I listened to an especially good sermon this morning. What I took from it was that God gives you gifts (like skills, talents, resources, etc...), with the hope that you will use those gifts to further the kingdom. We are expected to take care of our families, help others, and to look for ways to serve using those gifts. Earning a profit is good, we are expected to work hard, to care for our families, to care for others who are in need. To use our blessings to bless others. We don't have to be "successful" in worldly terms, to be successful in the eyes of God. He cares a whole lot about our intentions. For example, the success of a ministry is not necessarily measured by the number of people participating, or the amount of money raised. It makes sense to sit back and take account of our gifts. To tally up our talents. I think of this often, but this sermon was that nice nudge I needed, the reminder to do a personal assessment. How am I moving forward in my walk? How am I using my gifts to further the kingdom? What are my gifts? How can I help people feel the love that God has shown me, and be the tool God wants me to be? Talents, and blessings are tools that we are given to do a job, as well as to enrich our lives. We don't own them though. We didn't earn them. Like any gift, things and talents can be taken away. Poof, in a split second, it can all be gone. So this week, I will giving myself a little check up. I will be thinking about things that weigh heavy on my heart, (like foster children, young women making bad choices, food for families in our own community) and doing something to move forward on those things. It doesn't mean I'll be successful at doing everything I hope for, but my intention and my actions will start to get in sync. I challenge you to do the same, and if you feel like sharing your story, I would love to share it on this blog. Have a fantastic and blessed week!
Summer is a wonderful time if you have the luxury to stay home with your kids and enjoy the slower pace. Lazy days, pool time, reading, outings, and spending time at the beach is good for the soul. If you are a parent who keeps your kids home with you vs. sending them to camp--- there is also a dark side to the lazy days of Summer. I know many Moms who say loud and proud, "I can't wait till Summer!! Oh yeah! Only 3 more weeks!!, Oh no! It's over already! We need a few more weeks!!" Are you one of those? Do you say it with a straight face? Ok, maybe you are sincere. Bully for you, you win the Mom medal. Those are NOT my people. I love my kids, don't get me wrong, I really do. I love reading time, and lego time, and swimming, and picnics at the beach-- as much as any other Mom. Let's get real for a minute though. We can't play down the other side of life with kids. The constant fighting The whining The meltdowns (yes one of our guys st...
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