As I sit here at my desk this morning, with my coffee next to me and a blank screen before me...I think about the shoeboxes we packed at our church last night for Operation Christmas Child. 113 boxes of love and grace, gifts for children who have so little. I think of the videos I have seen of children receiving those boxes - the joy, the smiles on their faces, the excitement of receiving something that was packed hundreds of miles away...just for them. And I am humbled.
I have so much. And I am not always content with what I have. I have two pair of shoes right now that are falling apart and in need of replacement...and yet across the world...even here in my own community...are people who have no shoes. Not even falling apart shoes...and I have two. Not counting the several other pairs upstairs under my dresser.
I have a home to live in. I grumble because I do not own my own home. I fuss because I want one to call my OWN. Yet, I have a roof over my head, walls to keep the weather away, clean floors to walk on, and a wonderful landlady who loves my family. The children I sponsor through Compassion International....they live in homes made of plywood or tin with dirt floors, bags over their windows, roofs made of materials that may provide shelter from the sun but not much else...
I have food to eat - enough that I have three meals a day, and several snacks throughout. If I miss a meal, it is by choice for the most part. Not because of desperate need. There are mothers in this world who wonder each day how they will feed their beloved children even the smallest of meals once a day. They watch their child slowly starve, while they themselves go without as well.
I am humbled. And grateful for my oh so old, definitely NOT HD tv, my couch that has seen better days, my food pantry that may not be as full as I like it but has plenty of nutrition for my family, my car that needs constant work, my falling apart shoes....my home full of what to many would seem extravagances.
I am grateful for the grace God extends to me every day. For each morning I wake, for each breath I take, for each person who crosses my path, for the gift of living in God's blessing. I am grateful for my Savior who loves me for me, who gave His life for mine - the ultimate loving sacrifice and gift. What more do I need?
And so I pray that I will be an extension of His grace....shining His light...sharing His hope...giving His love...blessed to be a blessing.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Chris Tomlin - I Will Rise
God bless you today and always!
Friday, November 4, 2011
My mama heart
Last night I watched my daughter, and about 30 other middle school children, walk onstage and sit in a chair at her school's National Jr. Honor Society Induction Ceremony. The assistant principal and the counselor spoke words of all these kids have achieved. Of their good choices. Their extra activities. Their dedication to learning. A guest speaker, who is also a friend from church, spoke of the opportunities they will have in high school...the chances they will have to learn and grow and find their way in the world.
I watched my beautiful daughter sign the registry and receive her pin and certificate. I heard the pledge they all made. My mama heart swelled with pride and love. I have so many hopes for her, my third child. For all three of my children, who make me so proud.
And I thank God each and every day for giving me the gift of them. They are each a unique creation. They have been such a joy to watch grow and learn...and yes, sometimes frustrating too...but always a joy. God has allowed me to hold them, guide them, love them. My oldest is at college - in his third year - with plans to be a music teacher. He is an excellent musician, a wonderful young man, smart and funny. My middle boy is a senior this year...soon to graduate and strike out on his own. Oh, how I don't want to let him go! And yet, I know I must. He is so funny, smart, so big-hearted. And also musically talented. He has dreams and hopes. I love to see his ever-present smile and hear him laugh. My daughter, she is a super-quick wit. She makes me laugh so hard! I love the way her brain works, and the way she cares for others, and the way she also loves music. I love watching her make goofy faces.
God has blessed me. And I am so grateful.
I watched my beautiful daughter sign the registry and receive her pin and certificate. I heard the pledge they all made. My mama heart swelled with pride and love. I have so many hopes for her, my third child. For all three of my children, who make me so proud.
And I thank God each and every day for giving me the gift of them. They are each a unique creation. They have been such a joy to watch grow and learn...and yes, sometimes frustrating too...but always a joy. God has allowed me to hold them, guide them, love them. My oldest is at college - in his third year - with plans to be a music teacher. He is an excellent musician, a wonderful young man, smart and funny. My middle boy is a senior this year...soon to graduate and strike out on his own. Oh, how I don't want to let him go! And yet, I know I must. He is so funny, smart, so big-hearted. And also musically talented. He has dreams and hopes. I love to see his ever-present smile and hear him laugh. My daughter, she is a super-quick wit. She makes me laugh so hard! I love the way her brain works, and the way she cares for others, and the way she also loves music. I love watching her make goofy faces.
God has blessed me. And I am so grateful.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Thankful Thursday
A life full of grace is a life full of thankfulness....
I am thankful for....
...my children who light up my days
...my church family and coworkers at RLC
...the warmth of friendship
...the grace of God that gives me strength
...music
...a place to call home
...the words of a friend
...laughter that lightens a mood
...the quiet, still darkness of early morning before the day really gets started.
And this verse to ponder today:
I am thankful for....
...my children who light up my days
...my church family and coworkers at RLC
...the warmth of friendship
...the grace of God that gives me strength
...music
...a place to call home
...the words of a friend
...laughter that lightens a mood
...the quiet, still darkness of early morning before the day really gets started.
And this verse to ponder today:
Mark 10:45 (NIV)
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Wishing you a blessed day, with much for which to be thankful, and moments to serve others as God would wish......
Wishing you a blessed day, with much for which to be thankful, and moments to serve others as God would wish......
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Beauty from Ruins?
I recently finished reading a book by Ruth Graham, In Every Pew Sits A Broken Heart: Hope for the Hurting. Ruth Graham, daughter of Ruth and Billy Graham, tells her personal story of mistakes, failures and ruins. She tells of her journey of faith, trust, and hope in God. She starts by pointing out that there may be many people around us who are hurting and we don't even know it...they have covered their pain, covered their problems, in an attempt to create a "picture perfect" illusion of their lives.
How many of us have hidden hurts? How many of us hold these inside, slowly dying, when others around us would be willing to reach out and help, if we only let them? How many of us look at the mistakes we've made and think there is no possible way anything good could ever come out of the ruins of our lives? I think of my life right now...my marriage is a ruin, my relationship with my mother is in ruins, and sometimes I feel so very alone. I have confided in certain friends, so my hurts aren't necessarily totally hidden....but perhaps the depths of them are. Allowing others into our hurts, allowing godly counsel from them...this could very well make a difference in how we deal with our problems.
How about allowing God to take those ruins and make something beautiful of them? Sure, it may take time. But haven't you ever noticed that when you look back on something bad...it doesn't always seem so bad, that you have learned something profound from that moment in your life? God can use all our mistakes, our bad choices, the things we do that hurt ourselves or others....and turn them into something worthwhile. Perhaps those experiences will help make us a better person...more caring, more loving, more positive. Perhaps our experiences can later help someone else who is struggling in the same way. Perhaps we can share what we learned to help them make better thought out decisions...or at least to stand by their side with love and support as they go through their own ruins.
Perhaps out of the ashes of our mistakes, our choices, our pain; something beautiful can grow....
How many of us have hidden hurts? How many of us hold these inside, slowly dying, when others around us would be willing to reach out and help, if we only let them? How many of us look at the mistakes we've made and think there is no possible way anything good could ever come out of the ruins of our lives? I think of my life right now...my marriage is a ruin, my relationship with my mother is in ruins, and sometimes I feel so very alone. I have confided in certain friends, so my hurts aren't necessarily totally hidden....but perhaps the depths of them are. Allowing others into our hurts, allowing godly counsel from them...this could very well make a difference in how we deal with our problems.
How about allowing God to take those ruins and make something beautiful of them? Sure, it may take time. But haven't you ever noticed that when you look back on something bad...it doesn't always seem so bad, that you have learned something profound from that moment in your life? God can use all our mistakes, our bad choices, the things we do that hurt ourselves or others....and turn them into something worthwhile. Perhaps those experiences will help make us a better person...more caring, more loving, more positive. Perhaps our experiences can later help someone else who is struggling in the same way. Perhaps we can share what we learned to help them make better thought out decisions...or at least to stand by their side with love and support as they go through their own ruins.
Perhaps out of the ashes of our mistakes, our choices, our pain; something beautiful can grow....
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
My times are in Your hands
It's November 1. The first day of a new month. The first day of the 11th month in my year of trust. I don't understand how the time has gone so quickly. It amazes me, really. I have learned so much in this year, and yet at times I think I haven't learned enough. Thank goodness that time continues, that even after December 31, 2011, I can continue on in my journey with the Lord...learning new facets of the word trust, learning new ways to open my life to what God has in store for me.
The last couple of days I have been drawn to Psalm 31...the pages of my Bible seem to open there of their own accord. David is distressed as he writes this Psalm...sorrowful, sighing. In verse 12 he says, "I have become like a broken vessel." Oh, how I know that feeling in this past year. I have felt cracked, shattered, broken, and scattered. I wonder if, like Humpty Dumpty, I can be put back together again in any semblance of wholeness. I wonder if I have lost the ability to see truth, to love, to hold onto joy. I wonder if God sees me or if He is too busy with the problems and plights of others to bother with me. I can so relate to David's words in this Psalm as he questions his own life and existence, "I have been forgotten like one who is dead."
But like David, I eventually also see the hand that reaches out to me. The one that created all things. The one that holds me close and helps me. "For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." Isaiah 41:13 Ah, He holds my hand. My heavenly Father helps me to cross that busy street of life safely. He gives me the assurance that in Him, I do not need to fear or worry because He IS there. Thank God!! Literally!
David says in verses 14-15... But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hand. Yes, David! Remember who HE is! I trust in YOU, O Lord. Yes. There's that word. Trust. My times are in His hands. Like David, it is time to turn from the whining, the sorrow, the sighing. It is time to remember God, our BIG God, is in control. Not only does He hold my hand and help me, but my times are in His hands. My times. The things that happen. My days. My situations. My times are in your hands, God. The good times, the bad times, the mis-timed times. When I lose patience and think that time is running out, or hasn't come yet, or is all wrong for something...thankfully He has patience. He knows the proper timing of everything...the big picture, the rest of the story.
And so my job is to trust Him. He is my God. He helps me. My times are in His hands. Trust HIM. He alone can make me whole. He alone can fulfill all things in me and create joy. He alone can give me strength to cope. And patience to wait for the right time. I can trust Him to provide all I need.
And I am thankful.
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.
The last couple of days I have been drawn to Psalm 31...the pages of my Bible seem to open there of their own accord. David is distressed as he writes this Psalm...sorrowful, sighing. In verse 12 he says, "I have become like a broken vessel." Oh, how I know that feeling in this past year. I have felt cracked, shattered, broken, and scattered. I wonder if, like Humpty Dumpty, I can be put back together again in any semblance of wholeness. I wonder if I have lost the ability to see truth, to love, to hold onto joy. I wonder if God sees me or if He is too busy with the problems and plights of others to bother with me. I can so relate to David's words in this Psalm as he questions his own life and existence, "I have been forgotten like one who is dead."
But like David, I eventually also see the hand that reaches out to me. The one that created all things. The one that holds me close and helps me. "For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." Isaiah 41:13 Ah, He holds my hand. My heavenly Father helps me to cross that busy street of life safely. He gives me the assurance that in Him, I do not need to fear or worry because He IS there. Thank God!! Literally!
David says in verses 14-15... But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hand. Yes, David! Remember who HE is! I trust in YOU, O Lord. Yes. There's that word. Trust. My times are in His hands. Like David, it is time to turn from the whining, the sorrow, the sighing. It is time to remember God, our BIG God, is in control. Not only does He hold my hand and help me, but my times are in His hands. My times. The things that happen. My days. My situations. My times are in your hands, God. The good times, the bad times, the mis-timed times. When I lose patience and think that time is running out, or hasn't come yet, or is all wrong for something...thankfully He has patience. He knows the proper timing of everything...the big picture, the rest of the story.
And so my job is to trust Him. He is my God. He helps me. My times are in His hands. Trust HIM. He alone can make me whole. He alone can fulfill all things in me and create joy. He alone can give me strength to cope. And patience to wait for the right time. I can trust Him to provide all I need.
And I am thankful.
Ecclesiastes 3:11-12 (NIV)
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