The Gift

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:12-15

It could be the jacket you loaned to a friend, the change you dropped on purpose for someone to find later, the smile you gave to the cashier, the hand you waved to the trash guy, the class you continue to teach week after week, the co-worker you've offered friendship, the spouse you keep trying to show you really do care...these everyday things you perform is not only meeting the needs of others but is also being expressed to God as worship. Lets admit it, we all want to throw up our hands at times and say, "Forget it. I'm finished. I'm tired of trying." And honestly that's exactly where I've been. I have been physically tired, emotionally drained, and spiritually in a black hole but I take assurance in the words of the Apostle Paul as he wrote to the Corinthian church. These things we do day after day, not knowing if they ever make a difference, is seen by our Lord and He considers them as our worship of Him. In fact, it is a sweet smelling incense when we continue to serve others. Your service is literally validating to others or witnessing to them of your love for Christ. Lots of folks can feel generous and do something special once in a while but when you have made giving of yourself a lifestyle, it is so much more than you realize.

Somehow every time I feel overwhelmed and discouraged in this journey of servanthood, I am embraced by His awesome grace. Its a nudge to keep going, keep serving, keep loving, keep hoping, keep trying. This grace assures me that all is going to be okay and gives me confidence to be still. His grace is not always tangible. Often for me it comes as a quiet determination to dig my heels in a little stronger and stand a little longer. It is definitely proven sufficient for me in every task I have faced. Without it, I would be most miserable and unable to conquer. So I agree with Paul as he says, "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" And I pray, pour on the grace Lord, pour on the grace...

Happy Valentine's

To all my friends and fellow bloggers:

A GREAT BIG VIRTUAL HUG FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!

I hope you all enjoy yourselves and let those close to your heart know how much you love and appreciate them. I so appreciate you guys following along with my blog. And I hope it proves to be a place you can visit that brings joy to your soul...and freedom...and hope...and peace...and, well you get the point.

I'm feeling all mushy inside so I'd better end this by simply saying,

My Letter is...

For those of you familiar with the game, I have received the letter of the month! Thanks Betty for sending me a letter that made me think yet not as difficult as the end of the alphabet. Hope you enjoy this list of the ten words that came to my mind:

1. Kindness- It reminds me of a song I learned as a little girl in Missionettes..."I will be kind dear Lord to those around me; at home, at school, at play. I will be kind dear Lord to those around me; to please you Lord each day."
2. Kiss- What can I say...it's the LOVE month! In lieu of celebration, I have decided to wear something red everyday to see if my husband takes notice. His favorite color is red so anytime this month he mentions my wearing of it I am going to lay a kiss on him, no matter where we are. I haven't figured out what to do if he reads this post and decides to take full advantage of this opportunity but I will come up with something.
3. Kindle- I want the love of Christ in my heart to illuminate and light up the lives of others as it kindles my own life.
4. Key- The key that unlocked the most important door of my life was the day I surrendered myself to the lordship of Jesus Christ. HE is my all in all!
5. Kitchen- I don't like to cook every meal. So time in the kitchen can be a headache if something special is not in the works. I'd rather spend my time doing other things. Since I'm a Mom sometimes I feel guilty for feeling like the kitchen is a chore but I'm just not the cooking type person that proclaims meals at the table every evening. I am who I am and my family still seems to love and accept me. :)
6. Koinonia- I have experienced this wonderful type of communion with several fellow Christians and it has proven to be a very powerful part of my life. Study of the early church brought it into focus for us and it became a great foundation to many life long friendships we enjoy today. There is a special bond that takes place with fellow believers that is irreplaceable when Christ is the core of those relationships...true koinonia.
7. Kindergarten- Must I say anymore? My son is about to turn four and we have started pre-K studies/activities at home. This is the child that is most like his dad so I feel sorry for his teachers in the fact that he will probably be bored with them very easily and simply tell them so. I think I'll let his dad work with this issue.
8. Keep- It is such a fight to keep my mind focused on the things that I feel the Lord has called me into. I pray that He will keep my mind and heart's motives in His hands so I will bring Him pleasure with my life.
9. Kite- I have always loved the sight of kites flying. There is a large open park nearby that is the perfect place to fly one. And one day soon I hope to do this with my children.
10. Ketosis- If you've ever done the Adkin's Diet or any high protein diet, you are aware of ketosis. I have NEVER smelled such awful breath in my life! It didn't matter what we did...the brushing didn't work, the mouthwash, the gum, the certs, nothing mattered. But we did lose the weight.