a Christmas miracle: I wrote an entry! ;)

Ok, I'll own it. I sort of have abandoned this blog. Each and every time I think about writing, I get all hung up on it being good and meaningful. But enough of that. Let's just write.

Tis the season. Right now, it's beginning to make a lot of people say, "Bah humbug." Even for me, a woman who loves Christmas and everything about it. There's still a tiny Scrooge inside of me from time to time. During the holiday season, I have been trying to serve. But, this post was prompted by the actions of others.

For those of you who are feeling discouraged, lost, or let down by humanity (what with the horrible violence in the news and the whole "end of the world" thing), fear not. Jesus is alive and well this Christmas season. I do hear His voice and see His face through others. It's just in the tiny things.

It's in the thoughtful gifts I've already begun to receive. The store clerks who are actually smiling and treating me well. ( One gave me a coupon to use on an already discounted item without being asked. Another gave me a heavily discounted price on an item without a tag.)  But what really brought this on was the woman I just met at Target.

I was in a rush to get in and out of that place because it was crowded and a bit crazy. So I was having all my items rung up in the snack bar area while purchasing my lunch. I wound up with really full hands. Frantically trying to slide everything down the counter and into my arms, I apologized to the woman behind me. " Sorry, I'm kind of a mess today."  Rather than rolling her eyes, sighing deeply, or simply looking annoyed (a typical reaction for other frantic shoppers lately), she smiled and told me it was no big deal. "You need a bag," she said. I told her I was planning on getting one from the check-out area as soon as I got out of her way. "I can do it," she said and was gone before I could tell her she didn't have to do it. Not only did she bring me a bag, she actually held it open for me and helped me put all of my items inside. It may seem like a little thing, but it sure got my attention and reminded me about what I want to be doing with myself. Hopefully this will be a new beginning for this blog.

Merry Christmas to all, and don't forget to look for Him in the faces around you.

a small check-in

I know it must seem like I've abandoned this blog. I don't want to make excuses, but the truth is that life has been very full and busy lately. I am still seeking God each day, I'm just not taking the time to document it as often.

Yesterday I served by spending time in God's word. I didn't feel well in the morning and wound up missing church. At the suggestion of my boyfriend, I got out my Bible. We spent time praying, reading together, and discussing what we had read. I loved the chance to spend time this way with him and share my faith a bit. I hope God liked it too.

get comfortable

Today I did my best to serve God by offering comfort. I truly believe that God holds me tightly when I'm in need of comfort myself. I did my best to allow His comfort to flow through me while dealing with children who were not feeling well, had been hurt, were tired, or simply needed attention.

There are some verses on the wall beside my bed. I put them there when my Mom was very sick, my world was turned upside down, and I was in despair.

¹² “I, even I, am he who comforts you.
Who are you that you fear mere mortals,
human beings who are but grass,
¹³ that you forget the Lord your Maker,
who stretches out the heavens
and who lays the foundations of the earth,
that you live in constant terror every day
because of the wrath of the oppressor,
who is bent on destruction?
For where is the wrath of the oppressor?
¹⁴ The cowering prisoners will soon be set free;
they will not die in their dungeon,
nor will they lack bread.
¹⁵ For I am the Lord your God,
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—
the Lord Almighty is his name.
¹⁶ I have put my words in your mouth
and covered you with the shadow of my hand—
I who set the heavens in place,
who laid the foundations of the earth,
and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.’”

- Isaiah 51: 12-16 (NIV)

every blessing You pour out

I've decided that tonight I'm going to serve God by simply taking some time to thank Him. My life has never been easy and a lot of pain has come alongside a lot of pleasure. But lately the blessings have simply been pouring out. I don't feel like I deserve all the happiness that has been coming my way. But I am grateful and amazed at the goodness of the God I serve. Some things I'm currently thankful for:

* an exciting new position with my job that I love and adore
* my wonderful friends and family
* a caring new man in my life
* a great roommate/home
* the love and support of others through all the tough times
* the impending birth of my niece and the chance to celebrate her soon
* the immediate answer to my prayers while my car almost got stuck in a huge mud hole last night

One thing that I struggle with is the ability to accept the blessings as they come without worrying about the tragedy that seems to automatically come in my life. The reality is, everyone is going to have some hard things in life. And worrying about them won't prevent them from coming. All I can do is trust God to work things out for His glory.

the actions of others

Today I did something that is not terribly easy for me. I actively chose to follow another's example and not be bitter or filled with self-pity. I stood at the cusp of falling into the pit of those ugly feelings, and I said, "NO." I remembered the actions of another, and chose her path. It seems as though my actions were rewarded as my situation improved dramatically not long after I made this choice.

I also saw God today. He took the form of a man in the self check-out line of Meijer. Rather than taking the next prime available spot in the line next the one I'd been waiting in, he politely pointed out that the wait was shorter over there and inquired if I would like to go next in line. It might sound silly, but there are so few people like that in the world anymore. So few who would take the time to look out for another rather than put themselves first. And then not expect anything in return. (I promise, he didn't seem to be flirting at all.) To me, that is worthy of notice. Worthy to mention. Godly behavior.

I can learn a lot from the actions of others, if I just take the time to notice.

many ways

Today presented many ways to serve God.

I got to praise and worship in church this morning.

I was given the opportunity to let someone know how much her words meant to me after she spoke in front of the congregation. We also had a follow-up conversation this evening and promised to pray for each other as we find ourselves in similar circumstances.

I got to help my church share music and popcorn with the community during an outdoor concert at a park.

And I also have a prayer request from a family member. Please pray for her friend who is going through chemo, if you are so-inclined.

I'm going to do it.

I made a decision today.  It's something I've been considering for a while, but was inspired to actually do for three reasons. I want to donate my hair to make a wig for a woman who has cancer.

Reason 1: A friend of mine recently did this and it inspired me to think about acting on it. It's something I've been aware of and considered doing for years. I guess I've just never had the follow-through or the guts.

Reason 2: It would be a great way to serve others and God.

Reason 3: I want to honor my Mother by doing this. I'm going to wait until her birthday on November 11 and then have it cut. It's getting crazy long so it'll be a bit tough to wait. But I think it will be more meaningful if I do and give me something to do on a day that is bound to be somewhat difficult.

If you're interested, here's the link to the Pantene site that I plan to use for donation purposes:
http://www.pantene.com/en-US/PanteneBeautifulLengths/Details/beautiful-lengths-make-the-cut.aspx