Marlo's Memo

I have always really enjoyed Christmas. As a kid I couldn't wait to open presents. There were presents at home; there were presents at Mimi and Pappaw Chuck's house; there were presents at Mammaw Vivian and Pappaw Curtis' house; there were presents at Mammaw Latham's house. Everywhere we went there were presents...even at our annual Christmas program at church we got a little present. I was so over-consumed with what I hoped I would get. Now, I still really enjoy Christmas. I like to decorate our house for Christmas, and I listen to Christmas songs all the time. My hope now, though, is that my kids enjoy Christmas but don't become consumed with the presents received. We've talked alot about Jesus being the only true reason we have Christmas, and how Santa really started with a saint who wanted to give gifts to those who wouldn't otherwise have any. We did have an angel tree child that we purchased items for, and we've been singing Happy Birthday t

Sydney came into the room tonight to ask me a question to tell her friends. She asked me, "How old were you when you were alive?" I had to have her repeat it 'cause it was cute. She has a slight infatuation with the year 1980 and the fact that I was alive then. I told her I was 6 in 1980. However, the friends who were over asked a deeper question...How old were you when you were alive?...Yes, it's the same question, but think about the meaning a little bit. I'm as alive as I ever have been, but I'm more dead than I ever have been. I've been alive since conception, yet I'm closer to physical death than I've ever been. Then I thought...I was nine when I was alive. I was nine years old when I was born into the Kingdom of Heaven! That is when my life truly began because it will never end as I will leave this earth one day to join my Saviour and Lord in Heaven!!! Do you ever think about that and just get excited about getting to be in God'

I knew that it was going to be a little different this morning because our three pastors were all speaking, but I had no idea how powerfully God was going to use these three men. I was challenged to truly spend time with God...something I have not done well in way too long. He, God, is so unbelievably amazing! Thank You, God, for using these men to speak to me and to our entire church body. What a challenge and blessing all at the same time! Have a great day!! Find yourself completely happy and CONTENT with God!!!