Mother Teresa said, "It's not what you do so much that matters, but how much love you put into it."
The Bible says, "Do all your work in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14).
Seems like an easy enough concept, doesn’t it? But then, I think of the many times I’m feeling unloving. I can so easily lose touch with what God would have my life mean. Although I want to always live with Christ as my center, allowing no other priority to become higher,I sometimes fail that goal. It hurts me when the love fades. I’m no good at pretending.
Thankfully, God is gracious and merciful. He shows me, either in his Word, or by the actions or words of another person, or by so many other ways, how to turn back. His love fills me once again. With a gentle nudge, Jesus is clearly there to lead me back onto the narrow road - The path less traveled, but well weathered just the same. My feet feel sweet familiarity as I resume my walk with Him. Love buds, then blossoms as I let Him show me how to live, step by step. God’s love lived through me is so good. I am truly blessed!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Godly Flat Tire
Well, it’s been awhile since I’ve had the chance to sit down with my thoughts. God has blessed us this day in a very tangible way. Although we had a flat tire on the interstate, while traveling to Florida, we were so graciously spared an accident, heatstroke and unimaginable inconvenience.
We did get pretty shook up at the loud sound of the tire going “see-ya” at 70 miles per hour! Dave was able to edge over to the shoulder without incident. It was 89 degrees so he could have easily lost his cool. But, Dave had a can of that instant-fix-tires-temporarily stuff so we crept off Interstate 10, where we immediately came upon the Beaumont Welcome Center. Smiling faces, instant air conditioning and an accessible landline all greeted us as soon as we stepped inside.
We were invited to wait in their employee lounge area on a comfy sofa. Wifi, had been installed this morning and they were all eager to see if we could access their new service on our computers, which, gratefully, we could. Coffee and cool bottled water was also available upon request. So, Dave messed with his email and I dove into the latest Koontz novel, which I have been so looking forward to reading. These conditions worked to sooth our nerves and silently sing God’s praises.
Less than an hour later, (funny how the time seemed to just fly by), the road service fix-it tire guy showed up and put a donut tire on. (Never heard of that silly little tire before. Actually, it did kind of look like a donut.) Anyway, off we were to find the Auto Repair Service department at Sam’s Club, which just happened to be seven miles away, directly off Interstate 10. The shop normally closes at 5: 00 p.m. It was 4:55 p.m. (This could have gotten ugly!) But, the service guy mysteriously decided to make an exception and immediately put a new tire on our little chariot. (Chrysler Sebring Convertible – My last ditch grasp at lost youth.)
There you have it folks: Just like a perfectly set-up line of dominos, every detail fell into place as we experienced the unfathomable grace of our Heavenly Father!
Ya gotta love it…
We did get pretty shook up at the loud sound of the tire going “see-ya” at 70 miles per hour! Dave was able to edge over to the shoulder without incident. It was 89 degrees so he could have easily lost his cool. But, Dave had a can of that instant-fix-tires-temporarily stuff so we crept off Interstate 10, where we immediately came upon the Beaumont Welcome Center. Smiling faces, instant air conditioning and an accessible landline all greeted us as soon as we stepped inside.
We were invited to wait in their employee lounge area on a comfy sofa. Wifi, had been installed this morning and they were all eager to see if we could access their new service on our computers, which, gratefully, we could. Coffee and cool bottled water was also available upon request. So, Dave messed with his email and I dove into the latest Koontz novel, which I have been so looking forward to reading. These conditions worked to sooth our nerves and silently sing God’s praises.
Less than an hour later, (funny how the time seemed to just fly by), the road service fix-it tire guy showed up and put a donut tire on. (Never heard of that silly little tire before. Actually, it did kind of look like a donut.) Anyway, off we were to find the Auto Repair Service department at Sam’s Club, which just happened to be seven miles away, directly off Interstate 10. The shop normally closes at 5: 00 p.m. It was 4:55 p.m. (This could have gotten ugly!) But, the service guy mysteriously decided to make an exception and immediately put a new tire on our little chariot. (Chrysler Sebring Convertible – My last ditch grasp at lost youth.)
There you have it folks: Just like a perfectly set-up line of dominos, every detail fell into place as we experienced the unfathomable grace of our Heavenly Father!
Ya gotta love it…
Monday, May 4, 2009
Benevolence is alive and well at HCF
Hill Country Fellowship sure had the Word in action going on this past Wednesday.
1 John 3:18 (NLT)
“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.”
Though we were considerably grimy and tired after an afternoon of sorting and hanging clothes, sweeping a huge, considerably dirty floor, moving toys, furniture and various items into an attempt at some kind of recognizable order, our Benevolence Barn got a fairly decent overhaul for just one day’s labor. Workers showed up, actually being the example of God’s people who laid down their lives for the benefit of others—to help those in need. When we give of ourselves, we give in love and we give a lot!
One of our churches outer buildings, for those of you who don’t know, is full of donations of all sorts of useful items. It’s the old, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” arrangement. Many members of our congregation, as well as others in our community have brought us bits and pieces of their lives to share with anyone who might have a use for them. Those in need take freely, with grateful hearts, from our supply. Those who come can see for themselves that we care about their physical needs and we love to help them. (We will soon be open certain days each month.)
This ministry is strikingly similar to James’s teaching too. James 2:14-17 (NLT)
“Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. 15Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, 16and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.”
How clearly do your actions say you really love others? Are you as generous as you could be with your money, possessions, and time? Whether by word or deed, spread some love around every day – After all, that’s what we are here for!
1 John 3:18 (NLT)
“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.”
Though we were considerably grimy and tired after an afternoon of sorting and hanging clothes, sweeping a huge, considerably dirty floor, moving toys, furniture and various items into an attempt at some kind of recognizable order, our Benevolence Barn got a fairly decent overhaul for just one day’s labor. Workers showed up, actually being the example of God’s people who laid down their lives for the benefit of others—to help those in need. When we give of ourselves, we give in love and we give a lot!
One of our churches outer buildings, for those of you who don’t know, is full of donations of all sorts of useful items. It’s the old, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” arrangement. Many members of our congregation, as well as others in our community have brought us bits and pieces of their lives to share with anyone who might have a use for them. Those in need take freely, with grateful hearts, from our supply. Those who come can see for themselves that we care about their physical needs and we love to help them. (We will soon be open certain days each month.)
This ministry is strikingly similar to James’s teaching too. James 2:14-17 (NLT)
“Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. 15Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, 16and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.”
How clearly do your actions say you really love others? Are you as generous as you could be with your money, possessions, and time? Whether by word or deed, spread some love around every day – After all, that’s what we are here for!
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