In one of my devotions today I read the following two lines.
Jesus says that if we really love God, we will really love each other. We are never more like our Father than when we choose to weather relationship storms with kindness and love.
I was a runaway. I ran from relationships instead of running into them. I didn't care to row the boat or ride the bicycle built for two, but instead throw the oars into the water or jump off the bicycle. It was much easier that way. But today, I have a different approach. I desire not to throw in the towel, throw my hands up to give up, but instead keep pushing through the mud to get out of the mud puddle. The rowing is difficult, but worth it.
I was reminded of those famous words my mother use told me one day long ago; "marriage is work." I thought to myself in sarcasm, "yay, right!" But what I have learned is "yes, she is right." I have felt like I've been rowing the boat up stream while the river flows down stream. I thought I was pleasing God in my efforts, only to find out that this might not be true. Until reading this certain devotion, I wasn't weathering the storms with kindness and love. Nope, I showed my attitude and was going to get what I wanted to get out of the argument or relationship.
I am very thankful that our God is a loving God, tenderhearted, all knowing, and loves us even when we don't play nicely with others.
I have found that weathering storms in our relationships with kindness and love, makes for those relationships to be stronger and lasting a lifetime.
~Be encouraged, when you find that right person to row the boat with the ride feels so much smoother.
Everyone needs encouragement and I want to encourage you today. I hope you will enjoy today's write up.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Cartoons in the Imagination!
I love cartoons! I love watching the cartoons in my head even more. Yep, I can listen to Adventures in Odyssey on 91.3 Hope FM Saturday mornings at 8:00 AM. Now, I am a mother, of a 26 and 27 year old, and I am a grandmother, of a young boy I do not get to see everyday. However, I am young at heart and using the imagination keeps my mind young in thought. So, why not try listening to the cartoons in the imagination station and keep your mind young?
Now that Summer is here, are you wondering what you can do to keep occupied? Perhaps you're wondering where to find the closest summer camp.
If you are wondering what you can do to learn while school is out; I have a suggestion; try A.C.T.S. through Adventures in Odyssey. This is a great opportunity to get your children involved in learning about discipleship through acts of service. You see the greatest act Christ did for us was dying on a cross. The lowest act Christ did, was washing the disciples' feet. Now, we have the same opportunity to teach our children to put discipleship into action.
There are many fun things you can do to learn about serving, such as serving your family. Plan a time to wash a family member's car; this could be a brother, sister, uncle, or an aunt.
How about cleaning out a closet or room and give the items to a charity?
Next, help your community by serving at the local food bank. This might be a place to hand food out or a food kitchen. It might even be to cook a dinner for a local family or invite a family over for dinner. The last idea I have is to make a homeless bag filled with a water bottle, a snack, and a card.
Last you could learn to serve in YOUR world. Maybe there is a veteran who served in the military in your neighborhood. Go visit him, ask questions, and then pray for him and his needs. You will not only make a new friend, but learn and love all at one time. Perhaps you could get ready for bed without your mom, dad, or grandparent telling you its time. These are short ideas to help you get started. For these and other fun ideas visit http://www.whitsend.org/FeaturesView/ACTS.aspx. I promise you will be a better person for starting it.
Did you know that by serving in your community, sharing what you did to serve, collect 12 hours of service, you could win some really great things from Adventures in Odyssey!
Get started today and learn as you put discipleship into action.
Now that Summer is here, are you wondering what you can do to keep occupied? Perhaps you're wondering where to find the closest summer camp.
There are many fun things you can do to learn about serving, such as serving your family. Plan a time to wash a family member's car; this could be a brother, sister, uncle, or an aunt.
How about cleaning out a closet or room and give the items to a charity?
Next, help your community by serving at the local food bank. This might be a place to hand food out or a food kitchen. It might even be to cook a dinner for a local family or invite a family over for dinner. The last idea I have is to make a homeless bag filled with a water bottle, a snack, and a card.
Last you could learn to serve in YOUR world. Maybe there is a veteran who served in the military in your neighborhood. Go visit him, ask questions, and then pray for him and his needs. You will not only make a new friend, but learn and love all at one time. Perhaps you could get ready for bed without your mom, dad, or grandparent telling you its time. These are short ideas to help you get started. For these and other fun ideas visit http://www.whitsend.org/FeaturesView/ACTS.aspx. I promise you will be a better person for starting it.
Did you know that by serving in your community, sharing what you did to serve, collect 12 hours of service, you could win some really great things from Adventures in Odyssey!
Get started today and learn as you put discipleship into action.
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