See the Beauty

 I drive 45 minutes to work. This past week, I was given the gift of a beautiful sunrise. The sun shining on the leaves of gold, red and orange just showing God's glory in the glow. This time change may not be fun with the days getting shorter, but it has given us an opportunity to see the beauty in the morning and pay attention to the sunset in the evenings.

Sometimes I like to stop and get me a diet coke on the way. And I bet you know who has the best fountain diet cokes! I was blessed again this morning when the person in front of me had bought my drink! That may me feel so good that someone felt inspired to give me a little good in my day. Even if it was just $1. When this happened, I was shocked because this doesn't happen to me! I was not prepared. I had my $1.06 in hand, exact change for my drink. So I got my drink, said thank you and left.

Well, as I got to thinking as I was driving, I should have paid it forward. I should have paid for the order from the person behind me. So this just gave me an excuse to get another diet coke the next day! (not that I need a excuse). I went through the drive thru, ready to pay it forward and no one was behind me!! I prayed, God, I thought you would want me to bless someone today. Well, didn't have to wait that long because as I was waiting in line, someone came. But God also said, I want you to bless others everyday, not just once and a while or during Christmas season. I want you to do this all year, every day. It doesn't have to be buying something. It can be a word, and act of servanthood. 

It feels good to be on the receiving end of someone's giving but did you know that it also feels good when you give? You receive the blessing as well when you give. 

I was able to be a part of Santa blessing others this week. My dad dressed as santa and we walked around the hospital blessing the staff. The visitors were blessed as well. A few asked if they could have their picture with him! One patient asked for santa to come see him! Santa was able to bring smiles to others that night, even if it was way early. As Santa said, he was taking a break and left the elves in charge so he could come out to see the heroes of our hospital. 

I challenge you. Bless others each day. Seek out to do something for others. It may be small to you, but it could mean all the world to them.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Love to all,

You matter

 

You matter. Yes you! Sometimes we need to hear this. I know I need to hear some positive affirmations at times. To have a hug or a note saying that I matter, I am loved.  I got this great book from a dear friend for my birthday and despite it being a fast read (I read it in like 20 minutes! which is a miracle), it has some wonderful advice. It raised a lot of thoughts in me that I have had thought about. And I know that if I have had them, and still do, that there is many more that have. So I would like to talk about these.

1. "When have you been your strongest? "The answer in the book was: "When I have dared to show my weakness."  How true. During my most difficult times, I have felt so weak but have been my strongest as well.  I know that it is because that at my weakness, I trust in God more. I lean on him to give me strength.

2. "Asking for help is not giving up. It is refusing to give up."  So many times I have wanted to throw the towel in and give up. But something inside of me tells me to keep going. It may be my competitiveness that I have to keep going and not give up the fight. But asking for help, is not failure, it is getting me through my fight. No matter what fight you are going through, we always need help to stand, or kneel to get through it.

3. "Is your glass half empty or half full?" The book answers, "I am grateful to have a glass."  This is my favorite. and I think most Interesting. This caused me to pause. Because I always look at the worse case scenario.  What would I do if.... But never thought to thank God for just having the glass. For just having the situation, conversation, hug,  trouble, fight for my life situations. I think if we all looked at it as thankful for having the glass, then no matter how full or empty it is, we can get through it or help each other through it.

4. "We have such a long way to go. Yes but look at how far we have come."  I love this as well. Sometimes I look at how much more I have to complete and never reflecting on where I have come from or how much I have accomplished. Yes, we need to focus on where we are going, but we also must stop and reflect on where and what we have done. This will keep us moving for our goals, for healing of our mind and body, for our positive spirit.

And lastly, "Always remember you matter, you're important and you are loved. and you bring to this world things no one else can. We all bring something to this world. We are all different. This is what makes our world so wonderful. It can be scary at times, but step out in faith. Show your beautiful colors so others may see the beauty in you.

We are all created in Christ, equally, in God's image. This means we are all brothers and sisters, no matter what we look like.

Colossians 1:16-17; For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Revelation 7:9-10; After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Love to all,

book credits to: The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse. By Charlie Mackesy

getting older

 

We all get older. Some more gracefully than others. Today is my birthday. And as I am another year older, I choose to look at all what I have gained throughout my life.

I have gotten wiser. God has given me wisdom as I grow up. I learn from my mistakes and must let my children make those same mistakes so they will learn and develop wisdom.

But some of those teaching moments can burn and hurt. It can cause you to lose friendships. It also can help you develop courage. To speak out for what you believe in. To speak out for others.

So I look at my birthday as being a blessing. To look at my life and all my experiences. But that I GET to live on. I Get to sleep, and wake up each morning. I get to love, kiss, hug others. I get to experience chocolate pie! (which was my birthday present from my daughter this year!)

To get to experience life.....That is a blessing.

What do you GET to have and do in your life?

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:22-24

Love to all,