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15 Not-So-Random Acts of Kindness

11/19/2014

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I think it's probably safe to say that most people are fans of random acts of kindness.  I certainly am, however.....I don't really like the term "random acts of kindness."  When you search for random acts of kindness....certain things always come up like....paying for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop, adding coins to an expired parking meter, donating blood, holding the door for the person behind you, giving someone a compliment....you know....things like that.  When I read ideas like that, I think....those are things we should be doing anyway.  Being nice and civil and acting like we actually care about people shouldn't require a "random" act......it's just something we should do all the time. 

So, I tried to come up with some things that could still be categorized as random acts of kindness, but required more from the person doing them than simply just being a decent human being.  I took my cue from Jesus......feeding the hungry.....clothing the naked.....watering the thirsty.......visiting the imprisoned.....caring for widows and orphans....humbling ourselves as servants, and making the last, first. These are the things he wants us to do, and he makes it very clear that when we do them for someone else......we're really doing it for him. 

So, here's my  list of 15 not-so-random things we can all try.  My challenge to you?  Pick one or two that resonate with you (or maybe tweak one a little) and make it yours.  Make it something that you just....do.  Often.  On purpose....and with joy!


1.  Leave bottled water on your trash cans for your trash collectors during the summer, and hot chocolate during the winter.  If you want to make them feel extra special, leave them a thank you card, too!

2.  Take a box of donuts to your local police station.....or bagels, if you want to seem less cliché!  A thank you card here is a good idea as well.

3.  The next time you're at the store, go to the toy section find a parent who is shopping with a child.  Ask them if you can buy their child a stuffed animal.  Let the child pick it out, and watch them grin from ear to ear!

4.  Text a friend and offer to babysit for them one night this week.  I can attest to the fact that every mom of little ones secretly wants this!  Especially if, like me, they don't have any family living nearby.  Moms need a break.....and time alone with their husbands!

5.  Send a card to the custodian and/or secretary at your job or at your child's school thanking them for the work they do.  Let's face it....these are two of the most important, yet underappreciated positions! In my years as a school teacher, I found that every question or problem I had could usually be answered or solved by one of these two people.   Show these people some love!

6.  Put together a care package for your child's teacher...or, any teacher, for that matter.  You'd be surprised how some sticky notes, pens, and highlighters can make someone's day!  Also, many teachers are facing budget cuts and often spend their own money on supplies for their classrooms - help them out!

7.  Write an inspiring or encouraging message on an index card, and tape it to the back of a bathroom stall door.   I have experienced this, and let me tell you.....it's powerful.  I was having a rough day.  I had sent a friend a text message earlier voicing my frustrations with everything while on my way to a rehearsal.  I stopped off at the restroom before going into rehearsal, and there, on the door, was a sticky note with a positive message on it.  I don't even remember what it said, but I DO remember that it made me feel better, and reminded me that whatever it was I was upset about would pass.  I mean really.....a special note plastered right in front of us is that last thing we expect to see when we sit down on the toilet......at that moment, you have someone's undivided attention......make 'em smile!

8.  The next time you eat out, if you enjoy your service, ask your server to bring the manager over to your table.  In front of both of them, relay to the manager how wonderful the service was and what an asset that person is to their staff.

9.  On your next trip to the drive thru for a bite to eat, grab something for someone else.....like the someone on the corner, holding a cardboard sign.  Chances are, you wouldn't have to drive very far to find one of these people.  These days, it's hard to know if that person really is in need, but guess what - it doesn't matter if they're really in need or not - just do it anyway, because your blessing comes through your willingness to freely give.....not in trying to determine whether or not someone is worthy of your gift.  I often feel a compulsion to do this, and have decided to do it at least once a month.

10.  Buy a bouquet of flowers, and separate the stems into single blooms.  Write a bible verse or note of encouragement on a small tag, and tie it to each flower.  Take the flowers to a local nursing home or hospital, and visit the bedside of a stranger, gifting them with a flower when you leave.  Even if you visit a room where the patient is asleep.....leave them a surprise for when they wake up!

11.  If you sew, make some pillowcases or lap quilts out of fun, cheery material, or material with superheros and other kid-friendly characters for children in the hospital.  Take them to your local hospital, or mail them off to the nearest children's hospital.

12.  When you go to tip your server at dinner, instead of (or in addition to) leaving a monetary tip, leave a gift card.  Remember, a lot of servers are students, so a gift card to a local grocery story, for example, means that they can get anything from food to gas to supplies for school. 

13.  Take $5 to your local library.  Ask the person at the front desk to apply it to the next person in line with overdue fines.

14.  Leave a home-cooked meal at a friend's front door (with a note, so they know it's from you), drive away, and then send them a text telling them to
check their front door. 

15.  Assemble personal care bags for the homeless.  This is so easy to do, and can be a HUGE blessing to someone!  Take a large ziplock bag, and fill it with personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine care items, tissue, lotion, band-aids, chap stick, etc....).  Depending on the season, you can also include gloves and a scarf in the fall/winter or sunscreen and a small umbrella in the spring/summer.  You can stock up on things at the dollar store if you want to make several bags,  or, if one is all you can afford - just make one!  Keep the bags in your trunk so that you always have them on hand in case you see someone who needs one, or make a special trip to deliver them right to the homeless or to your local homeless shelter for distribution.  This is also a really great activity to do with kids!  They will have a great time helping you shop for the items and assemble the bags, and it is a fantastic way to teach them about caring for their fellow man in a real, tangible way

If you were to look up the word "random"  in the dictionary, like I did, chances are you'd find a definition similar to this:
Proceeding, made, or occurring without definite aim, reason, or pattern.  

I want to proceed with reason.
I want to have a definite pattern. 

The love of Jesus is my reason.....the life of Jesus, is my pattern.

13 Comments

Unhindered Praise

11/16/2014

18 Comments

 
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Today is Sunday, and the worship service at church this morning was great!  Even amidst the glitches and craziness I deal with every Sunday morning as the worship leader and sound/video supervisor, I still managed to have a wonderful worship experience.  I had a few extra minutes of freedom when the service was all done.  Usually, I'm trying to keep track of my 2-year-old and grab up all my stuff before we head out to the parking lot.  But today, since he was home, sick with his daddy, I was a bit more leisurely.  I got in the car, cranked up my praise music, and continued to worship on my way home.  The Holy Spirit flowed through that car......as a drove, I looked up at the majestic view that I am spoiled to see each and every day.  Living in Colorado is very, very easy on the eyes!  I drove, I sang, I reflected, I smiled......I was basking in the glory and joy of the Lord.......and then suddenly......my mind was pulled in another direction.

In an instant, my head was flooded with thoughts of those who were sick....persecuted.....being threatened, beaten, and killed.  Those whose countries were being ripped apart by war, those who had seen more gore and horror than many of us will ever experience, and those who had experienced deep and profound loss.  My heart ached for them......and then I asked myself a question....

"Could I still bring myself to the place of basking in the glory and joy of the Lord if I were in a situation like that?" 

Whoa.  I'd even shocked my myself in asking such a forward question.

I spent some time thinking about this......was I on a high because I was feeling good, or because I was acknowledging the goodness of God?  Could I still witness to his goodness if my life were......not so good?  If my life were different....if I were being persecuted, or I was in constant pain......could I still smile?  Could I still worship?  Could I still bask in that inexpressible joy?  Would I?  Oh man....I surely hope so!  I hope I never find myself in any of those situations, but I would like to think that if I did......even in the midst of pain and suffering and injustice and fear (especially those things), that I would cling all the more closely to my Savior......and that my situation, no matter how dire or bleak would not hinder my praise or my ability - no - my desire...... to acknowledge my God.

Situations and circumstances change.....sometimes quickly, sometimes not.  But God....and all his attributes, are unchanging.  I pray that I will always choose to bask in his glory, no matter which circumstances I face, because my praise isn't circumstance-based.....it's God-based..... and that's a base that never falters.

Father....in all the earth or in heaven above....there is no one like you.  You are sovereign in all senses of the word.  How majestic and wonderful you are!  You are worthy of all my praise, Lord.  May I ever worship and adore you.....
in the sunshine, and in the storm.......
on the triumphant, shining mountaintop, and in the lonesome, dark valley......
in thriving, and in suffering.....
in good health, and in lasting sickness......
in displays of righteousness, and in ordeals of injustice.......
in times of plenty, and in times of need......
in climactic joy, and in deep sorrow. 
In ALL things, Lord Jesus, may I always focus on you and not allow my circumstance to cloud the eyes of my heart.  May I always remember that you are the source of my joy, and the hope of my future.  I know that you love me, and that you want the best for me, and that, no matter what I face, you will work all things in my favor.  I know that I am victorious in you, Lord.  And in knowing and holding fast to these truths, may my praise forever be..... unhindered.  Amen.
18 Comments

God's Letter to Moms

11/6/2014

29 Comments

 
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My child.....

I have watched you these past few years as you entered the world of motherhood.  I know this was a huge transition for you, and I know it isn't easy.  You are so critical of yourself.....so worried that you'll get it wrong.  Don't fret, precious one.  Listen to me:  There are 3 truths I want you to cling to on this journey of motherhood. 


1.  I gave you this child

This child is mine.  I am entrusting him to you.  You asked me for this, remember?  I do.  It was in my plan all along for this child to be placed in your care - I was just waiting for the appointed time to come.  This was no accident. You were specifically designed and created to carry and parent this child, just as he was specially made to be with you.  Even when you struggle, and doubt yourself, know this......there is no one who would make a better mother for this child, than you.

2.  I am with you, always. 

I know the day-in, day-out routine of changing diapers and cleaning up spilled juice and scrubbing crayon off the walls can make you feel like you're secluded, but hear me when I tell you this:  You are not alone, beloved.  I am always with you.  I was with you when you prayed for this child.  I was with you when you birthed this child.  I was with you when he took his first steps and said his first word.  I rejoiced with you when he laughed for the first time.  I've seen you struggle.....seen what you call your "good days" and "bad days."  But, my child......I created those days.  Every single one of them.  And because I created them, they were all good....some days just have more challenges than others. I was with you when you faced those challenges, and I am with you still......I always will be.  Always.

3.  What you do for this child, you do for me.

I know being a mother is hard.  I watched Mary with my son, Jesus.  She had her struggles too.  Mothering has never been easy work, but it has always been honorable work.  I made you for this - it is my will - and what you do for your son, you do for me.  Cutting his grapes in half so he doesn't choke.  Watching his chest rise and fall as he sleeps.  Even when you are doing something you find mundane, I see you.  The many "little" things you do....the sacrifices you make....are not little to me.   And the things you find ordinary, you are doing out of extraordinary love - it's a small representation of my perfect and infinite love for you.  I love you so very much.  I want you to enjoy this season of the life I have planned for you.  Don't try to do it alone - let me help you.  Remember, I'm just a whisper away.  I'm always here to help you....to guide you....to strengthen you - you need only ask.

I know you want the best for this child that I've committed to you, and that you are constantly self-evaluating yourself as a mother.  
                         But, dear one.....the only opinion of you that matters is mine,   
                                                          and I say.....you are enough.
 
You are enough because you are covered by my grace.  And my grace is sufficient for you.  It rests on you.  It is all you need.  You will make mistakes, but that doesn't make you a bad mother - it makes you a learning mother.  Sometimes, the best way to teach a lesson, is to allow a mistake to happen.  Even then, I am with you....loving you.....rooting for you.....sustaining you. 

So, carry on, mom.  We will walk this road together.  I, your Father, and you, my child.
29 Comments

And the winner is......ME!

11/4/2014

10 Comments

 
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A few days ago, I got a message from my friend, Tara Joy, who blogs at Faith in Every Day, telling me that she had nominated me for the Liebster Award!  Now, if you're not a blogger, you've probably never even heard of this award, so let me give you the rundown....



The Liebster Award is an online award given to bloggers, by bloggers.  It is intended for new bloggers with less than 200 followers on any given social media platform.  The purpose of the award is to recognize blogs with excellent content, and to build community amongst other bloggers.  As nominees are made 11 at a time, it is also a great way to network, and take a peek at other bloggers' writings.

So, to accept the award, I need to do 3 things:
1.  Acknowledge and thank the person who nominated me.
2.  Answer 11 questions posed to me by the person who nominated me.
3.  Nominate 11 other new bloggers for the award, and provide them with my own set of 11 questions.

As a perk, I get to display the award on my sidebar!

First, let me officially acknowledge and thank my friend, Tara Joy!  Tara is such a sweet soul with a genuine heart for the Lord.  She and I practice our French together online, and swap stories about life with a toddler boy.  I am really enjoying getting to know her! 
Check out her blog, Faith in Every Day -  it is truly worth the visit!

Now I'll answer Tara's 11 questions....

1. What is the story behind your blog name?
Well, I actually addressed this in my very first blog post.  Basically, I think of my life as a story.....a living story, being written by the hand of God.  You can read more about how I chose this name by reading my post, here.

2. Why did you start a blog?
I had toyed with the idea of starting a blog, but never really gave it any serious thought.  I wasn't sure what I would blog about, and wasn't convinced that anyone would read my writing.  On top of that, I had always thought of bloggers as....selfish.  Always talking about themselves....what they think, what they do, what they like.  One day, I had a particularly poignant experience and shared it on Facebook.  It got tons of likes and comments, one of which was "you should start a blog!"  So....I thought about it....prayed about it....and the rest, as they say....is history!  You can read that story, and the story of how my blog came to be, here.

3. What are your favorite things to do other than blogging?
I love music, and as a musician, I perform pretty often.  But, aside from performing, I enjoy just listening to music.  I love hanging out with my family and friends. I love watching movies, and, when I have time, reading.  I also enjoy studying the bible and the French language.

4. What is your inspiration for your blog?
I mostly blog about my own thoughts and experiences.  My goal is to encourage and inspire others in their faith.....so I try to find lessons in everyday things.  That way, my content is relatable, but still offers something of value to my readers.

5. What is the hardest thing you have found about blogging?
Blogging takes a lot more time than I realized it would!  There is so much more to blogging than just the writing piece.  There's graphic design, networking, research....there are many components to creating a successful blog.  I'm still new to this, and so I'm still learning, but the learning process is fun!

6. What is the best post you have written? Make sure to link it!
Oh man....this is a hard one.  One that I know my readers really enjoyed was A Letter to the Stranger Who Smiled At Me.  I think a lot of past and present moms were able to relate to that one.

7. Where would you like your blog or yourself to be in 5 years?
In terms of my blog, I would hope that I've branched out to other writing ventures by then.  I will continue to blog, but it would be cool to write a book or a bible study someday!  I think it'd be fun to do some public speaking too!

 8. What recipe, idea, or project would like to try yourself?
My friend and fellow blogger, Carissa, has a recipe for Buffalo Chicken Lasagna that I would like to try!  You can find it here.

9. Where would you like to take a vacation next?
If I'm being realistic.....probably somewhere within 4 hours of my city.  If I'm picking anywhere on any budget?  Oh, so many places I would like to go!  Maybe......New Zealand....because it's gorgeous, and I've never been there before!

10. Do you work on top of blogging? If you stay at home with your kids thats a job too!
For the most part, I am a stay at home mom, but I do work part-time at a local church as the Director of Music and Worship Leader.  A lot of my work can be done from home, and when I need to go in to my office, I can take my son with me.....it's a win-win!

 11. How many hours a week do you blog?
The actual writing piece doesn't take me very long, but the time I put in doing all the other stuff....that adds up!  I'd say it's somewhere between 10-15 hours per week.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE.......

Lisa Godfrees @ Lisa Godfrees
Joy @ The Joyful Truth
Grace @ Poured Out His Love
Dara @ She Seams Sew Crafty
Tawni @ God, Me, and the Life In Between
Jill @ Blog Chicka Blog
Erica @ Raising Munchies
Abi @ Joy in My Kitchen
Janell @ Mustard Seed Family
SpiritDee @ It's Not Just Words
Sarah @ Abiding In Grace


CONGRATULATIONS, LADIES!!!

To accept your award, answer my 11 questions (below), and when you are finished, comment on this post with your link so that I can read your answers!

Be sure to link back to the person or blog who nominated you to give them a thank you shout out.  Then, nominate 11 other bloggers with fewer than 200 followers on the social media platform of your choice, and give them 11 questions to answer.

Notify your nominees, and give them the link to your post so that they can find the instructions on how to accept the award.

Ok - Here are my questions for you!

1.  Why do you blog?
2.  How did you come up with a name for your blog?
3.  Can you tell me a little about your family?
4.  How often do you blog?
5.  What goals do you have for your writing/blog?
6.  What do you like most about blogging?
7.  What do you like least about blogging?
8.  What causes are you passionate about?  Share them with me!
9.  If you could only let people know one thing about you, what would it be?
10.  What is your favorite type of music and why?
11.  Which of your posts are you most proud of?  Be sure to link it!

That's all there is to it!  Have fun networking and learning about other residents of the blogosphere!  Feel free to contact me with any questions.













10 Comments

My Life, Like Their Hands

11/1/2014

21 Comments

 
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In my capacity as a music director and worship leader, in addition to leading worship service on Sunday morning, I also have occasion to provide music for other types of services such as weddings...and funerals.  A few months ago, a long-standing member of our congregation passed away after a long battle with cancer.  He was beloved by all who knew him.  Very loving.  He did a lot of work with deaf children, and in so doing, met and befriended many who worked with him on their behalf. 

Now, before I go any further, you need to know something about me...I have a huge affinity for languages.....not the least of which is sign language.  It fascinates me.  I could watch a person sign all day long.  It's like.... dancing poetry.  I love seeing an impassioned person speak not only with their hands, but with their face....their eyes....the lift and sway of their shoulders.....the delicate stroke of their fingers.....it is moving and powerful! 

So, naturally, when this man passed, there were several deaf people at his service.  Seated front and center, was his family, and just behind them, slightly off to one side, was a group of deaf people.  There were several songs during the course of the service, and a few other musicians who were friends of this man joined us onstage that day to celebrate his life.  Standing on the podium, in front of this man's friends and family, I felt many different things.  I had known this man, but not very well.  Yet, just a few feet in front of me sat his wife....his daughter....his grandchildren.... countless lives that he had touched.  I looked at this man's wife, right in the eye, and poured out my offering of music - a frequent thing for me to do - yet there were a few moments in this particular instance which remain, for me, unforgettable. 

One of the songs we sang was Amazing Grace.  I'll never forget looking into the eyes of this man's widow as we all sang together...."When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise, than when we'd first begun."  Her face.....the face of one who had just lost her husband, the love of her life.....was so filled with joy.....she was even smiling.  And my eyes started to water....  I was overcome, but for the sake of continuing with the song, I had to look away from her beaming face, and when I did, my eyes rested on the group of deaf people singing.....signing......and I found myself experiencing the same overwhelming feeling - but I couldn't look away.  "We've no less days to sing God's praise.......with our hands."  It was such a beautiful thing to see, from a vantage point not many get to witness......these people, pouring themselves out before the Lord, with the only earthly voice they had......their hands.  I thought to myself.....in this moment, they are giving their all to the Lord....physically singing of the assurance that they'll be with Him for all eternity....  I watched them, and I marveled at how, because of their signing, they were able to physically show their love and devotion and joy!  I thought of David dancing before the Lord....I thought of how no rocks would be crying out that day, because the praise sprang forth even from the deaf! I thought of being physically moved by the glory and presence of God.....and I longed for it! 

I am not hearing impaired.  I am a singer, and most people who know me, know me for my voice.....but, voice or no voice....how I long to ensure that my love and devotion and joy in Christ is just as evident to others as it was made to me by those who praised God with their hands that day!  Not in a showy way.....not in a way that would bring attention to myself....but in a way that would cause others to take notice of the reason behind my joy.  In a way that would make others curious about this Jesus, and want to hear the story of what he means to me. 

And so my prayer, as I think back on this memory, is that I would always live my life in a way that brings glory and honor to God.....that His light would outshine my own.....that His breath would flow through me and His spirit pour out of me..... that I would be the hands and feet of Jesus, and that through me, others would see the One who lives within me, and desire to come to Him.  May my life be as dancing poetry...an ode to my maker.  Make it so, Father....Amen.

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