Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Tasty Tuesday - Warmed By God's Love

"Social protocol states when a friend is upset, you offer them a hot beverage, such as tea."  Sheldon Cooper, "Big Bang Theory"

Yesterday, I shared that my SOAK verse is 19 from 1 John 4, "We love each other as a result of his loving us first." and that the notes described this love like a flame, kindled in our hearts, which in turn allows us to love others and we are all warmed by God's love.

As I drank my tea and made my coffee this morning (yes, I drink both!) I thought about how these hot beverages warm my hands, my mouth, and how soothing they are as they flow down my throat and into my belly.  That  brought to mind one of my favorite TV shows and the quirky Sheldon Cooper.  He's the epitome of social awkwardness and isn't very good at picking up social cues, but he has learned, from his Texan Christian mother, a few things to make his friends feel loved.  One of them is offering a hot beverage when a friend is upset.  That brought to mind verse 19, in a round about way.

Stick with me here -I know it's not easy to follow my twisty-turney train of thought, but I promise we are not headed for a derailment.

What do you do when a friend is upset?  Do you put the kettle on?  Meet them for coffee?  Take them out to lunch?  We're not always in a position to offer food or a hot beverage, but if we are, we do.  It's only natural.  And when we can't pour a cup of soothing Sleepytime Tea, what do we offer?  A listening ear, a tender touch, a warm hug: all acts of love to a friend in need.  A love that was kindled in our hearts because God first loved us.

Now will you allow me to be so bold as to suggest that we don't have to wait until a friend (or stranger) is in need to offer them a hot beverage or a warm hug!  Sharing God's love is something we should do freely everyday.
Let me parlay this into food terms...

When you reached for a piece of gum, did you offer some to those around you?  When you were out with friends and headed to get a drink, did you ask everyone if they wanted anything?  When you left work to grab lunch, did you go alone or did you ask who else wanted to go or offer to bring something back for them?  Of course you did all of these things at some point or other.  Most of the time we do them without even thinking about it.  But when was the last time you shared your faith or showed love towards those people through patience, kindness, generosity, or mercy?

Just imagine if we shared God's love as if it were a pack of gum!  We'd be giving it away all the time!  And remember, John says we need to "stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions."  1 John 3:18 .  So, while we may not go around speaking our faith and loudly proclaiming that we are children of God, we can certainly share that kindled flame by warming the world around us.  

I'd love to know your favorite foods and/or beverages to share with friends and family!  A BBQ in the summer; a hearty oven meal in the winter; a fun night out at the pizza shop; cold brewskies; a favorite bottle of wine?   Remember, if you're reading this in your e-mail, you have to go to the blog to add your comments to this post!  I can't wait to hear how you spread warmth & love through food & drink!

Your partner in ministry,

Shelly
warrior

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24

Monday, April 27, 2015

ReAwakening 1 John 4

"We love each other as a result of his loving us first."  1 John 4:19

This is my favorite verse in 1 John 4!  For one reason, it's one of the few things I think I might understand from this chapter.  But, more importantly it explains why we love each other.

1 John 4 continues the theme of repetition.  John seems to say the same things in different ways and I have to admit, that makes my brain hurt.  I wasn't even sure where to start with my underlining!  So, I started with the obvious (brown) and went from there.  I used quite a bit of red (love), with a sprinkling of purple, yellow & blue.  There are still plenty of verses that I haven't color coded yet.  Perhaps, as I read them throughout the week, their meanings will become more clear.  That's one reason I like staying with a chapter for an entire week.  My brain works a little slower than other people's - I have to let things stew before I can even begin to consider what they might mean or how I can apply them.  This week, in particular, I think I'll be referring to the study part of my study Bible for insight & guidance, along with my own SOAK-ing and praying.

But, verse 19 I get!  It is why we try, day in and day out, to do our best to live life with love in our hearts.  To do good, to help others, to be kind, and not just to those we like or love, but to all the world!  The notes in my Bible say it even better: "God's love is the source of all human love, and it spreads like fire.  In loving his children, God kindles a flame in their hearts.  In turn, they love others, who are warmed by God's love through them."  What a beautiful image!  It reminds of the song we all learned in Sunday School, "This Little Light of Mine".

As you study God's word and grow closer to him, feel the fire of His love.  Allow it to glow within you until others see and feel it, too!  How will you warm others with God's love this week?

Be sure to visit the website to leave your comment on this thought, this verse, or your SOAK verse.  I look forward to sharing chapter 4 with you this week.

Your Partner in Ministry,

Shelly
warrior

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24



Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Tasty Tuesday: a ReAwakening sidebar

"Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions."  
1 John 3:18

Welcome to something new I'm going to try for the Spring & Summer - Tasty Tuesday!

I was going to start this next week, but I thought verse 18 in our reading was a good segway to the new "Tasty Tuesday" post that I'm eager to do.  Don't worry, I won't be posting everyday, but I do love alliteration, so Tuesday it is.  I guess I could have done "Food Friday", but Friday's are crazy and it probably wouldn't have happened as consistently as I hope Tuesdays will.  So, here we go!

Growing up Lutheran there was never a church gathering that didn't involve some kind of food!  I'm guessing it's the same for many Christian denominations and I suspect the Jewish faith is very similar.  I've read the Old Testament - there's a lot of meal prep and eating that goes on!  Many of the stories about Jesus involved a meal.  Then there's the Last Supper - we gather around this holy meal often, remembering the body and blood, broken and spilled for us.

Food is an essential part of living.  It is one way for us to show how much we love each other.  Just this morning my youngest (age 7) asked if oatmeal is 'comfort food'; to which I replied 'yes'.   Food can bring comfort, even when we didn't know we needed it.  It has the power to bring hope; it strengthens us; it identifies us; it unites us.  There is a new show on the Travel Channel called "Breaking Borders" where a news reporter and a chef "travel to conflict zones to get the story behind the story... to gather people from all sides of the conflict to break bread and explore the issues that divide them."  Food offers the opportunity to gather together: whether it's people from different cultures or people of different ages that all live under one roof!  There's scientific proof that "the family dinner table" is a powerful tool in raising good children.  And what better way to gather extended family than to share a meal together!  My mom and her sister started holding "family meals" once a month to gather their 6 children and the many grandchildren together monthly.  It has strengthened bonds and brought us closer.  My dad's family (9 children, lots of grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren) gathers for every major holiday and life event  - you guessed it, around a whole lot of food!!

This week we're going to explore how we show love through food.  I show my love for my family by making delicious, yet simple home cooked meals as often as possible.  Even if they don't like it, I know the meal is healthy (mostly, usually) and filled with love.  Teaching them good manners and engaging in conversation over the dinner table is all part of what I consider being a good wife and mother.
I reach out with God's love to the community by serving meals at Faith Kitchen.  It puts a smile on my face and in my heart to share God's love through a hearty, "home cooked" meal with someone who may not get another meal that day.  Love is conveyed not only through the food, but through serving as well.

Click here to share your story (and recipe) of showing love with food.  Maybe it's a meal that expresses a lot of love or a favorite family recipe that brings back happy memories.  Are you that person who always has something in the freezer for those in need?  What's your go-to dish for the family with a new baby or the bereaved?  How ever you show love using food - we want to hear about it!

This is going to be a regular weekly post, so get your recipe cards ready!  I hope to add your favorites to my recipe book!  If you love food or cooking will you consider being a guest blogger?  Let me know, please!!

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly
warrior

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24

P.S. did you notice my personal scripture is about food?!  








Monday, April 20, 2015

ReAwakening 1 John 3

"See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are!"  1 John 3:1a

Welcome!  This week we are reading the third chapter of 1 John.  I am so glad you are here!  After the beautiful weekend we had, this rainy day just screams 'grab a cup of coffee and curl up with a good book'.  And what better book is there than THE Good Book!?

Something very cool has happened... The official reading calendar of my church and the beginning of this study perfectly coincided!  I was practically giddy when I figured it out!  This week we are reading 1 John 3 and the reading in church was from 1 John 3.  Now, the sermon can be on any part of either lessons or the Gospel, so just because 1 John is being read in church doesn't mean it's being preached.  However, this week our pastor, Tom Kildea, did talk about the first three verses of 1 John 3!  Cue angelic voices.

Click here to listen to Pastor Tom's sermon.  When I checked this morning (Monday) it wasn't uploaded, but I'm sure it will be there soon.  Follow the link and click on "Pastor Tom Kildea for April 19".  I know listening to a sermon not on Sunday can seem a bit strange, but turn it on and listen while you're doing something around the house or driving to work (or where ever the day is taking you).  Let me forewarn you, it's not your typical talk - he begins at a place that might have you scratching your head and wondering if you're really listening to a minister.  But, stick with it and you'll see how it all fits together.  It's worth a listen!

One of the things I observed about the chapter as a whole is John's repetition.  He seems to say the same things he said in earlier chapters.  And he repeats himself within the chapter.  This can lead to skimming.  Resist the urge to gloss over passages you think you're heard before.  This is the beauty of the color coding: you have to slow down and think about what you're reading.  Even if you color code it the same as earlier, you've read it & thought about it.  Or you may read it in a new light and see something more, underling it in a different color.  Remember, this is meant to be a helpful tool, not a stumbling block.

To follow-up my observation above with an application: I am grateful for the repetition.  It reminds me that I'm not the only one who doesn't 'get it' the first time around.  The people of the early church were in the thick of it, some of them had heard Jesus speak, they were caught up in the movement, they personally knew the disciples, and yet they still had to be reminded over and over again of the Good News of Christ.  They needed to hear that they were children of God; they had to be reminded to link their words with actions and what those actions should look like.  Even mature believers need to hear and read the teachings many times.  That's a comfort to me!  And a lesson for parenting and in all relationships.  It helps me to have patience and grace with others, especially my children.  It awakens in me a desire to give to the world what Christ freely gives to me.  It turns my feet down the path to living as Christ lived, with the reassurance that when I stumble, I will be forgiven.  I think this is what it means to live as Christ lived: to give to the world what we get from Him.

As you color code and SOAK in 1 John 3, come here often to share your thoughts with all of us.  Stay connected and create fellowship as we read the Good News that John is sharing with the early church and with us.

Your Partner in Ministry,

Shelly
warrior

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24




Thursday, April 16, 2015

ReAwakening! tips on the study methods

"So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning.  If you do, you will continue to live in fellowship with the Son and with the Father."  1 John 2:24

Starting something new is always a challenge.  Even if you're excited about this new thing, it can be a little scary, maybe a bit awkward, and certainly takes time.  There is a learning curve and maybe some frustration.

As I was reading the other day, I was feeling some of this uncertainty and thought, "If I am, then maybe so are some of you!"   I wanted to reassure you in your efforts.  If you are reading the word of God a least a few times a week and it is soaking into your heart and life, then you're doing great!

Let me emphasize, there is no right or wrong in this.  This study and these methods are tools to encourage you to read, with understanding, and grow in your personal relationship with Christ.

I am very excited about these 2 ways of reading and studying God's word!  But, I also discovered that there is a bit more effort involved.  First, I grab my materials: my Bible & my journal, a fuzzy blue pen & a pack of Twistables, my coloring chart & my SOAK bookmark.  Then I read the chapter.  I usually read it first without underling, unless something is really obvious or jumps out at me.  I re-read it with my colored pencils in hand, and then I turn to my journal and use the SOAK method.  It may sound like this takes a long time, but it's really only about 20 minutes from start to finish.  Some days it's less, but other days it is wonderfully longer.

The one thing I was having trouble with was the underlining.   What should I underline? was my first question.  I went back to Courtney's GMG website and looked at her Bible.  Wow!  She underlined & highlighted everything!  And that's when it clicked.  This kind of underlining/highlighting is not about what I want to remember or what I think is important.  This is to color code my Bible.  The more I use the chart, the easier it will become to recognize what each color means.  But even after only a few days, I can see in the passages 'wisdom, teaching, prophecy, love, Jesus, faith, fellowship' based on the colors I have used.   I also carry these colors into my journal & personal notes.  It makes my journal pretty and helps me to see at a glance what I have thought about.  I'm not much of an artist, but if you like to express yourself in that way, go for it!  The journal is for you!  Write, draw, doodle whatever is in your heart as you ponder the passage.

The other  question that came up last Friday concerning underlining/highlighting was: 'what color did you use for a particular verse?'  There is no definitive answer.  In some cases it is obvious what color to use, but in others it is your interpretation.  How do you want to view a particular verse?  One person might see 'doctrine'(yellow) when someone else might say it's 'teaching' (blue).  And someone else might use several colors for one passage.  It's your book, use the color chart in such a way that it is helpful to you.  Don't forget that you have your journal, too.  Maybe you underline in one color, but in your journal you observe that it can fall into several colors.

Finally, let me address the idea that writing in the Bible is taboo.  I knew a woman (a grandmother herself at the time) who was taught by her grandmother that the Bible (the actual book) was sacred.  She could not write in it, fold or mark the pages in any way, and nothing was to ever be put on top of the Bible.  Even in Bible study she would always have her Bible on top of her stack on her lap.  She laughed about how deep rooted it had become.  She knew it was the word of God that was sacred, not the book, per se, but she still could not bring herself to mark her Bible.  Instead she took notes, wrote in a journal and whatever book or workbook we were using.  That's what worked for her.  So, if you just CAN'T write in your Bible, that's okay!  The point is to spend time thinking about & writing about the lessons of the Bible.  My friend Karen had the same struggle, so a few years ago she bought herself a Student Study Bible, because she said it looked more like a text book, which allowed her to write, note, underline, & highlight.  I think that's a great idea!  I have several Bibles, but I find I only write in my Study Bible, too.

There is no 'have to', right or wrong way, or anything to this!  These are methods that some people find helpful in digging into the Word of God.  But, if you have another method use it, share it!  The point is to get in there on a regular basis, learn it, not just gloss over it, and LIVE it!

I'd love to hear how you are doing with the study, these tools, or your own methods.  If you're reading this in your e-mail, click here  to add your comment to the blog.

Your Partner in Ministry,

Shelly
warrior

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24








Monday, April 13, 2015

ReAwakening! 1 John 2

"Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did."  1 John 2:6


Welcome to week 2 of ReAwakening!  We are spending this week in chapter 2 of First John. 


Verse 6 seems pretty straight forward.  If you're a Christian, then you should live like Jesus did when he was here.  Simple.  Right?


No.   It's really, really difficult!


Have you sinned today?  Me: Ummm, yes.  About a thousand times and it's not quite 11am.  What a failure!  At least that's how it seems when verses like verse 6 are taken out of context.


That is why we read all of it!  The Bible holds hope and forgiveness in it's totality.  Early in 1 John, chapter 2, John writes, "My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin.  But if you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father.  He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely.  He is the sacrifice for our sins.  He takes away not only our sins but the sins of all the world."  1 John 2:1-2


What Good News!!


Only Jesus was perfect and sinless.  We can't begin to approach that level of worthiness. So, what's a Christian to do?  We try!  We pray, we study, we follow Jesus' teachings to the best of our ability.  We ask for forgiveness and mercy.  We show forgiveness and mercy.  We rely on Christ to strengthen us in our faith.  We humble ourselves before the Lord.


John, in his letter to the early church, gives advice to both new and mature followers.  Regardless of where we are in our walk of faith, we will always be in need of support.  Chapter 2 is filled with explanations, teachings, warnings, and encouragement.


Take this week to SOAK in the words that John offers us.  Some of this is reassuring; a lot of it is familiar to those who know Jesus as their Savior.  But some of what John says is hard to hear.  Read it with his purpose in your heart: "I am writing this to you so that you will not sin." 1 John 2:1


I look forward to reading what you discovered during your quiet time!  If you're reading this in your e-mail, click here to go to the blog and leave a comment.  Come back as often as you'd like throughout the week to share your SOAK verses.


Your Partner in Ministry,


Shelly
warrior


"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24





Monday, April 6, 2015

ReAwakening!

"We are writing these things so that our joy will be complete."  1 John 1:4

I am very excited to announce our next study: ReAwakening! 


First, let me introduce you to the model we will be following: GoodMorningGirls.org  Click on the link for a complete explanation of "The Bible Coloring Chart" and the SOAK method.  We will be using these methods, so please become familiar with them.  Courtney also includes a list of the pens, pencils, highlighters, and the Bible she uses.  None of these are necessary, but you may find them helpful.  Use some, none, or all of her suggestions.  The best way to begin is to start where you are, with what you have, and go from there. 


There are 2 things that are absolute MUST haves:
1) a Bible!  Grab your favorite translation (I find that a translation I can easily understand to be most helpful when reading on my own).   A study Bible can be helpful, but not necessary.  If you need an excuse to buy one - you're welcome.
2) a journal!  Whether it's loose paper stapled together, a homemade book, binder or an official looking journal: get one!  I bet you can find some cute DIY journals on Pinterest.  Let me say it again: you need a journal!  You will discover amazing things when you slow down and put pen to paper.  "We are writing these things so that our joy will be complete" (1John 1:4)


Yes, that's right - we are reading directly from the Bible.  Don't let that scare you away.  We'll take it slow, using a few proven and easy techniques, and support each other every verse of the way.  I am hopeful that starting this together in April will lay a sturdy foundation to continue throughout the summer.  "Good Morning Girls" (Courtney's group who's model we're following) was developed specifically with busy women in mind who can't always connect in person - so I think it's perfect for EVERYONE and especially over the summer!
Be sure you are "subscribed" to the blog so that you don't miss a post and can "chat" with everyone via the comment section.  The beauty of this is how accessible and interactive it can be, even while we're all in different places keeping pace with our busy lives!  You can do this at your own pace, too!  Even if you leave a comment on a past post, I will get it and respond.  It is a very positive use of technology and a great way to stay connected.  It's also the perfect introduction to Bible study!  So, if you've been putting it off or want to encourage a friend - WELCOME!  I am so glad you are here!


Our new study will begin with the book of 1 John.  This is a great place to start and why the title of this post is "ReAwakening!"  According to my study Bible, 1 John was "written by the apostle John when he was an older man, but not yet exiled to the island of Patmos.  He writes this letter to no particular church, but was sent to several Gentile congregations, and it was also written to all believers everywhere" (that's us!).  The purpose of this letter is to "reassure Christians in their faith and to counter false teachings".
I don't know about you, but I sure could use some reassurance!  A reawakening, of sorts, of the longing & courage to be who God created me to be.



This week read 1 John, chapter 1
Follow Courtney's SOAK method and think in ink when you're finished reading.  If you want to do the underlining & highlighting, great!  I am underlining in colors and I find it very helpful.  I also use the colored pencils in my journal :)
One departure we're going to make from the GMG model is that we will be staying with one chapter for an entire week (though some really small chapters will be combined later in our readings).  I told you we are taking it slow!  Make an effort to read the chapter every day, or at least several time throughout the week.  On the subsequent days that you read, choose a different Scripture and follow the SOAK method.  By the end of the week you will have anywhere from 3 - 7 pieces of scripture that you have allowed to soak into your soul!  Feel free to share these with the group at any time via the comment section!  For those meeting on Friday morning, bring your Bible & journal and we'll share our observations and applications!
 
A few words on the SOAK method:
I really like the SOAK method (it's also known as SOAP).  Courtney uses the "K" to stand for "kneel & pray".  I love the image of SOAKing in God's word (being submersed in it) and SOAKing-in God's word (bringing it into my soul).  And although I'm not one to literally pray on my knees, I am reminded to humble myself before the Lord with the idea of kneeling & praying.  I need that reminder daily!  It forces me to slow down and be present.


I just can't wait to see what God has in store for us as we journey through His word!  Keep your heart and mind open to His calling.  And SOAK in His teachings, as we soak in the sun and warmth of the days ahead!


Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly
warrior


"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Bad Girls of the Bible - Closing Thoughts and the Power of One

"Then Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like?  How can I illustrate it?  It is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds come and find shelter among its branches."  Luke 13:18-19


Thank you for joining me through the book Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs.  And THANK YOU to my dear friend, Paula for suggesting it!  It has been a wonderful journey of exploring and learning and faith building.


As I look back over the 10 "Bad Girls" there are a few things that stand out:


*The first is that we can learn something from each of them.  Whether they were bad for a moment, bad in the past, or bad through and through, we can learn from their mistakes and their examples.  Why not spend a few minutes to think in ink on each woman and the most important lesson you learned from her.  Won't you share a few thoughts with the group?


*The second is that that these women were individuals.  We did not read about "the first women of the earth", we read about Eve.  We didn't read the stories of "rich & powerful women", we read about Potiphar's wife and Lot's wife.  Each of these 10 women, whether or not we know their names, were individuals.  Still, their particular situations are universal enough to be applied to women (and men) thousands of years after their stories were recorded. 


The singularity of these ladies stays with me.  So often I feel like a speck, a "drop in the bucket" of humanity, wondering if little-old-me could really make a difference in the world.  Then I remember these women: for better or for worse, these people made a difference in the lives of those around them and the lives of the millions who have read their stories.  When I hear of all the terrible things that go on in the world (from individuals committing horrible acts against people & animals to governments, groups, and corporations making huge negative global impacts) I wonder: is there any hope?  What difference can I make?


Then the description in the Scripture above comes to mind: a tiny mustard seed, planted in a garden, grows into a tree big enough to provide shelter.  I recall the story of Rahab, saving her family in the face of certain death and becoming an ancestor of King David and Our Lord and an inspiration to many; the woman at the well running to tell her entire town (people who didn't like her) about the Messiah whom she had met!  And I think of the individual who has changed the world: Jesus!  He was truly God and truly man while He was on Earth.  He spoke & taught to individuals at first, and eventually to great crowds.  His teachings, healings, and miracles were spread by word of mouth, not at the speed of the Nightly News or Social Media.  Yet, His influence on humanity for generations is undeniable.  So, what can I do?  "I can do all things though Christ who gives me strength!" Philippians 4:13


The other day it snowed - the sky was white with big fluffy flakes slowly falling to the ground!  It was beautiful, though surprising considering it was March 31st.  A graceful reminder that life doesn't always conform to our expectations!  And sometimes the unexpected can be lovely! 


The next day, the sun came out and the temperatures rose.  As I looked out at my backyard I watched as large white clumps of snow dropped from the trees.  Unlike the day before, this happened singularly, though once a clump fell from a particular branch, others from that branch also fell, but slowly and unpredictably.  This reminds me of the do-gooders of the world.  Individuals, doing one good thing here and one good thing there.  Often in isolation and in the face of nay-sayers and difficult circumstances.  And yet, they persist.  Their goodness is beautiful in the sea of ugliness around them.  And though they may not garner headlines, people notice, and are moved to become do-gooders too.  Like the mustard seed planted in a garden or someone's story written in the Bible: when good is modeled & nurtured & encouraged it grows.


Jesus was one man.  His ministry grew to 12 disciples and a small group of followers and believers.  He had no marketing strategy, he didn't host fundraising events, no e-mail blasts or LinkdIn profile.  Just Him, His words & actions, and God. Yet, His influence on humanity for generations is undeniable. We are not Jesus, but we do have the Holy Spirit within us.  We cannot predict what fruit our kindness will bare, but we can trust that it will touch someone's heart.  Every act of kindness & mercy will grow, however slowly and unpredictably it may seem to us.


We are called to live in community with each other, but our faith is a very personal (individual) relationship between ourselves and God Almighty.  We are each a mustard seed, tiny in comparison to humanity & history.  But as Christians, we are planted in a garden, our faith communities, where we are nurtured and encouraged to grow.  This will turn us into trees of faith, going out to provide shelter to the world.  To be that single, beautiful clump of snow doing good for the Kingdom, (not for power or recognition) and influencing those around us to do the same.


Rise up and do good!  Just as Paul encourages, "So don't get tired of doing what is good.  Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.  Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone..."  Galatians 6:9-10  There are lots of us do-gooders out there - you are not alone.  Open your eyes and heart to see the goodness in the world.  Pray for strength and the opportunity to be kind and offer help.  Thank you Lisa for sharing this link with me!  Click here to meet your fellow Do-Gooders from around the world!  It's worth the extra click, but grab a tissue!  Your heart will burst through your eyes with joy & hope for humanity!


As we enter into the most holy time in the Christian yearly calendar, it is an opportunity to reflect on our how our lives resemble Christ's love for us.  Jesus sacrificed himself to save us from our sins and give us eternal life.  All he asks in return is our love.  How will you show your love for Him to the world?  Will you join with me in trying to never stop doing good?


Your Partner in Ministry,


Shelly
warrior


"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24