When am I out of my comfort zone? When a favorite pastor asks me to contribute to a blog. How could I not tell of my God who has done so much for me? A God who give my life purpose, unconditional love, forgiveness of my mistakes. The God who wants to know each of us in a personal way, as we study the Bible and respond when the Holy Spirit nudges us.
Last week God taught me patience as I was waiting for workmen to come work on my house. (They still haven’t arrived.) God taught me humility as we carried water to flush toilets. I thought of people who have no toilets or showers of their own.
God gave me the privilege of delivering two bins of hats and scarves that our knitting club at church had donated. It also included gloves and socks donated by others. They went to the church without walls that works with the homeless at La Sierra Park every Wednesday night. Pastor Jennifer from Bread of Life Ministry called me with a big thank you to the people that helped from the people who received.
God encouraged me through the stories our seniors shared when I called or visited them before the Thanksgiving baskets went out. Some shared stories of illness and loneliness—and thankfulness for being remembered. Some shared about Joy in the Lord and God’s goodness to them through the trials of life. I heard stories of neglect and loved ones who had been prayed for for many years coming to the cross at the end of their life. When you take the time, you can be blessed by someone’s story!
Sometimes I complain about the beat and loud sounds coming from church (at worship time), but I am so grateful to have my large adopted multicultural family. They bring a lot of joy and hugs to my life.
Psalm 119 reminds me to trust in the Lord who alone stands above the pressures of daily life and gives us full assurance of his love.
Psalm 120 tells me that God gives us peace in the presence of all the storms in our families, our church, and our world. The meek look for it in every sunrise. It is worth getting up for!
Let there be peace on Earth . . . and let it begin with me. Let us accept all people as sisters and brothers. May we look at each person as someone with the hope of heaven.