15 for $13.00, or two for $25.00 (plus shipping/handling).

Order your e-book version before Dec.15 for $10.99.

Upcoming Events:

Speaking Calendar:

2011:

January 10: Ladies Night Out, Salem Heights Church, OR

January 28-30: Lake Bible Church, Cannon Beach, OR

February 25-27: Good Shepherd Community Church, OR

March 12: SOUL FEAST, Village Church, Beaverton, OR

March 18-20: Retreat for Grace Four Square Church, Camas, WA

March 26: Elmbrook Church, Inspire U, Wisconsin

April 29-30: Women's Conference, Brookings, OR

May 13-15: Community Christian Fellowship, Edmonds, WA. Retreat

To book Poppy for a speaking event, contact her at poppy@poppysmith.com

Ask Questions - Get Answers from Poppy:

I'm asked questions about faith, life application of Biblical principles and spiritual growth everywhere I speak.

Now, for my online friends, I'd like to give you the same opportunity to ask questions.

I'll answer your questions and share comments in coming issues of "Thrive". Just contact me and let me know what you'd like to know more about...all at the click of your mouse!