Practical Strategies for a Simpler Christmas

“You are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed. . . .”
—Luke 10:41–42 NKJV

Practical Strategies for a Simpler Christmas

  • Being together is what counts, not the perfection of your surroundings. (Jesus’ birth did not depend on fancy decorations, cleanliness of the house, or gourmet goodies.)
  • Don’t cram in too many organized activities. (The ability to relax and be comfortable lend to happy times together.)
  • Unrealistic expectations of making crafts and holiday baking can rob you of the enjoyment of the Christmas celebration. (Quiet times can offer more opportunity for remembering the reason for the season.)
  • Try shortening your Christmas card list by sending cards to the people you do not see regularly. (Think about sending cards to half your list on Valentine’s Day or Easter and reversing the list the next year).
  • Begin each day in prayer by offering the day back to the One who gave us the greatest gift. (Having and keeping the right perspective of whose day it is can alter our attitudes and conduct.)

We don’t have to let the busyness of the season rule our hearts. We can be less like Martha and more like Mary, who relaxed in the Lord’s presence. Ultimately, only one thing is essential to our Christmas celebration: Jesus!

Temporary Campus Closure

You may have heard that Harvest Riverside experienced a temporary campus closure this morning (September 11, 2013) following the arrest of a man on its campus last night. We want to make sure that we keep our Harvest Partners informed about what’s going on.

According to an AP report, “The FBI says a security screener at Los AngelesInternationalAirport has been arrested after quitting his job and making threats that led officials to clear terminals at the airport Tuesday.”

At this time it is unknown why the arrested man was on the Harvest campus. Authorities closed the campus to conduct a thorough search of the grounds as part of their investigation.

This closure interrupted school, office, and cafe/bookstore schedules during the morning only, but the campus has now been cleared as secure.

Wednesday and Sunday service times are not affected and  students can report back to school tomorrow.

This incident is just another reminder of our nation’s need for revival and the importance of making the gospel known through efforts such as Harvest America. Please join us in praying for our country and praising Him for the protection of our Harvest family during this incident.

Thanks for standing with us as a Harvest Partner,
Harvest Ministries

Bringing the Flock Home

DerekMr. Laurie,
My name is Derek and I am a combat veteran. Because of you and your ministry, and listening to you in the morning, I am now closer than ever to God. For the first time in my life, I am at peace.

When I listen to you in the morning, I feel His love and grace in my heart and with me. I can liken it to being hugged. Thank you for your work and ministry. I pray to one day meet you and thank you face to face.

I have struggled so long, and now I am able to place all my faith in God and know that the only thing that matters is following the path He has chosen for me. I cannot thank you enough. God bless you and your ministry for bringing the flock home.

Very gratefully,
Derek

Shane’s Testimony

Shane

Dear Greg,
I was watching Lost Boy, and what an amazing life God gave you. You are a true testimony of how God can change a man and really impact the world. I saw the part about your son Christopher dying in a car accident. I am really sorry for your loss. About 12 years ago, I was driving home from a Christian camp. As I was driving, I dozed for a second. I lost control of my vehicle and it flipped over and over again. My best friend, also named Christopher, died, and my sister had to learn how to walk again. I weep every day for the loss of my best friend.

I was so lost for so long; I became angry over my tragedy and I soon took it out on other people. I couldn’t look at my sister because of what I did to her, and I blamed myself for the pain that I caused Chris’s family. I soon walked away from God and the church. But God placed two people in my life: my mentor and you. I never met you, but one day I saw a Harvest Crusade on TV and I listened to you speak about how you were born lost and how God changed you. I thought God hated me, and that was why He let me go through my tragedy. Later I met my mentor. He prayed with me and helped me forgive myself and ask for the forgiveness of my sister and best friend’s family. Thank God they forgave me and told me they never blamed me. I wrote all of this to thank you for your words. I am now a youth pastor and I one day hope to be an evangelist that will impact the hurting youth of this generation.

Shane