“…love one another deeply from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22
It is a goal of mine to remember this verse even as I pray. So often my prayers focus on myself, my struggles, my hopes and my fears. But I long to make the focus of my prayers others centered. I find that when I do take the time to pray wholeheartedly for people that I know are hurting, my perspective changes - God speaks to my heart and helps me see how to love.
There are times when I am quiet that God places people on my heart and reveals ways that I can love them. Sometimes it is a conflict that I need to resolve. Sometimes it is an action that I can take, a need that I can meet. Sometimes I am led to simply make a phone call or send an email.
As I seek to be more others centered in my prayer life, I am frequently convicted by the ways I fail. I am shown how much more like Christ I need to become, and I pray that he will give me strength and show me the way to go.
Lord, thank you for showing us how to live and how to love. Help me to seek more opportunities to love others. Lead me where you want me to go, show me who you want me to love. Help me to become the loving person you want me to be. You are such a loving God and I am so in awe of you.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, September 8, 2008
new view
Big change in scenery. Jim’s new job – what a blessing. His dream job if there is such a thing. A couple days after hearing he would be on staff, I found out that my part time position as writer, had been eliminated. Big bummer, but perhaps a blessing at the same time. In a new role now, I will still be writing, but as a volunteer. This means fewer hours in the office, and more time with our precious ones. This is of course interesting timing as we are in the middle of the process to become foster parents, and hope to begin another round of IVF in the Spring. Fascinating to be in the midst of this season. Ready for the next one to begin.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
weekend thrills
wow. that was quite the weekend and a true blessing.
I am now quite indebted to the few nearest and dearest my heart.
Thanks Josh for once again giving way beyond what I could have even asked for. What did you clock in – 16 hours up on my roof top! That beats even Santa’s record! JonJon - thanks for making the long haul and making it happen. Without you. We would not have a roof over our heads. At least not a new one any way. Jeff – you are the bomb. From desktop to rooftop and back again without pausing to come up for breath. You are my hero. Danya, Mom, Anna, Katie, Rachel, GG, and all the kiddos made for a delightful, chaotic, and enchanting weekend. I loved every moment!
I felt like we had a real old fashioned barn raising going down right here on Center Street. You all blessed me tremendously.
And the greatest blessing of all was the safe return home of our beloved “Daddio/Papa” and Uncle Kerry. The work God did in and through you is an inspiration – can’t wait to see what the next chapter read like!
I am now quite indebted to the few nearest and dearest my heart.
Thanks Josh for once again giving way beyond what I could have even asked for. What did you clock in – 16 hours up on my roof top! That beats even Santa’s record! JonJon - thanks for making the long haul and making it happen. Without you. We would not have a roof over our heads. At least not a new one any way. Jeff – you are the bomb. From desktop to rooftop and back again without pausing to come up for breath. You are my hero. Danya, Mom, Anna, Katie, Rachel, GG, and all the kiddos made for a delightful, chaotic, and enchanting weekend. I loved every moment!
I felt like we had a real old fashioned barn raising going down right here on Center Street. You all blessed me tremendously.
And the greatest blessing of all was the safe return home of our beloved “Daddio/Papa” and Uncle Kerry. The work God did in and through you is an inspiration – can’t wait to see what the next chapter read like!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
free blood
I gave blood this week. It feels like a noble effort - like signing up for the military.
They call - I answer. Here is my arm, or rather my vein. Glad that I can serve my country.
I stop in the local donation location.
As I drudged through the paperwork and intrusive questions, my attendant notices my Chapel connection and unexpectedly opens dialogue. “You work there? At the Chapel?”
Completely catching me off guard, I continued to bury my nose in my book. But then I realized, oh. She is reaching out here. Probably ought to at least acknowledge it. Right back at ya.
Oh, yeah. Right. I am wearing my staff badge, aren’t I?
“ummm, yes! I do!” I suddenly realized that I am an representative of many others here. Get with it kiddo….
I set closed my book and she opened up.
Shared about how some friends took her to a service (lots of other details were exchanged). Ultimately it came down to this. She only went once. Hasn’t been back. Say’s she’s a Christian. But why don’t we take communion every service? She mentioned she just doesn’t like the religion thing. Funny. That is the title of the series we are on right now.
Jesus. Now there was someone who gave his blood for a purpose.
His blood saved this life!
Think I might have botched up that opportunity. Guess I am going back to give more blood soon and see if we can connect again. Maybe I’ll have another chance?
They call - I answer. Here is my arm, or rather my vein. Glad that I can serve my country.
I stop in the local donation location.
As I drudged through the paperwork and intrusive questions, my attendant notices my Chapel connection and unexpectedly opens dialogue. “You work there? At the Chapel?”
Completely catching me off guard, I continued to bury my nose in my book. But then I realized, oh. She is reaching out here. Probably ought to at least acknowledge it. Right back at ya.
Oh, yeah. Right. I am wearing my staff badge, aren’t I?
“ummm, yes! I do!” I suddenly realized that I am an representative of many others here. Get with it kiddo….
I set closed my book and she opened up.
Shared about how some friends took her to a service (lots of other details were exchanged). Ultimately it came down to this. She only went once. Hasn’t been back. Say’s she’s a Christian. But why don’t we take communion every service? She mentioned she just doesn’t like the religion thing. Funny. That is the title of the series we are on right now.
Jesus. Now there was someone who gave his blood for a purpose.
His blood saved this life!
Think I might have botched up that opportunity. Guess I am going back to give more blood soon and see if we can connect again. Maybe I’ll have another chance?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
journey united
Our lives are marked by relationships.
Journeys united here on earth.
Joys shared, pains seared, memories made.
Prayerfully God's kingdom futhered.
Journeys united here on earth.
Joys shared, pains seared, memories made.
Prayerfully God's kingdom futhered.
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