The reason...

I love the reason for the this season! =)
And He has given me so much to be thankful for even in the midst of trouble,
sometimes i just can't help but marvel at His BIGness!

Have started doing my year end reflections and this has been the hardest year EVER to do it...
SO so much has happened that i do not enjoy, and so much of this journey has been bitter sweet.

Right now, i'm glad for this season i'm in...
Broken hearted for the things that break God's heart.
Feeling my heart leap when i encounter a touchpoint...especially in Australia!
Embracing the tears that welled up when Wesley raised his hand,
and the incidents that are similar in nature...seeing God's smile...
Choosing, and choosing and choosing...Faith in Him above all else...
The awesome plans He has allowed me a glimpse of...
Wow...awestruck and i just want to be where you are working right now!

The greatest gift i've gotten? ...
The privilege of learning to care for the things Jesus cares about.

I'm thankful for...
Tenderness of heart that comes...despite....
Being trusted by Him
wounded warriors that serve and are faithful
enjoying the journey in faith
growth

What encourages my heart this season...
People who are open, honest and sincere.

This Christmas and birthday, more than any other, i desire the true fellowship of friends and people who are real, open, honest and sincere. The gifts and the merry making are just wrapping paper hiding the real person, and i want to know the person...not the gift.

So yes, this season, the greatest gift you can give me is to be honest and sincere with me. If a handshake or a greeting is what you can offer. It is a lovely gift already, i thank you for calling me a friend. If you feel compelled to get me something for the sake of IT (the gift) and not for me as a person...then please, in all honesty, i do not require such a present, our friendship is not measured in presents or what you can give me, i extend my friendship without asking anything in return. For those who have put your heart into your gifts, i thank you for sharing a part of yourself with me, calling you friend is a wonder-filled experience. I am a simple man of simple needs, i know i need God and i know i want true friends, and thank you for being one.