2. Christmas 2013 A Holiday Survival Guide

3. Fun, huh?

4. Family Work Friends Neighborhood Churches

5. The Point isn't Surviving the Gatherings But glorifying God

6. And trusting him to help us live What we say We believe

7. Principles from our Faith More than just Gatherings

8. Family Gatherings Work Parties Friends Hang Out There's a History…

9. Bring a blank chalkboard

10. The eraser principle

11. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” - 1 Cor. 13:4-5

12. …be wise as serpents and innocent as doves - Jesus, Matt. 10:16

13. List: What accounts do I need to erase? Am I willing?

14. Forgive- to release a person freely and completely from the debt he or she has built-up through hurtful/painful words or words...without any expectation of repayment or amends

15. Note: Forgiveness is not conditioned upon it being requested by the other person. Wise and innocent- we don't turn our backs…

16. How it changes Christmas gatherings: Releases my tension, sets me free to focus on enjoying the time with my family, kills the chip on my shoulder

17. Road-bump ahead: It probably won’t change the other person

18. Use a Big Honking Eraser Before you ever get there And…as you are there Because Jesus does…

19. Make your list Check it twice Then…erase it

21. Determine in advance Which hills I’ll die on

22. The wartime principle StrategicStrategic Accomplish purpose with Least # of CasualtiesAccomplish purpose with Least # of Casualties

23. Determine in advance Which hills I’ll die on The wartime principle Claim the hill in advance

24. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” - Ephesians 4:2 Not looking to win

25. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you- Col. 3:12-13

26. Save the mortar for the big targets

27. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone - Rom. 12:18 Let’s have a big slice of peace, my treat

28. How it changes Christmas gatherings: Gives me a grid for deciding when to fight/leave and when to flex/compromise- kills some of the anxiety. Gives me a chance to communicate major issues in advance, seeking peace and reconciliation

29. Because we're not there To be served But to serve (See, for instance, Jesus And a big painful cross)

31. Sibling Rivalry How much fun Is that?

32. My kid beat up your Honor student

34. Sallgood principle

35. Grateful for what I have, not upset about how much you have= Contentment

36. Sallgood principle I know who I am instead of needing you to tell me= Identity

37. Sallgood principle I live off God’s approval so I don’t need yours= Christ-righteousness

38. If I need someone else's approval to feel OK about myself, my issue isn't with that person, but with my God

39. "Alpha"= Pride and a desire to rule over Foreign to our Faith

40. "The Son of Man didn't come to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many…"

41. Our Christ washed the feet of men who were arguing about which of them was the greatest

42. Additional Tips: Know in advance it’s coming Smile and resist the urge to fight back Look to the truth beyond the truth

43. How it changes Christmas gatherings: Gives me peace, centers me on what’s really important and places me outside the turmoil of my family

44. Special Emptiness

45. Acknowledge The Empty Chair

46. Remember the loss, but celebrate the life Be sensitive if others can’t see the empty chair right now

47. How it changes Christmas gatherings: Honors the life and gives us a chance to acknowledge the truth and draw strength and unity from it

48. Chalkboard Hills Honor Student Empty Chair

49. Light shines best In Darkness Opportunities often look Look like opposition

50. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness - 2 Peter 1:3

51. Do I know Who I am in Christ? Which principle Do I need to commit to Jesus?

52. Community of Faith Model Chalkboard Know our Hills Nothing to Prove Honor our Past

54. Pics Christmas Offering Baby Dedications White Elephant Potluck PJ Church