Relationships & The White Elephant

Yep, Christmas is here!  I mean, how can you get nearly 6 in of snow in Vegas, and not be in the Christmas mood?  From where I come from, the snow has been awesome.  To all my WI friends, I know that is arguable!:)

At church yesterday, we had family members visiting from Vegas, as well as others that have traveled from around the world.  It’s great to hear peoples stories, and catch up with them, even if it is only once a year.  Family’s great – right?!

Kids choir sang yesterday in second service.  Always great picture moments & warm little fuzzies for families with young children.  On the last worship song I thought the stage was coming down.  Just watching them jump up and down made me tired!  I love investing in the world’s future hope – kids!!!

Did a lunch staff to finalize Christmas eve services.  Can’t bring the cat out the bag yet, but I think Epic’s Christmas Eve services are going to rock this year.  Team-work makes the dream-work!!!

OK, now the real reason for this post.  Relationships!   Last night Angel & I hosted our annual staff/leadership council Christmas party at our home.  Very nice to have a place we can call home!  The reality is, for everything that we do as a team, and all the hours put into children, youth, media, cafe, administration, small groups, outreach, discipleship, missions, leadership training, etc, etc, etc…….the list could go on.  For all that we do, it all boils down to relationships.  Relationships with God, and relationships with others.  Why?  So that lost kids can find their true identity as children of their creator and true Daddy! I never get tired of hearing stories of life change & watching people as the Holy Spirit ambushes them & they go from lost to found, from darkness to light, and from being somebody searching to someone that has finally found the void that they’ve been searching for- love – true love!!!  Sign me up again!  I think the knowledge of all of the above, makes it so much more special when Epic’s leadership team comes together to celebrate and continue the cultivation of our relationships.  Team – It’s truly a pleasure serving Christ with you!

Oh, one other thing that makes a Christmas party with your team really fun & at times interesting – “The White Elephant!”  I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in a long time.  Beautiful Christmas carousels, teeth whitening kits, Llama scarfs, and infamous AC/DC underwear, are just a few of the treasured gifts that were presented last night.  A few other things I can’t mention, because what happened, or was said at my house, must stay there.

Relationships are #1 – white elephants?  A must!!!  Team you never cease to amaze me, and make me laugh.

Merry Christmas!!!