December, 2007 Here’s My Heart... Did you ever play the game “Word Association”? It’s where you say a word, and I tell you the first word that comes to my mind. We've probably all played at one time or another, in some form. For instance, if I were to say the word “CHRISTMAS”, what would be the first word you would think of? Bethlehem, manger, shepherds, angels, Wise Men, and Messiah might be some possibilities. For others, trees, decorations, gifts, Santa, family, and carols would come to mind. But, if you asked me, “When YOU hear the word ‘Christmas’, what is the first word that comes to your mind?”, I would probably answer....MISSIONS! It could be the fact that my mind is almost always on missions, but it is more likely because I know that Christmas is the time of year when we receive the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. I know we do it every year, but it never loses it’s excitement for me. Our church has a goal of $22,000.00, which is part of the larger SBC goal of $165 million. It is the same goal we had last year because we came up a little short. So, what will we give this year? Likely, if each individual gives the same amount as last year, our church will give approximately the same. I am, of course, no “math wizard”, but it seems logical to me that we will need to give more than ever before if we are to reach our goal. Here’s my challenge, the same one you’ve heard before. Would you be willing to give (at least) as much to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering as you will spend for the most expensive Christmas gift you will purchase this year? If we do that, we will far exceed our goal. Will you accept my challenge? This will be the NINTH Christmas for Anita and me to be at Dixie Lee. Thank you for that privilege. From both of us, and the entire “Clayton Clan”... MERRY CHRISTMAS! May it be your most blessed ever. Blessings. -Brother Jim