Friday, August 30, 2013

Compassion



Compassion
How often does a person have passion compassion towards others? Is it only when it is self-serving? Well actually now that I think about it I'm pretty sure most people intend to get a job that he or she will enjoy doing. So in a perfect world everyone (particularly those who are in any sort of customer service by choice) would have compassion whether he or she received recognition (or got paid for it) or not.
            A while back I prayed that God would put people in my life to show me what I was like as a person. I had forgotten about that prayer until things started happening in my life and I met a person who exhibits many of the quirks about myself that I am aware of or at least I am self-conscious about. This person absolutely drives me insane. Unfortunately, I see a lot of myself in the things that this friend does that make me crazy.
I also prayed that my attention would be drawn to people who I could follow for guidance (yes, I know that as Christians we are to read the Bible and ultimately imitate Christ), and God has shown me how their are many people in my life to follow; it's just not everything about one single person, besides Himself that I should follow.
Tonight I was shown how a sermon I listened to recently can be put in action. This sermon explained what may be a basic life concept -- That caring about a person isn't really showing compassion until the caring isn't self-serving. Okay I butchered that sermon but I can't exactly remember it.
A friend of mine shows Christ in such an amazing way and I am fortunate enough that I am more or less pushed into using as few Fruits of the Spirit that I'm not used to using-- particularly self-control (biting my tongue).
Okay, I have no clue why I wrote this…. I just love so many thoughts going through my head! Thank you Jesus for brain that has thoughts going through it :-).


*I'm sure that there are many people reading this who have a unique story. If ever you feel like sharing your story with me, you can definitely post it or send it were only I can see it. I would love to read it.
 

Sunday, August 25, 2013

What Time Is It??? It’s God’s Time!!!



What Time Is It??? It’s God’s Time!!!

I have been hearing about the different Bible studies at Church for a few years but I have always had different obligations that got in the way of the class, specifically school. Recently, I had been hearing about the classes starting up again in September but I was just thinking "Okay, maybe next year because I'm sure school will get in the way again this year. Just like everything else, it will happen in God's time.”

The sermon at Church was amazing today and I was all skippy happy when I was headed to the foyer to just look at those classes and prepare for next year. Suddenly I was approached by my friend Camiele who asked me about taking one of the classes. All I could think about was school so I told her when I have classes. She told me the day and time that she would be at my house to pick me up and left no time or room for questions (okay that sounds like she was being mean about it but she wasn't being mean at all!). I am normally stressed out if I have anything else besides school going on, but I think this will be something good to get my mind off of school before I have to go to school.

I suppose I spend too much time wondering when it will be God's time for different events to happen expecting His time to be preceded by a loud parade or white banner reading "GOD'S TIME!!" When in actuality God's time is generally recognized after-the-fact (maybe that's only me). I am totally excited about this class! Thanks Camiele! Love you!

Twelve years later and signs of my memory improving continue...



Twelve years later and signs of my memory improving continue

As I listened to a conversation The Mining Exchange was mentioned. By the time it became time to talk I couldn't remember what I was going to say however at 1:20AM I woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I listened to some information on the radio and then tried to fall back asleep. I couldn't get to bed so I decided I was going to iron my clothes for Church in the morning. Wait a minute, me iron? First of all my ataxic/clonus arm creates a huge problem ironing and I usually have my home healthcare people for my grandpa iron for me.

The Mining Exchange was where my friend Jordan Smith had  his organization (J.M. Smith Band) recognized and there is going to be another event this coming Monday August 26th! I am so excited for him and his accomplishments I'm more excited for all of the outstanding ways that he's using his God given gifts to touch the lives of these children and adults alike.  For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/202381253257656/  I just might be there!

I am so excited that my memory is still improving! The time that lapses between an event occurring and remembering that event is getting smaller and smaller – YEAH!!

*I'm sure that there are many people reading this who have a unique story. If ever you feel like sharing your story with me, you can definitely post it or send it were only I can see it. I would love to read it.


Monday, August 19, 2013

When life seems down, God keeps me looking up!!


Feeling down and sorry for myself I went to a coffee shop this morning to write. Praying that I would encounter a “note worthy” person to ponder the rest of the day, my prayers were answered. After contemplating using my cane at Starbucks, my heavy load of luggage made the decision for me. As I rolled into my “normal” seat I was greeted by a man with a service dog. After speaking with him for barely even 5 minutes I was reminded how blessed I am to still have the bright outlook on life after my life-altering car accident.
Even when events in life try to pull me down, my faith in God keeps me looking up!

*I'm sure that there are many people reading this who have a unique story. If ever you feel like sharing your story with me, you can definitely post it or send it were only I can see it. I would love to read it.


While I was away I asked some friends to text me Bible versus so I could meditate. None of the friends had any idea that I was sending requesting the same thing of other friends; however it was amazing the strength and encouragement I was given as I read through the Bible verses I received. THANKS SO MUCH FRIENDS!
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever" Hebrews 13:8
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust !"  Psalm 91:1-2
"For God has not given us the spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:7
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!

WEEKLY DEVOTION FROM PASTOR ERIC

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”  Rev. 21:4

In John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” He shed actual tears over the condition of man. He understands the depth of sorrow we can feel when we grieve over the death of a loved one. By enduring the cross, He offers us eternal life and encourages the believer to not let your heart be troubled. He is preparing a place for us so that one day He can wipe away all of our tears. Imagine no more death, no more sorrow, no more pain or crying.  May the reality of heaven and Christ wiping away all of your tears be a comfort for your heart today.



* No temptation has overtaken you except such as in common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1st Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) Thanks Melissa

*Shannon FWD: "He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."  Ecclesiastes 3:11. (One of my favorites).