Have you ever had the great pleasure of giving to someone anonymously? I knew a single mother of four who worked at least 50 hours a week. When no help came from her estranged husband, she called upon God's promise to be a father to the fatherless and upon His name - Jehovah-Jirah (provider). After placing all her trust there, spending her last few dollars on gas money to get to work, the following day money arrived in the mail. It was from an anonymous person in her church. God had placed her and her children upon another's heart and they were faithful. The money was stretched to provide food for the coming week. God had provided, her heart lifted, her faith grown and all because someone was faithful to that still small voice - the tug of the Spirit placing a name and amount upon a heart. Not only did it bless the recipient and her family, she fell to her knees in gratitude and prayed for the one who had given and thanked the LORD.
When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4
As you give this season - make it a game to bless someone who will have no idea who has done so. Listen carefully. When a name comes to your mind and the thought to help in some way - do it. Don't let the moment and the opportunity to bless another pass you by. It's not always money. Sometimes it's as simple as a wreath left on a doorstep or a card of encouragement - maybe even a pizza ordered and sent to someone prepaid (anonymously). God bless you as you listen and act this week.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Be Still.....and Exalt.
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too. Come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you ...... Well there isn't any snow on the ground here, but I sure do love that song. In fact, I've included the very version I grew up hearing in our home for your listening pleasure. It may not feel that jolly or ring ting tingling for you today.... I know a loved one was discriminated against in such a way this week that it took all I had to "Be still and know that I am God," and to remember the rest of the verse "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)
While clearly there are injustices in the world - some vague and behind closed doors - others blatant and painful - we must remember that ultimately, God is in control and He always prevails. We may not always see it, but we are assured it to be true. Then we must remember the remainder of the verse and that [He] will be exalted among the nations, [He] will be exalted in the earth." That exultation takes place everytime we stand in the face of unrighteousness and love, everytime we give respect and dignity to another and even when we shout glory in a hymn. While I've included a "fun" song, I've also included one that I hope blesses you greatly and causes you to pause and praise. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFcm4VoS_-E&feature=related I hope it inspires you and the Spirit wells up within you to change this day to be one of joy - regardless of your circumstance - and one of gratitude as each blessing flows through you as you give yourself to the moment and the glory.
God bless you greatly today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qBEXubFGxw
While clearly there are injustices in the world - some vague and behind closed doors - others blatant and painful - we must remember that ultimately, God is in control and He always prevails. We may not always see it, but we are assured it to be true. Then we must remember the remainder of the verse and that [He] will be exalted among the nations, [He] will be exalted in the earth." That exultation takes place everytime we stand in the face of unrighteousness and love, everytime we give respect and dignity to another and even when we shout glory in a hymn. While I've included a "fun" song, I've also included one that I hope blesses you greatly and causes you to pause and praise. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFcm4VoS_-E&feature=related I hope it inspires you and the Spirit wells up within you to change this day to be one of joy - regardless of your circumstance - and one of gratitude as each blessing flows through you as you give yourself to the moment and the glory.
God bless you greatly today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qBEXubFGxw
Thursday, December 2, 2010
In Gratitude Outdo Each Other in Kindness
In response to all He has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good. Hebrews 10:24 (TLB)
Today we all rest warmly knowing we have a home to return to tonight along with a bounty of blessings that are beyond the imagination of some in our country and world less fortunate. So today – whether your wealth is defined by joy, love, family, the material or the eternal. Live out your gratitude ON PURPOSE. How?? Here are some ideas to outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.
It costs no more than a moment and a smile in your heart to: hold the door open for someone struggling with packages or groceries, or to allow someone with a few items to go ahead of you in the grocery store or a few more moments to help your neighbor with Christmas lights or what about the neighbor you've noticed who normally celebrates big and there's no sign this year....wouldn't a beautiful wreath and a "how are you?" bless them?
ON PURPOSE - Let's outdo one another showing love and compassion toward each other and others.
Today we all rest warmly knowing we have a home to return to tonight along with a bounty of blessings that are beyond the imagination of some in our country and world less fortunate. So today – whether your wealth is defined by joy, love, family, the material or the eternal. Live out your gratitude ON PURPOSE. How?? Here are some ideas to outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.
It costs no more than a moment and a smile in your heart to: hold the door open for someone struggling with packages or groceries, or to allow someone with a few items to go ahead of you in the grocery store or a few more moments to help your neighbor with Christmas lights or what about the neighbor you've noticed who normally celebrates big and there's no sign this year....wouldn't a beautiful wreath and a "how are you?" bless them?
ON PURPOSE - Let's outdo one another showing love and compassion toward each other and others.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Saying Thank You
As 2010 comes to a close.. I'm reminded of those who've helped me through challenges and cheered with me along the way. As I replay those scenes in my mind, I'm also left wondering if I always remembered to express my gratitude to them. GB Stern said, "Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone." While I am experiencing a warm fuzzy feeling in remembrance of the blessing, assistance or surprise, did I tell the person who bestowed it upon me that they had blessed me?
So as I thank God ... as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers (2 Timothy 1:3), I also need to simply say thank you - for those times you remained when others walked away, for blessing me with your words or silent presence in the midst of the storm, for reminding me of who I am in Christ when I forget. Are there "thank you"s outstanding in your world? Do you need to say out loud or by note or deed "thank you" to someone who's blessed you and doesn't even know it?
Make today that day...and might I say - thank you. For each of you has blessed me, encouraged me, and helped along the way. May God bless you abundantly today as you go forth with intention to bless another.
So as I thank God ... as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers (2 Timothy 1:3), I also need to simply say thank you - for those times you remained when others walked away, for blessing me with your words or silent presence in the midst of the storm, for reminding me of who I am in Christ when I forget. Are there "thank you"s outstanding in your world? Do you need to say out loud or by note or deed "thank you" to someone who's blessed you and doesn't even know it?
Make today that day...and might I say - thank you. For each of you has blessed me, encouraged me, and helped along the way. May God bless you abundantly today as you go forth with intention to bless another.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Let your inward beauty flow forth
What a beautiful (albeit chilly) day! Let your light shine brightly within it!
What a great day to count blessings! In so doing, allow the gratitude to build from within and well up in you as a beautiful fountain spilling forth upon all you come in contact with. You can't help but overflow.
Think of one thing you could do today to beautify your spirit. Be creative..be kind in a way that no one expects to another.
Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit that is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:4
That inward beauty will show and you'll have a whole new glow about you.....Smile, my friends, Smile!!!
What a great day to count blessings! In so doing, allow the gratitude to build from within and well up in you as a beautiful fountain spilling forth upon all you come in contact with. You can't help but overflow.
Think of one thing you could do today to beautify your spirit. Be creative..be kind in a way that no one expects to another.
Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit that is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:4
That inward beauty will show and you'll have a whole new glow about you.....Smile, my friends, Smile!!!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
In times of Change - Be Still and Know....
Change seems all around me these days and for several months. It's no use "waiting it out" for stabilization...I've been "on hold" in some ways and it's time to get on with living this day with all that it holds - even if on wobbly ground. As the change swirls around me I close my eyes and when I am listening, really listening, I hear that still small voice that says to me...."Be still, and know that I am God; …." (Psalm 46:10)
Another version says – “cease your striving and know that I am God;”
I love to hear that whisper to my heart, my very spirit. I am grateful for that promise today… and I am still in wonder at the beauty, the majesty of our earth and that the Almighty Creator of all of the Universe takes time to speak to me from a love that we can’t come close to imagining, but He calls us to accept. It is truly a miracle that in my infinitesimal being – He speaks to me, loves me and even knows my name. Miracle of miracles – He came here to save us… and I stand in awe – grateful, amazed, blessed and embraced.
Another version says – “cease your striving and know that I am God;”
I love to hear that whisper to my heart, my very spirit. I am grateful for that promise today… and I am still in wonder at the beauty, the majesty of our earth and that the Almighty Creator of all of the Universe takes time to speak to me from a love that we can’t come close to imagining, but He calls us to accept. It is truly a miracle that in my infinitesimal being – He speaks to me, loves me and even knows my name. Miracle of miracles – He came here to save us… and I stand in awe – grateful, amazed, blessed and embraced.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Do it for Mikey
Last week and the onset of this have been difficult. Thankfully, I was blessed to recieve the following scripture from a friend and determined that I would make this my focus:
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12–13
Sadly, I report my week got worse with the news that a loved one had passed away unexpectedly. It was difficult news at best and still facing a cold front, I took a walk and was able to enjoy the sunshine and a long-distance chat with my mother. What I would have given to be having that chat in the same room and to have been comforted by the engulfing embrace of my father. It was during that chat that the scripture above and an idea combined to bring about my "I did it for Mikey" idea. You see, my cousin Mike touched so very many lives. He was a mentor to some troubled young men, a business wiz, a contractor and mechanic with a zest for life and passion for helping people - not by foundations or groups or even in a public way - just anyone he ran in to who needed a hand. So - in honor of my cousin Mike (who had just turned 46) I will be quietly doing something nice for someone each day - something unexpected. I'll be reporting my tributes (retaining confidentiality for all recipients) on the blog and I'd love to hear about your "Mikey adventures" if you would join me.
Let's make today count with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear[ing] with each other and forgiv[ing] whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgiv[ing] as the Lord [has forgiven].
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12–13
Sadly, I report my week got worse with the news that a loved one had passed away unexpectedly. It was difficult news at best and still facing a cold front, I took a walk and was able to enjoy the sunshine and a long-distance chat with my mother. What I would have given to be having that chat in the same room and to have been comforted by the engulfing embrace of my father. It was during that chat that the scripture above and an idea combined to bring about my "I did it for Mikey" idea. You see, my cousin Mike touched so very many lives. He was a mentor to some troubled young men, a business wiz, a contractor and mechanic with a zest for life and passion for helping people - not by foundations or groups or even in a public way - just anyone he ran in to who needed a hand. So - in honor of my cousin Mike (who had just turned 46) I will be quietly doing something nice for someone each day - something unexpected. I'll be reporting my tributes (retaining confidentiality for all recipients) on the blog and I'd love to hear about your "Mikey adventures" if you would join me.
Let's make today count with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear[ing] with each other and forgiv[ing] whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgiv[ing] as the Lord [has forgiven].
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