A Gift For You

If you don't know about my 40 days of Give Aways, you can read about it  here  Go on, you can read it now if you want, I'll wait;)

 

The last gift I gave away was the gift of giving.  I gave three bibles away, saying the person could keep one if they wanted, but I asked that they give the other ones away to whoever the Lord put on their heart.

 

As Christians, the greatest gift I believe we have ever received is our salvation. . .freedom. When I think about Jesus hanging on the cross and dying a horrible, painful death, more painful than we will ever realize, taking the sins of the whole world on himself  including mine. . .paying the debt of my sin for me. . .well, there is just no greater gift than that. Our resurrected Savior has redeemed me, made me white as snow, preparing an eternal home with Him and the Father in Heaven.  How could I  not give back?

 

The greatest gift is offered in His Word, the Bible. I thought if He could do all this for us, then let's share this gift with others who need to hear, need to receive, need to be saved from themselves. There is nothing more glorious, nothing more precious for it is eternal. It cost One a great deal and for us it is priceless!

 

I will say to you what I did to the others for 40 days.  Please leave a comment here or on my posting on facebook of this post and I will randomely draw a name after a few days and I will send you this gift. . .a gift not from me but from Him.

I just ask that you in turn, share the Bibles with those the Lord puts on your heart.  Will you do that? Not only will they receive a gift, but you will too;)

 

~Blessings to you all as you ponder and celebrate this Easter Season. Praise, Glory and Honor to our Resurrected Savior!~ 

Why I Gave 40 Things Away

My One Word for 2013 is

 

You can read my post about it here.

 

One of the things that was laid on my heart on February 13 of this year was to give away 40 things from my home.  I wasn't too sure why at first but had an inkling.  I told God to show me how He wanted me to give and I would do it. 

 

I felt led to put a message out on facebook that I was giving away one thing of mine a day for 40 days. People were giving up food, habits, luxuries, etc. for 40 days for Lent, leading up to Easter. I figured I would give away things, never to be returned. I would post a picture of it on facebook and whoever wanted it could comment.  Then I put all names in a bowl that evening and randomely picked a name and that is who won the item for that day.

 

I prayed that this would not be just about giving things to clean out my house but that there would be some meaning to whoever got what, that there would be a blessing for them. Then I left it in God's Hands to do whatever His will was.

 

 

Since growing up in a rather poor family and one that never did extra...I tended as a grown-up to hang on to things. Some might say that's not such a bad thing, but having clothes taking up space in the closet that were only fashionable 20 years ago and you haven't worn them in the last 10...yeah, I'd say there's something wrong there.  And what about books that have sat on the shelves for YEARS...they just collect dust. And those earrings that you haven't worn since 1998?

 

I pondered and thought maybe I had a fear that if I got rid of things, I might never get anything more?  Pathetic, I know.  And then a couple of years ago, the Lord started moving on my heart to live a simpler life.  We already lived a simple life, but my mind kept going back to all that stuff in the closets, drawers, shelves, attic.  Why was I hanging on to it?  Could it be a blessing to someone out there?  I wanted to declutter, I wanted less to dust, I wanted less of stuff and more of HIM!

 

I believe it all started a couple of years ago when I read a book and then watched a video of J. P. Yohannan. His book, Revolution in World Missions.

And then I read the book Radical by David Platt.

Both ask the question. . ."How much stuff do we really need?"

I thought that was a very good question.

 

And then after being in the homeless community where people have nothing or very little and strive to just survive each day, well, I just couldn't seem to get away from that. The why of it didn't matter to me.

When I would walk back into my home and see all that I had, yes, I was very grateful, and yet I knew. . .I didn't need all this and it came to the point where I didn't want it.  It all gave me a sick feeling.

 

And then I heard Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love, ask questions like. . .

"Are you too attached to things?"

Do you feel safer the more you have?"

Are you clouded by all the stuff around you?"

The answer might have been yes years ago, but

I felt the answer to these questions now were no for me but it made me ponder.

 

Do I feel safe completely because I am His?

Or do I feel safe because of my stuff?

Do I make comfort an idol?

Could I give things up that I've had for years and be just as happy. . .or happier?

 

And then a FB friend of mine wrote this,

"When He gives us more than we need, that abundance is His, not ours, and is allocated somewhere else. We are the channel, that's all. . .upliving our living standard is never the point. For that matter, nothing I "own" is mine if I belong to Christ."

 

And then the challenge came in my heart with Lent coming up. . .

Could I find and give away 40 items from my home?

Could I let go?

I wanted to take it on.

And so I did.

 

I didn't need that cookie press and decorators kit.  It sat in my garage for 8 years and I never once used it!

 

I didn't need those baseball earrings that I wore to my sons every little league game...those boys are now 20 and 25!

 

I didn't need that big, pink Easter Bonnet . . .I don't look good in hats!

 

And the purple ring with bling. . .well, I'm not too much of a bling girl anymore, but it was SO fun to see who was:)

 

And then I heard that still, small voice say, Can you give up what you really like for me? Yes! You all know I'm a book lover, so I gave books away. And movies. And another purple ring that was really pretty and a cross-stitched picture I had put many, many hours into and more stuff.

Have I missed any of it.

No!

 

If anyone is thinking if I think it's wrong for people to have "stuff", the answer is no.  

For me, just too many things were pointing me in this direction. It was something I pondered on many times. I decided it was time to take action.

 

I know where my security and comfort lie. I know where my joy comes from.

 My Supplier, my Provider, Jehovah Jirah.

I will accept my provisions but I won't uplift my living standard.

I won't stuff my shelves and closets with anymore stuff.

I want to and will continue to give in however He leads me day by day.

I am content! I am happy! I am joyful!

 

I let go. Oh, to let go of things. . .OH, so freeing!

 

And if you're wondering, "Did she empty her house?" LOL, No. It's not about giving it all away and becoming a monk somewhere. I hope you understood.

 

This Give Away was so much fun for me and such a joy!

 

"I have found among it's other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver."

Maya Angelou

 

For all those who played along and became the receivers, thank you.

It's hard to give if no one ever receives.

 

 

And in your receiving, you helped to give me a gift. . .the gift of freedom and simplicity.

Thank you!

 

P.S. ~ Come back in a few days to see what my 40th give away gift was. I will also be giving it away here :)

 

 

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His Eye Is On the Sparrow

A repost because. . .

I looked out my window today and there were the sparrows again

and

these three precious ladies are still battling and living for the Lord

and

I want to ask you all again to pray for them. Cancer is hard!

But they fight like a girl (that's strong fightin' guys!) and they trust in their Lord, our God!

And they continue to smile SO big!

Let's lift them up together, OK?

****************************************************************************



It's funny what God will use to bring about a blog post. When I'm typing on my lap top, I can see out the window into my big back yard. There were about 30 sparrows on the ground and at all the bird feeders and I found myself humming, His eye is on the Sparrow. And then I began to think of a young lady who sings this song beautifully. And then I began to think of three ladies that I am praying for who are battling cancer right now.

And then I began thinking of others who fought the battle and some have won and some won in a different kind of way. Both are out of pain now. How about the ones of us still here but do not have cancer. We fight a battle of some sorts every day. My old pastor used to say, "If you're not going through a battle now, you've just come through one or you're about to go through one." Jesus never promised us a life withouth troubles. In fact, He said "You will have troubles." But He doesn't leave us alone to flounder in the storms all by ourselves. He promised to be with us every step of the way.

What are you battling? Have you already fought one? Do you need to gear up for one coming? Battles come in so many costumes; discouragement, loneliness, sickness, broken relationships, frustrations, etc. I've been there myself. It's easy to curl up in hopelessness during really hard, heartbreaking times, but it is NOT hopeless. Jesus is in the circumstance even if we cannot see Him in the moment. He IS there and watching and shepherding, loving and guiding and we just have to trust and not get lost in the feelings. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9. "Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 2:7.

Sarah, a young girl that I met in the blogging world, battled a 14 year disease that left her homebound all those years, in daily pain. She said her pain on a good day would be moderately high. She could not run free anymore, had to have daily help. But her attitude was soaring off the charts. Her motto was 'choose joy'. When she was asked what her definition of joy was this was her answer. . .notice she is not saying what things brings her joy but what IS joy. . .

"The unwavering trust that God knows what He's doing and has blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of it. . .not despite what's happening in my life but because of it. When everything feels heavy, He gives me an internal lightness that can't be touched."


She would tell you to "Choose Joy" in spite of the circumstances.

I dedicate this blog post to Sarah and to these three beautiful, wonderful, strong, amazing women that I and many others are faithfully praying for who are battling cancer right now. I would say they all exhibit Sarah's motto. They stand on the promises of God, honor Him with their lives, joyful despite their circumstances. I wanna be just like them! Would you please say a prayer for these three too?

Liz "I walk by faith and not by sight"

Joanna and her verse. . ."I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." Phillipians 1:20

Vicky. . ."Live your moments."

*Please visit Vicky at her place where she shares her experience. . .http://thewestraworld.blogspot.com

Liz, Joanna and Vicky, you are in our prayers. You are under the shadow of His wings. He is watching over you.

Close your eyes and listen to Sarah sing like a bird. . .His Eye Is On The Sparrow From the date on this song, it looked like Sarah recorded it about a year before soaring off to the meet her Lord face to face last Fall.

Click here and be blessed. . .02 His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Abundantly Watered

Psalm 104:16 says. . .The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly…”

If He waters His trees abundantly wouldn’t He water His people abundantly also with blessings? The water nourishes the trees, and his blessings continue to nourish me. . .

Does that mean always good things...I came into money, I got the job, my kids love me, etc.

What about when you're struggling financially, you didn't get the job, you're kids don't seem loving? Does that mean God quit blessing? I don't think so.

If it weren't for the hard times, we would not appreciate the good times. If we were never sick, we wouldn't appreciate our wellness. I believe in our sickness, we are blessed with more compassion for those who are sicker, when we struggle financially, our eyes connect more with those who are worse off, when we come out of the hard times, the storm, hopefully we look to those who are still in their storm with more empathy, more compassion, and wanting to help in some way, leading them to the One that helped us, loved us, and offered His Righteous Right Hand to lead us forward.  The giving and receiving of a blessing is a . . .well. . .a blessing!

 

In my young, more immature days I used to equate blessings many times with things. As I grow older, the word blessings now mean what nourishes me. . .loving relationships, friendships, and the most important blessing. . .HIM! My Lord and Savior, the One who nourishes and loves beyond all reasoning in SO many different ways. That's why I count and journal them. To remember, to have my roots go down deeper, to leave a legacy for my boys, to acknowledge Him in everything around me and all the more glory to shout out to Him. . .for Him. 

 

I am abundantly blessed and it has nothing to do with material objects and everything to do with Him, with people, with growth and grace and mercy. . .Mercy Me! I am blessed and I soak it all in just as the trees are soaking in their nourishment. And if I ever start to feel dry, all I have to do is look to Him and He will shower me with whatever He sees I need. And it may just be the cute little ladybug on a flower. . .

 

 

 

and that is enough to make me smile. . .to make my heart happy. . .and another reason to look to Him and say, "Thank You!"

 

 

Are you abundantly watered?

Shower Him with praises.

 

Are you feeling dry?

Shower Him with praises.

 

And as He begins to shower you, let is soak in slowly.

Let the Son shine on you.

And feel the growth of abundant blessings in your life. 

Count them out one by one, offering praises of thankfulness.

And pretty soon we will stand strong and sturdy like the trees.

The Power of Touch

 

 

 

As I began 1 1/2 years ago interviewing the homeless for a book I'm writing, I quickly realized how important touch was for them. Many were not touched because of their 'dirtiness' (their words) or they had not experienced good touch , only bad in their lives. I made it a point to always touch them, whether a pat on the back, touch their arm as I talked with them, always putting my arm around them as I prayed at the end of our visits, and giving a hug when I knew it would be received well. Many, men and women, would crumple in my arms and cry because the touch was so wonderful to them and the unconditonal love that came with it. I believe touch, good touch, is so vital to us as human beings.

I interviewed Bruce, a burned out homeless, alcoholic man for a couple of hours one day.  He didn't want to talk at first, but after I tried to chit-chat with him for a few minutes, he warmed up and off we went talking about his life, starting at his childhood and working our way up to present day. He had no emotion except for the couple of minutes while he remembered a good time as a teen where he and a youth group from a small church went out to help a neighbor with his delapadated home.  When that story was over, the emotionaless face came back. When we were done with the interview, God pushed me to touch him.  His hands were literally black with grease and what looked like oil. It was not pleasant but I grabbed them and told him Jesus loved him. His bright blue eyes immediately glistened. Then I put my arms around him, pulled him in close to me and prayed for him. When I was done, he continued to bow and prayed himself. He looked up at me with more tears, smiled and silently walked off. He seemed choked up. I certainly was with that lump in my throat. What brought the tears on in him I wondered. I sat back down on the bench as I watched him fade into the distance. I wondered how long it had been since someone had prayed with him, how long had it been since someone touched him.

An article I read the other day said this:
The majority of nursing home residents suffering from dementia like Alzheimer’s disease develop behavioural symptoms of dementia, such as restlessness, searching and wandering, tapping and banging, pacing and walking, and vocalization. Current treatment involves drugs, but a recent study showed that intervention consisting of therapeutic touch significantly reduces these behavioural symptoms. Impressive is that the therapeutic touch employed in the study was only provided twice per day, for three days. Each therapeutic intervention lasted only 5-7 minutes.

I've also read an article about two newborn babies in a hospital. One was touched daily while the other one wasn't.  The touched one thrived and the other one didn't. . .until that one began to be touched. They both left the hospital healthy and happy.

I ponder. . .if we were to reach out to our homeless neighbors and touch them as we talked, listened to them unconditionally, and hold them as we pray, could healing begin in their souls?

this volunteer knows:)

I know when someone hugs me, it makes me feel special and loved in that moment and it carries on with me into the day. I think not only for our homeless neighbors, but for the tired, cranky mother in the store, the older man or woman who is sitting by themselves in church, the tattooed teen sitting alone on a mall bench. . .even once, if it makes them feel special and loved in that moment. . .it's a memory they can carry with them and maybe God will use that memory for good. I believe God does not waste anything done with the love of Christ. What do you say, is it worth a try?

I have a feeling Bruce would say "Yes."

Ladders, Mirrors, and Eucharisteo

Today I begin climbing up the 50's ladder with my step on rung one.  Today I look in the mirror and see gray hairs trying to spring every which way, (should I color?) and wrinkles etching deeper and skin sagging (face lift?). Someone tries to whisper in my ear – “You’re getting old, your knees creak, your back hurts all the time, your get up and go doesn’t get up as fast as it use to.” This could discourage me, but it doesn’t. I have been given joy and I know the secret to keeping it now. (actually, it was never a secret)… Eucharisteo…thanksgiving. You already know this? Follow me…it goes deeper than where a lot of folks take it.

If you’re following my blog, you know I am keeping a journal,

recording the unwrapped treasures God has placed in my days, until I reached 1000. Well, I've passed that number and just entered the1600's.  Ann Voskamp says in her book, one thousand gifts :

Dare to live fully right where you are, opening the hand to receive the moments.

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.

Naming offers the gift of recognition, the naming of moments is truly a holy work.

When I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow within me. This makes me full, and I “magnify Him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69:30)

Is eucharisteo (thanksgiving) opening the eyes wider, the heart deeper? Is this paradox, that giving thanks for what is, creates an appetite for more, not for more things, but for seeking more of God to give more glory? Looking is love.

I believe this journey began at the pond years ago, but I did not know the word eucharisteo, to place my finger on. The lesson was put in me though. God had shown me that I could see Him in everything out at the pond and taught me and reminded me of things through the water, rocks, hearts in trees, the animals, hidden things behind tall grasses, etc. I came home and began writing, which has been such a blessing to me. And now, I am keeping a journal, looking deeper and not having to search hard at all to see more of God, to give glory to Him more often. This brings me joy! Yes, He helped me find the joy again. My circumstances had not changed, but He brought me back. The secret is in the thanksgiving, the giving honor to Him no matter what, in the big and in the small, in the happy and in the sad, in the scary and frustrating. In all, I give Him glory and honor. The enemy cannot hurt me. The joy cannot leave. This is deepening my 38 year relationship with this Savior of mine even more.

I look back in the mirror. I smile. I shun the hissing voice with a wave of my hand.

Proverbs 16:31 comes to mind…(a gift from God)…”Gray hair is a crown of splendor, it is attained by a righteous life.” He continues to tell me that in my old age I am not to be despised, I should have honor and respect, wisdom, strength, youth renewed like the eagles, and will flourish in His courts. WOW!

Ok…my belt buckle won’t buckle like it used to and my knees do buckle, but I have so much to look forward to. I spray that ornery gray hair down, dab my lips, give a “thank you from the bottom of my heart”, and I’m outta there to find my journal. Oh yes, just a thought. . .if we attain that crown of splendor by a righteous life, then my husband must be very righteous, what do you think?

I love that gray head!

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Psalm 71:17
 

STILL COUNTING. . .
 

time with the Lord in front of the mirror

wrinkles

hot rice bags(for those achy muscles)

baby doll tops (to hide the tummy)

erase (for you guys, go ask your wife what this is)

night time renewing cream

day time face cream

creamy moisturizers

sticky notes, to remind me of all I would forget otherwise

renewed spirits

unquenchable joy

my gray haired husband loving me gray headed or highlighted;)

another birthday to celebrate and breathe

the many birthday wishes that have come my way

the gift of people in my life

the number 51…it really is a good and beautiful number

 

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving me 51 years so far.

I just ask please, that you would help me to grow old gracefully, with much laughter. And when the pains kick in, help me to not be a pain. When the wrinkles become deeper, may it be a sign of many smiles from over the years. When the hair becomes grayer, help me to accept it or please let me keep my wonderful hairdresser who can keep doing her thing!

 Continue to lead me in the way you would have me go. When I begin to stoop, please lift me up and when others around me begin to droop, show me how to lift in one way or the other and when to stand out of your way.

May there be less of me and more of you.

 As the candles grow on my cake each year, I will rejoice as I blow them out and with that same breath, I will praise You.

I will praise You. . .no matter what.
 I am so grateful to You for giving me the gift of eternal life, giving me assurance that we will always be together. When my last breath comes and the candles go out forever, I will enter into the grandest party ever. Thank you for the invitation.

 One more thing. . .please bless all who came here to our little place. . .may their candles continue to grow in the years to come, may they recognize their blessings whether on the mountain top, or in the valley, the pit, on knees on the kitchen floor full of crumbs or laundry room full of laundry, in the car behind the annoying drivers, in the darkest of places and in the gloriousness of family and friends and light all around, whether microscopic or huge or in between, in the miraculous and in the ordinary.
 I ask your blessings on each and every one.

Thank you Father!

In Jesus Name,

Amen

 

 

This I Know

God loves me, this I know. . .

God led me to begin the Blanket Minsistry over 4 years ago. I wondered after that first year if people would continue to donate. Yes, you could call this doubt if you want. I felt led to continue though and I am now coming to the end of the 4th year of this ministry.  We have averaged 700+  blankets each year! People have also donated clothing, sleeping bags, caps and gloves and socks. I have received checks in the mail from people I don't know, people I have never met.

The last check I received was in the 3 digits and a sweet note that said, I put in a little extra for you to do something for yourself. This from a fb friend who met me through a newspaper article 3 years ago. I just met her within the last month on facebook. I have never met her in person.

With a son in college and preparing to take a mission trip to Africa, funds are pretty tight in my one-income household.  I have learned to live very frugally. I am content and happy to live this way knowing God will provide our needs, but once in awhile He delivers a 'treat' that just blows me away!

And speaking of that Africa trip. . .we didn't ask for money. We do not do the mission letter thing. We prayed for God to provide and oh my, He is providing!

God loves me, this I know. . .

 

Last week I was struggling internally with how to treat a situation. I was feeling very down and confused and torn about what to do.  Sunday morning I opened my devotional, My Utmost For His Highest and read that day's devo, March 3.  It spoke right into my heart and gave me the answer I needed. Wow! I was given clarity, peace and confidence about what do. But the bigger Wow came much later in the day when I discovered I had not read that days date like I thought. . .I had actually turned to the wrong date, May 3 not realizing it. Did I read the wrong date that day? I don't think so!

 

God loves me, this I know. . .

Of course I know Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. But it is just magnified in those little moments of trips to the mailbox, reading the wrong date of a devotional but it was really the right words for that day. I could go on and on about how I know He loves me.  I journal the how's in my blessing journal.

There are buds showing on one of my flowering trees that tell me Spring is right around the corner. I hear Him saying, 'I am always here and I will never leave you. Though the seasons change, I never will and I will always love you. . .this I know.'

 

Yes, this I know.

 

HAPPY 20th!

(hubby was tired after all that labor :)

big brother was happy and excited!)

the two most precious gifts I ever received!

He was 2nd born and a joy to mom and dad and big brother.

He was cute with that blonde curly hair, silly antics, smiling and laughing all the time, except for the time at age 3 when he had a little tantrum because I made him pink, heart shaped pancakes and he didn't like the change.

He followed big brother building with legos, drawing at the table and underneathe the table, being superheros, playing with swords. . .swords that he made himself out in the garage.

He would snuggle up as we read books and sing songs.

We sat on the driveway practicing the ABC's with the colored sticks. Later around age 8, he would go out to do artistic work on same driveway with chalk even though he thought he couldn't draw.

He ran, jumped, played hard and giggled with his cousins.

He asked Jesus into his heart as a little boy but decided he wanted to wait a year before getting baptized. When he was ready, he was ready. . .can you tell?

He enjoyed going to bible school every summer, going to Awanas, playing sports.

He became a teen and entered a sullen stage because of a sad family situation.

He ran to the Lord and was healed of this sadness.

He grew strong in his relationship with the Lord, leading a friend to salvation, going on church youth camps, becoming more and more loving, growing in maturity in all ways of life.

Later in teen life, he began to go on mission trips to Costa Rica and Scotland.

He stepped out of his comfort zone to share his testimony in front of a crowd.

Now in college and preparing to go on another mission trip to Africa, enjoying conversations about the Bible, God, Biblical Worldviews and his daily workouts.

His driveway drawings have evolved into even more mature artwork.

He still hugs his momma.

He's grown much from the day he wore his very first t-shirt, with strong shoulders, muscles rippling now.

He's grown much in all other ways too.

He is courageous, stands on the Solid Rock, stands up for what he believes in and Who he believes in. He is not concerned with worldly possessions but for those things which are more important. He possesses an inner strength that I know will carry him far because I know that strength has a Rightious Right Hand on the other end leading and guiding and Christopher listens and follows.

He turns 20 today.
Oh my!

He's not perfect. His clothes are still on the floor, his bed half-made and he can be moody from time to time ( I don't know WHERE he gets that from;) but he is a mature, loving, strong young man with intergrity, strong character, and a love that will never die.

The babe I carried in my arms will always be in my heart. I love the man he has become and is becoming more and more of. . .a man after God's own heart.

I love this young man with all my heart!

~We celebrate Christopher this day but I feel I am the one who has the gift~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON!

 

 

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Roller Coaster Ride

 

I have never been one to have "thick skin".  But being in a ministry, even as small as our Homeless Outreach is, I have found you develop it real fast!  Not just because of who we work with, but others who would just as soon not see you out there.

Then there are the phone calls and texts, one right after the other, over and over and over again from ones who are depressed, mentally ill, those who don't understand and those who want you to do all the work that they themselves should be doing. Sometimes you want to throw the phone away but you don't.

Then there is the despair, the tears, the arrests and convictions after you were seeing good and it's starting all over again.

The addictions are out of this world to someone who lived in her Christian bubble most all her life. The claws of these demons are strong and do not let loose without a terrible fight. And sometimes the fight does not turn out well.

You give your heart and soul to ones in the name of Christ and some will step all over you and break that heart.  The next day they will love you and next week, they've let you down again. 

All right now. . .who would like to step up and volunteer?  ;)

Let me tell you about the other side. . .where the heart shows tender. . .

The flicker of light in the eyes and a turned up smile after you showed you cared.

The genuine hug given back from one who had not been touched in a good way in a long time.

When their heads bow for prayer and they end the prayer themselves.

When you have the priveledge of praying someone into the Kingdom of God.

When you see someone who was hungry, now full from the food given.

When you see someone freezing, warmed up by the blankets and love of people around.

When you see one who has made that turn for the better and you hear them sharing the good news with another fellow traveler.

When you see someone make it from under the bridge into their very own place, paying for it with their very own paycheck.

When one has tears in their eyes and says, "Thank you for not treating me like trash."

When one looks at you with tired eyes and says,"You've all given me hope."

Seeing lessons being learned.

When you sit with one in church and you hear them praising the Lord sincerely.

When one you've been praying for comes up to you and says, "I'm an alcoholic and I need help."

When you see the ones who "make it". . .

Always knowing that once I was lost but now I'm found, once a long, long time ago I was blind, but now I see; there but by the grace of God goes me. Even now when I let Him down, His tender heart shows.

It can be an emotional rollercoaster ride being in this kind of ministry. But it is never boring! You never know what will be around the next whipped, neck breaking turn. Your heart can fall with the despair, beat furiously with the frustrations, and melt with sweet moments of grace and love. The heart can spin, beat, fall, scream, and rejoice. . .all in one day!  If this is giving my heart any kind of exercise, I should be in very good shape.

I used to have those moments of "Let me off this ride!"  But God says, "No, you are right where I told you to be. I'm getting used to this roller coaster ride now and not as queasy as I used to be.  So I strap on my seatbelt, grab my Father's Hand, and away we go!

What ride are you on?

Are you still waiting to get on?

What's stopping you?

linking with

 

 

 

 

Undaunted

I just read another wonderful book called Undaunted and when I read one that really touches me or teaches me, I want to share it with others.  This is one of those books.

from the back of the book. . .

 

Using her own dramatic life story, Christine shows how God rescued her from life in which she was unnamed, unwanted, and unqualified. She overcame abuse, abandonment, fears, and other challenges to go on a mission of adventure, fueled by faith and filled with love and courage.

 

Christine offers life-transforming insights about not only how to overcome the trials, wrong turns, and often painful circumstances we all experience, but also how to grow from those experiences and be equipped and empowered to help others.

 

Each of us possesses all it takes to bring hope, create change, and live completely for Christ.

 

What I appreciate about Christine is that she brings everything she says back to the Word. If He is in us, then we have the power to live an Undaunted life.

 

Please watch the video below of Christine. It is a wonderful, powerful, 35 minute talk about passing on the baton of faith.  Take the 35 minutes from housework, facebook, video games, or whatever you're doing and soak in her words. Find a comfortable seat, maybe have your favorite drink at your side, and listen.

You won't be sorry!

 

Have a great week-end!

                     I