Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Spiritual Time Out

Is there a "time-out" chair in heaven?  If so, it has Jaime written all over it.

Church was difficult tonight.  I started off in a good mood; and then, as happens a lot, Pastor Josiah says something or quotes scripture that just strikes me.   It's like the feeling of hitting  brick wall. What scripture was it?  I'm so glad you asked!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Be joyful always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 As soon as I saw it; I began to cry. By the time he was done reading it; I was in a puddle of my own tears.  We took communion. Then I was in a bigger puddle of my own tears.   That verse is special to me because it's what got me through all the stress and worry of Colin's unexplained fevers between birth and two years of age.  Every time I would think this is the time they are going to tell us he has cancer; or some incurable condition.  His condition is incurable; unexplainable, but it won't take his life.   I'm thankful for that, but sometimes I forget whose in charge, and I forget to thank him.

 You see, Wednesday night is our prayer service.  My group was praying for people with cancer, people who didn't know Jesus; and broken marriages.

I realized I don't take the time I should to give thanks to God.  He has blessed me and my family in so many ways.  All my little worries seemed so petty tonight.  God, I thank you for the gentle reminder that I'm not the one in charge.   Sometimes I need to be reminded of that.   So I give it all to you.  I long to be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is your will for all your children in Christ Jesus.

Friday, July 12, 2013

My Ministry - The Pregnancy Pantry

God keeps reminding me that I have a gift.  The gift of helping people.  I love to help people.  Even if it is helping someone out of a reckless situation they willing got themselves into.  If they need help; we should help.   While in the car, an idea popped into my head.  Why not start a ministry to help mothers with the essentials of having a baby.  I remember being very stressed about how we were going to afford a new car seat, crib, clothing, formula, etc..  You name it; I worried about it.  Would it affect a pregnant women's decision to keep her child, if she knew there was a place to get goods for her baby, that didn't have to do with government assistance, but rather, generosity from those who love Jesus.  People donate to food pantries.  Why not give items of necessity to new mothers?  For example, Breast pumps are so expensive; yet the idea is you will save money since you won't have to buy formula.  What about a new mom who doesn't have someone to throw her a shower; thus, doesn't have much, and can't afford a pump.  What if she works full time?   I'm not sure how I'm going to make this happen or if this is even possible, but I love this idea.  Anything that will glorify God is worth pursuing.  Maybe something like this already exists; but it would never hurt to have another one.   I have a lot of unanswered questions, so if you'd like to help, let me know.