Christmas Tree

One of my favoite things growing up was decorating our family Christmas tree. I can remember looking at the tree for hours after it was finished. My dad would always play the same music every year while my brothers and I would tear through the boxes filled with lights and decorations from the years past. I can remember watching the “Christmas Story” and reading “The Polar Express” as I imagined myself getting a motorcycle on Christmas day. Although the motorcycle never came with Santa’s sleigh, I always felt blessed and loved on Christmas day…something I know some kids will never feel. Today, I feel blessed beyond measure as I celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with my own little family and share in the hope Christ brings to the world. On Sunday I had the opportunity to watch my little girls pull out lights and add their touches to our tree. I don’t decorate much anymore, I just watch and remember…I love our tree! It doesn’t really have a specific look…it just feels like us. We have everything from “the rocking horse” that some old lady gave me back in 1977 to the “green frog” that represents no other than “Bubs” a.k.a. “Bubba/Bubbe.” It’s madness every year as I find myself digging through old boxes and climbing into tight places to find that “one lost item” that I somehow seemed to have misplaced. In the end, Natalie and I always come back to sitting and smiling together as we remember…our kids, ourselves, our stories and the story that God Himself wrote for all of us. May your Christmas be filled with the Joy that only Christ can bring…
In Him,
The Carr’s

brave

I’ve enjoyed Dallas more than I thought I would. I feel brave here. I know that’s an odd way to start this blog, but it’s what’s on my heart. I’ve found myself in so many conversations with so many people of diversity. It was hard for me to imagine why God wouldn’t want to place us in downtown NLR…but now I see that He had something bigger than we had confined Him to doing in us. We have gay neighbors, neighbors from India, Asia, Mexico, and even the young engaged couple that lives together. I’ve found myslf driving home with complete strangers in the back seat of my car. And yes, I’ve even found my donut stop here. Believe it or not, I’ve lost my appetite for donuts but I still find joy in taking the girls every now and then. I stopped into a shop the other day that offers bagels and donuts and soon found myself visiting with an Asian women who was struggling in her marriage. Before I left…she shared how she and her husband have been married 25 years and how they have one son who they both seem close with. God reminded in my conversation with her that time can be the most precious gift you can give someone. I felt like I might be late for work and began to worry for a moment in the midst of our conversation…then God reminded me that THIS is what being the church looks like…taking time to listen and talk with broken people. I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to face life without Christ. I just thank God that He somehow still chooses to use us to be salt and light to the world. Be brave guys…
In Him,
Josh