HAVE YOU EVER...seen a children's message?

I was visiting another church not too long ago with family.  As we sat in the balcony, I could look around and see more than I usually see at my church.  My view is either from the front right corner or the choir loft.  I was enjoying a different view for a change.  I caught something out of the corner of my eye.  It was green and it was moving on the floor of the back of the stage.  I discovered to my surprise that it was a small boy sitting on the floor under a woman playing the keyboard. 

Soon after that, they had all of the children come forward for a children’s message.  The kids sat on the front steps of the platform while a woman read some scripture and introduced some more women to the side of the stage.  These 3 women were being celebrated for having started a bereavement committee at the church and serving for 35 years.  Their loyal faithfulness touched many lives.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.  2 Corinthians 9:12

I started thinking about all of these women and their children.  My husband and I sing in the choir and play in the orchestra.  We have been involved with many different activities in our church, but we have always wanted our children to worship with us on Sunday mornings.  This was more difficult when they were babies and toddlers.  We did send them to the nursery, but as soon as they were 3 they were sitting with us in church.  Sometimes we took turns participating in the orchestra and choir.  Sometimes our kids sat with friends or other family. 

I believe that it has been easier for me as a woman to use my kids as an excuse to get out of serving.  I am so thankful for people that don’t feel this way.  They are an example to the rest of us.  Of course, there are seasons in life that you just cannot serve.  But If God is calling you to serve than serve.  He will make a way. 

Oh, may all who go before us find us faithful.  Watching the children’s message I had continuous songs of faithfulness running through my head.  I am thankful for those who are faithful and I pray that I become more faithful too. 

HAVE YOU EVER…been faithful?

Micah 6:8;  1 Corinthians 12:4-6

HAVE YOU EVER … heard silence is golden?

I looked it up.  Many people have said this one way or another, but Thomas Carlyle was the poet to first receive credit. 

Most believe that being silent is showing self-control.  You are being considerate of others feelings.  Words cannot be taken back once heard.  I’m not seeking silence for godliness.  Maybe, I should.  I just love silence.  It is the only thing that lowers my blood pressure and soothes my mind.  If I can sit next to someone comfortably in silence, I feel blessed.

In today’s world, you are seldom surrounded by silence.  My friends and family don’t understand why I don’t like to listen to music for leisure.  I listen to music for school and church, all of the time!  I just want silence.  My kids sleep with a radio playing in the background.  My roommates did that in college.  I went home every weekend to sleep. 

I drive in my car in complete silence.  I work alone in my classroom in complete silence.  My kids are gone to their grandparents for a couple of days.  I am sitting in silence!  This is one of the little things I really appreciate.  Silence gives me peace and peace comes from God.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

What do you enjoy from God?

HAVE YOU EVER…enjoyed silence?

Psalm 62;  2 Thessalonians 3:16

HAVE YOU EVER…said Merry Christmas!

I love being able to tell people Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I was discussing with my husband, "What can I say now that the holidays are over?".  He had some snide remarks for me.

 

I live in a family of cynics.  Nothing ever seems to go our way.  It is just annoying.  We are klutzes.  We break things, forget things, & lose things.  My husband and I have learned to take responsibility for our mistakes, but our kids have not.  They gripe and moan about everything and blame EVERYONE else when there is a problem. 

I have learned to thank God for the mishaps.  Life isn’t easy, but it could always be worse.  I try to learn from my mistakes.  Be more careful.  Think positively.

I like how people have been posting about taking a jar and writing down anything good that happens.  You keep them in the jar until the next New Years Eve to read and celebrate. I bought a cute jar.  I used my label maker to put “Merry Memories” on it.  I bought new pens and index cards for my family to write down their good thoughts.  I know at first I will have to make them do it, but it will catch on. 

I already have my first card in the jar.  I’m going to share with you, because I know it was an experiencing God moment.  I went to Wal-Mart and looked up and down multiple isles for containers for all of our resolutions.  A Jamaican woman stopped me and recommended some containers that she had at her work place.  They were red.  I said, “Oh, my kitchen has black!” (referring to the containers in the next box).  She said, “I don’t need black.  I’m already black!”  Then she laughed.  We continued to have this great conversation in the container isle.  I love it when God has you cross paths with cool people that touch your life for even a second. 

I am going to be saying, “Merry Memories!” to people all year.  Don’t you want to have a positive and happy year?  I am going to try with my family and at places like Wal-Mart!

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Philippians 4:4

 

HAVE YOU EVER…said “Merry Memories!”

Isaiah 45:7;  Lamentations 3:22