Friday, January 14, 2011

Serving God in the every day...

I don't know about you, but I all too often think that in order to being doing something for God that counts, it needs to be a BIG thing. God has tried to teach me that He wants me in the every day, but I have kind of a thick skull. Thankfully God is patient with me and gives me gentle reminders every once in a while. Today He gave me another beautiful glimpse of the joy in following and serving in all those small ways that no one sees but Him.

Every other week, my kids and I go to Restmor with a few other homeschooling families and walk back to the dementia wing. What we're doing sure doesn't look or feel earth shattering - we play games, talk, do crafts, laugh, bake.

Today while we were playing and doing crafts, I looked over at the activities director - she had a tear in her eye. When she saw me watching her, she came over and said, "Do you see the lady over there? She has spent the last couple weeks in her room, crying. She wouldn't interact with anyone. Her quality of life has not been good and yet look at her! Today, she is playing with your daughter and she is smiling & even laughing!"

She looked around and turned my attention to another older lady, "Lately, we haven't been able to convince her to leave her room for more than 5 minutes at a time, and then she would just get agitated and upset. Today she has been playing with your son for 45 minutes. 45 minutes!"

She looked at me and with a heart that was obviously filled with gratitude said, "It's just so good that you guys are here."

God is so awesome! I am so thankful that He takes pleasure in my service right where He has me...in my imperfection...in my weakness...in the every day.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Are we a Christian Nation?



I first saw this video tonight and it so struck me. Yes, I had heard Obama's quote that "if we ever were, we have ceased to be a Christian nation." (that may be a slight paraphrase, but it's really close) and I've read numerous rebuttles to it, but I liked the simplicity in this speech before an empty House. Watch and enjoy - and remember, unless God has chosen to completely turn his back on us, there is yet hope that we can again be known as a true Christian Nation.

ps. - you'll have to pause the music player at the bottom of my page if you actually want to hear Congressman J. Randy Forbes (R-Va) on the video :)