Our instinct, and many times our environment, dictate that we should spend the majority of our energy/time improving upon our weaknesses. In reality, we can have a greater effect by focusing on the ways God has wired us, precisely because every ministry or relationship is too important not to operate out of our strengths.

From the time you were born, you were created with certain strengths: things that drive you, give you energy or give you fulfillment. Whether by direct design, your experiences, or your environment, God has uniquely created you the way you are. In fact, the chances of another person having your exact strengths in your exact order is 1 in 33 million.

"In the air there's a feeling of Christmas." Do you feel it? The Christmas pressure of gifts, decorating, parties—all part of Santa's big scene? When we consider the truth of why we celebrate, where does that leave our gift-giving traditions? Can we redeem our Christmas to honor the birth of Christ?

Songs like "Away in a Manger" paint a lovely but unrealistic picture of Jesus' birth. How many babies have you met that NEVER cry?! The miracle of Jesus was in HIs becoming like us in EVERY way, poopy diapers and all.

"He's making a list and checking it twice / Gonna find out who's naughty or nice". We sing this at Christmas about Santa, but what about Jesus?

God calls us to plant. The seeds we plant grow best in soil that is cultivated. When we plant and cultivate, God can multiply a harvest beyond imagination. This harvest is not just for us, but for us to share generously. And when we share God's harvest, seeds are planted in others. Are you willing to plant?

There's a season when a crop is ripe and should be harvested. Harvesting too early robs a crop of its full potential, and harvesting too late results in a ruined crop. The greatest sadness comes from a field full of crops that goes to waste.

Amazing growth can take place when we plant and cultivate. Even the tiniest of steps can be multiplied exponentially when God is involved.