The Body

This past weekend the community I attend church with was hit by some tragic events. Things that are soul shattering. The type of event that will change how one looks at the world.

Amidst all of the hurt and pain I was blessed to be a part of the Body. The church Body. Where  a group of people who are all dedicated to serving God and His people rise up and meet the needs of those that are hurting. It was awe inspiring to be a part of something GOOD the church was doing. I kept thinking of the verse in John 13:35. ^34-35"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." Love was acted out this weekend and continues to be acted out as it is needed.

The Church is so beautiful when it steps up to the call God gives it. When the body of Christ reaches out to the hurting world, that's when lives are changed. We have such an opportunity to help. I know it's easier to ignore the hurt. The number of hurts in our world is overwhelming. But if we each did just the part God has put on our hearts to do, I bet we could make a huge dent in it. When you add the power of the Holy Spirit, think how mind blowing that could be!

It's scary to reach past oneself. To give of yourself requires trust and faith. With reaching out there is a chance you could be wounded. And if you are trusting in a human to reward you for reaching out, you will probably be disappointed. But that's not why God has put us here on earth together. We don't reach out so others can pat us on the back. We reach out to share God's love. To meet the needs of those who aren't in a place to take care of themselves.

Life is meant to be shared. Let's share the good and the bad. We need each other to live life.
Blessings
-K

The Choice

Random Fact: I am a part of a woven family. Meaning there is a history of many different individuals joining together to make up my family. Marriages that were broken became repaired, siblings that were lost have been found. And friends that have joined with me to make up my family. All joined together thru the saving power of Jesus.

Now, on to the post.

Did you ever think life should go a certain way? As in, this is how things should of gone? Or maybe this could have happened, but you aren't quite sure why it didn't? There is even what would have happened. Like, what would have happened if I had made this choice instead of the choice that had been made. I used to wallow in this. I was (ok, probably still am) very good and looking back on life and wishing I had made different choices.

To a certain degree, that's alright. But when my whole life is spent looking backwards, I miss what is right there in front of me. The now, the present. Which, with three kids isn't always where I want to be (since I am being so honest). It is, however, where I need to be. If I am looking at the past, I can get depressed over the missed opportunities, maybe not very wise choices and wrong decisions. These mistakes that I am still paying for. It's easy to stay there, to wallow. Again, that's not where I should stay though. There is no joy or abundant life in the past. Yes, there are lessons to be learned and the realization that I am so great at choosing poorly when I only consult my own counsel.

Joy, that comes in the now. In the daily thanking of God for all that I have. Even the stuff I don't particularly want to be in my life right now.Joy is a decision. An attitude that can be worn. I picture it as a soft, lilac colored sweater. I wish it was always easy to choose joy. Honestly, most days it's easier to choose discontent. Wearing discontent is like putting on the ugly, piled and misshapen sweater I have had since college. The article of clothing my husband shudders to see.

I was visiting my parents and siblings over the Labor Day weekend. It was beautiful where we were. At the end of our family picnic, we gathered around one of our own and prayed for them. As my dad was praying he said, "Lord, we thank-you for the blessings that are gonna come out of this. We don't know what they are, but we thank-you." That prayer is one of the reasons I love my dad so much. And it's so true. Thankfulness, counting on the promise that God works all things for the GOOD of those who love Him. This is the prayer I have for my life. That I would rest in the promises God has for me.

Part of being in the present is acting too. I don't just sit in my faith. Faith without works is dead. I need to be walking forward. Yes, there are moments of rest. And there will be moments of frenetic activity, but most of the time it's the daily working out of my faith that builds up my endurance. Praying over my kids and husband as I make their lunches. Lifting up scripture promises for a hurting friend. Sending a note of encouragement to someone. Intentionally looking for opportunities to serve in the community This is how I go forward in my faith.

It's how you can go forward to. The daily march of going forward with life.

What holds you back from choosing joy? What article of clothing would you describe joy as?

Blessings
-K