Why Am I Here?

Do you ever wonder how you got into a situation that you are in?  Sometimes I find myself like that. As a matter of fact my last few weeks have been exactly like that. I have so much on my plate with different projects I am involved in. I wonder sometimes why my mouth just can't utter the word "no". I know that I am not alone in this. Tons of people have the same problem.

But the fact of the matter is I really feel that all the things I am involved in are worthwhile and that I am in each of them for a reason. Then I catch myself thinking "Am I thinking too highly of myself or is this true"? I have prayed about this and tend to find peace at the time but then the tiredness and stress returns as the day wears on and I find myself doubting my abilities again.

I need to remind myself that if I let God, He will help me through my days. I think all of us need to remember that we are not alone. As Christians our goal is to spread the sweet presence of the Christ, who lives in us, as we go about our busy days. 

The scriptures are full of instances where God helps people through their days and the trials they are going through, but I love this reminder of what our God is truly leading us to do......

2 Corinthians 2:14

Common English Bible (CEB)

14 But thank God, who is always leading us around through Christ as if we were in a parade. He releases the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere through us.

So, our days may be busy, and we may feel that we are not adequate to the tasks and jobs we are facing. I know sometimes I wonder what God was thinking in using me, but the one sure thing we can know is that He will be there for us to lead us in this parade of life and give us the strength and wisdom we need to get the job done. 

And as we move with this God given confidence maybe others will see our peace that comes from Christ, and maybe they will want the same confidence too. Sharing our peace would be the most wonderful task we could ever be led to do!


Blessings and Peace Sweet Friends!  

Keep it or not?

We are getting ready for a church wide Rummage Sale. The proceeds will be used to fund some much needed projects in the building. Our church members are allowed to donate to the sale as well.  It is amazing to watch the items coming in. All of us certainly have tons of things that we do not use or even need.

I know that Rodney and I have been moving items through out the years that just keep getting packed up and moved every time we need to relocate. But we never even seem to notice the things while we are settled. So today I am determined to put all this stuff into the rummage sale. 

I should be so motivated to get this done, but for some reason I am not. Is it just the thought of all the work or is it that I really don't want to let go? There will be memories of adventures that go along with acquiring all the items. Maybe that is what is bothering me. I wonder why we as a people think that our stuff is what makes us who we are. That something in us will go missing if we do not have these things. 

The scriptures remind us that all that we have, and all that we are, are from God and not to be thought as "look at all that I have". 

1 Corinthians 4:7b

The Message (MSG)

Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what’s the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need.

I know that our pack rat family, as I look at all this stuff, certainly needs to be reminded of this. I bet I fill up the car a couple of times before I am done delivering things to the sale.  Maybe all the work of this will instill the need to change my family's ways on this. I pray that that is true!

Well time to get to work.....

Blessings!

   

Happy House

This week the youth from our church are on a Mission Trip. We have joined up with several other youth groups from the around the state and are staying at a local college.  

Each of the groups has been assigned projects in and around the area. Our group has been working for a Methodist church about 40 miles from the campus. We seem to be spending quite a bit of time in the car but it gives the kids a chance to sleep on the way up and on the back.

This wonderful church, where we are working runs a lunch program for their community, whenever school is not in session. Half of the children in the area are on the free lunch program at their school so they were afraid  that the kids would not get to eat properly during the off school days. They felt convicted to start this program 7 years ago with very little money and a couple of volunteers. They now feed up to 175 people and several of their members offer to be there everyday. Along with the lunch they have a food pantry that is loaded with can goods and such, all because of donations.

I love the fact that our kids get to see what can happen when people step out on faith and let God help them accomplish great things. Our group has really stepped up and have been helping move the, very many, cans of food out so that the lunch goers can have their pick as they are leaving.

Another project that the kids are helping with, is painting a house across the street from the church. This house was just bought by the church as an annex for their youth. Our guys worked out in the heat today and you know they had to be suffering some, but instead of fussing, one of our boys, while painting, put this smile on the house.

The attitude of our kids has been terribly moving, I am so proud of them!  Reminds me of this scripture.....

2 John 1:4

New International Version (NIV)

4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.

I know these sweethearts are getting tired and I know we are working them way past their comfort zone. But you would not know it by their efforts. Just like the house seems happy with it's new paint, our kids seem to be happy to be out there helping others and in doing so are accomplishing great things for the kingdom of heaven.

It is such an honor to be a part of their team!!!

Blessings!