This is our first Post Christmas together...but if you've been around for more than a year, you know that we have a yearly Christmas party, complete with a mustache choir, red sweaters, and the highly anticipated staff video. 

But this year, we have 2 girls on staff!!! So we need ideas on what Amy and Rebekah can do BESIDES grow mustaches...because none of us want to see this:

So submit your ideas this week before we shoot the Christmas video!

Tonight is the last of our 4-week "Family Tree" series. And during this series, we've been pressuring you to "do your homework" on the provided worksheets we hand out each week. Now, I know there's a large majority out there who feel as though they already have ENOUGH homework, that one more assignment will put them over the edge. And then there's some of you who have thought, "I'm not in school for a reason, and there's no way I'm subjecting myself to any more homework than I've already had to do in my lifetime."

But as much as we mention the homework, it's really not about that. It's not about completing a task and marking it off your checklist or providing us with feedback or getting the right answers. It's about processing the things that God is stirring in your heart, to heal from the past and to prepare for the future...all for the glory of God. 

Whatever way equips you to set aside time to listen to the voice of God and to hear Him speak into your life--find a place outside of the distractions of life to do just that. You'll be amazed at the ways God reveals to you who you are, what your story is, and how it brings Him glory. And then share it with somebody who can help hold you accountable to making God-centered goals and encourage you along the way.

I had the opportunity to film my family story this week for tonight's worship. As I began to piece together exactly what I wanted to say, I found that the challenges I have faced have not only made me who I am, but have given me an opportunity to speak into the life of someone who may be going through a similar situation. Which is one of the many beautiful aspects of Christian community.

We have a lot of stuff coming up at the Post this weekend! Besides TONIGHT, where we continue the Family Tree series (are you doing your homework???), there's plenty of opportunities for you to build relationships and meet other people at the Post, whether you're new to the Post or not!

FRIDAY NIGHT

We are tailgating before the U of L vs. Cinci game at Old Cardinal Stadium from 5-8pm. This is not just for Post attendees...we want to make the Post known on U of L's campus! Now, it's going to be cold (and possibly rainy), so make sure you have a coat, gloves, hats. We'll have an RV down there, as well as a grill to cook some hamburgers and hot dogs. There will be corn hole games and homemade cookies too! Invite your friends!!! There are still tickets left, so make sure to buy one on campus now if you don't have one already!!!

SATURDAY NIGHT

We're having a Girls Night and a Guys Night...which means that there's something for (hopefully) EVERYONE! Girls night starts at 7:30--it'll be a casual evening, so come when you can! There will be Olive Garden for everyone, along with some Wii competitions and other games. If you need directions, e-mail rhester@secc.org. There will be a carpool leaving at 7 from the YAC

Guys night starts at 7:00, and has been entitled THE MAN FIRE. They'll be burning stuff and...well, I don't know. I haven't exactly been let in on the "inside" plans since I'm not a man. But I'm sure it will be fun and leave all girls jealous that they couldn't attend. A carpool will leave from the Middletown Wal-Mart to the location at 6:30. E-mail Erich at gutznfury@gmail.com if you have any questions!

We've been talking so much about OUR families this series, we'd thought we'd take a break and highlight the top 10 TV families in history (as nominated by the Post Team). Let us know who was your favorite to watch...or nominate a new one.

10. Mama's Family -- You know you wished Thelma was YOUR mom.

9. The Seavers -- Kirk Cameron was cool, but Alan Thicke was the guy all the girls REALLY had crushes on.

8. The Matthews -- How was Mr. Feeny their teacher for all those years?!

7. The Duggars -- Now I don't know if you've seen this new TV show on TLC, but this family definitely has the Hesters beat--17 kids and 1 on the way!!!

6. The Winslows -- Seriously, let's give the Winslows credit where credit is due--they basically adopted Steve into their family despite his high-pitch voice, wacky science experiments, and suspenders.

5. The Bradys -- A blended family at its finest...

4. The Wilders -- They loved to frolic through the fields together!

3. The Flinstones -- Who names their kid Pebbles? But a pet dinosaur would be awesome!

2. The Arnolds -- Maybe not the most functional, but certainly the best looking family, sporting only the most stylish clothing and hairstyles.

1. The Cosbys -- Who wouldn't want Bill Cosby as your dad? It'd come with a lifetime supply of Jell-o Pudding Cups!!!

(Honorable mention goes out to the Tanners and their full house--reminding us that everywhere we look and everywhere we go, there's a heart, a hand to hold on to, and a face of somebody who needs you. So when you're lost out there and you're all alone, a light is waiting to carry you home.)

Now, none of us at the Post have actually ever read "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne...so we're not endorsing the book. But here's a sweet video reminding us that every day, we vote with our lives by living out the peace, hope, and healing that God calls us to. No king, president, or earthly leader gives us this same assurance.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." [2 Chronicles 7:14]