Be the Reason...

It amazes me that sometimes it takes a complete stranger to make you see your work has value and is not for naught. What started as a random conversation in Starbucks about football, moved to my name badge and this: "I'll let you slide for being a Cowboys fan, because that's some super good stuff you do there. Thanks for what you do." I'm not saying this to offer myself a pat on the back, nor do I want some applause. I've done anything but that for myself this week. I've beat myself up. Been disappointed. Jaded. Broken. Wanted to quit. I'm offering this: If a perfect stranger can offer encouragement to someone he doesn't know, then why do we take those so dear to us for granted? If you have a carer, a helper, a supporter in your life-thank them. Encourage them. Don't assume they know you appreciate them. And don't assume everyone else is offering it either. Also most helpers are rarely taking the time to do this for themselves, or taking the time to even take care of themselves. All their time and energy is being put into you or someone else. A simple act of kindness could make a world of difference to their own well being, and could even keep them from quitting altogether. Be the reason someone feels encouraged today.

~ January Marshall

Questions about Life?

Over a year ago I asked myself these questions... I answered for myself then and would love to read your thoughts now... Don't feel pressured to answered every question.

What is the meaning of life? Why do we walk the earth? Why do we struggle? Why do we care about what others think about us? Why did God make us? What is our purpose? What is my purpose? What is God's plan for my life? What good is suffering? Why do we have money? Why do we struggle to have money? Why do we have to hurt? Why do people hurt each other? How can I help? Do I even want to help? Do I make a difference at all? What is the motive of my heart?

Make a difference...

My heart is breaking as I think of those in need and I'm asking God to show me where HE wants me to make a difference. As a friend advised, I don't want to go fishing for "results" as I can measure, just obedience to the Father. In Philippians 2:4 it says, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." I want to hear God's voice and serve when and where HE calls. This hymn below speaks of my heart's cry.

Let Your Heart Be Broken
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them. Matthew 9:36

Let your heart be broken
For a world in need:
Feed the mouths that hunger,
Soothe the wounds that bleed,
Give the cup of water
And the loaf of bread--
Be the hands of Jesus,
Serving in His stead.

Here on earth applying
Principles of love,
Visible expression--
God still rules above--
Living illustration
Of the Living Word
To the minds of all who've
Never seen or heard.

Blest to be a blessing,
Privileged to care,
Challenged by the need
Apparent everywhere.
Where mankind is wanting,
Fill the vacant place.
Be the means through which the
Lord reveals His grace.

Add to your believing
Deeds that prove it true,
Knowing Christ as Savior,
Make Him Master, too.
Follow in His footsteps,
Go where He has trod;
In the world's great trouble
Risk yourself for God.

Let your heart be tender
And your vision clear;
See mankind as God sees,
Serve Him far and near.
Let your heart be broken
By a brother's pain;
Share your rich resources,
Give and give again.

Words by Bryan Jeffery Leech, 1975

Entertainment and the Christian

What is proper entertainment for Christians?
When should we be entertained?

Years ago I found a couple short articles that impacted the way I think about entertainment...

Jeremy Archer wrote an article about some Unruly Houseguests that gives us reason to pause before partaking in an American pastime.

Brownies with a Difference by Rich Deem gives us a fresh spin on a little bit of violence or sex on movies or TV as our entertainment.