Hearts in Service

  I had such a busy week as I am preparing for two retreats next weekend. One is Friday night through Saturday afternoon and then the other begins Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. In hindsight it probably wasn't the smartest idea to schedule both on the same weekend, but I was trying to streamline my life. I'm prepared, but it did add an extra level of "crazy" to this month.  I've been doing a lot  of reflecting and re-evaluating this week. As a woman in leadership I often find that I get so busy doing  that I forget I'm supposed to be leading and mentoring others. Both God and wise friends keep reminding me of that.   I'm leaving on Tuesday afternoon as I have a district meeting on Wednesday and I still have a number of things to do before then. However, I did take some time yesterday to get out and hike with my husband and I'm so thankful I did that. My head cleared, my mood lifted and I felt energized.  As we walked and talked through some o

“The best we can hope for in this life is a knothole peek at the shining realities ahead. Yet a glimpse is enough. It’s enough to convince our hearts that whatever sufferings and sorrow currently assail us aren’t worthy of comparison to that which waits over the horizon.” — Joni Eareckson Tada I am thankful for the truth of those words. Life can be quite difficult and sometimes it just seems as if much of what we go through is a waste. However, I do believe that God uses all things to accomplish His purpose in our lives. Nothing is wasted in His kingdom. I am thankful for those momentary glimpses we receive. A flash of clarity on how something is being used to help me grow or encourage another. Or at times it is an affirmation that  our work is making a difference to others.  That glimpse keeps me moving forward each day. It also reminds me to take time from the busyness of my life and focus on what really matters.  Our time on this earth is temporary and we don't want to waste it

 Isaiah 44:21 -23 ~ Remember these things, Jacob, and Israel, for you are My servant; I formed you, you are My servant; Israel, you will never be forgotten by Me. I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. Rejoice, heavens, for the Lord has acted; shout, depths of the earth. Break out into singing, mountains, forest, and every tree in it. For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and glorifies Himself through Israel. A Reminder for You Today The Lord's forgiveness is freely given.  His mercy is unending.  His grace is generous.  You don't have to earn it.  You will not lose it.  You don't have to prove yourself to receive it.  You just need a repentant heart and a willing spirit to accept it. No matter what happens today, God is walking with you and providing encouragement, wisdom, comfort and guidance. Rest in those truths this day!

  Each September 11th I wake up to see hundreds of posts on social media about a different September 11th that changed the lives of many. Each time I see those images I feel the same tight knot in stomach and lump in my throat. In 2001 we lived about 30 miles from the World Trade Centers and could see the smoke rising in the distance. I knew people who worked in the towers and can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the news came over the radio which I had playing in the background. A moment that changed history. A moment that changed lives. Nothing would ever be the same.  Our lives were changed as a result. In some ways it changed for the better as we made different decisions about where we were headed. In some ways it changed for the worse as I often think we were hasty in making those changes and there was some fall-out over that. But either way, things were different after that moment. As I reflect on these decisions on this September 11th, I do know this one fa

Colossians 3:17 ~ And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus , giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:23-24 ~ Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. At times I read these verses and think it's all about working hard and making sure that I'm diligent because I'm working for the Lord. But today the Holy Spirit revealed a deeper truth beneath the underlined words.  When we strip away all our "noble" thoughts do we really live by the truth of these verses or are we continuing to try and earn favor with people by the things we do? Because if we have the right motive then why do we get so hurt or bent out of shape when someone doesn't acknowledge our efforts or accept our ideas? Why do we put our worth in our activity and others approval? When someone doesn&

Happy Labor Day everyone! It has been a wonderful weekend and super busy.  It started with a church picnic at our house on Saturday. We ended up with about 20 people because some had a conflict, but I'm so thankful for the opportunity to use my gifts in hospitality. I'm always happiest when we can gather together with others and enjoy each other's company. I was in the nursery yesterday morning and we had a busy time in there taking care of 6 little ones. One of the little girls sighed at one point and said, "There are soooooooo many children in here!" 😄 Yesterday afternoon we went to a birthday party at church for a very sweet woman who turned 80.  Then last night we walked down to the end of our street and up into the park (which is a huge blessing that it's so close) to watch the annual Labor Day fireworks. Every year the city holds day long festivities in that park which ends with a fireworks show. It's so close and it would be great to be able to wat