Treasures

A co-worker of mine watched her house be ruined by a fire yesterday. Since she lives down the street from our school, many of us watched as well. My heart breaks for her and her family. I can't help but think of the many blessings in the midst of this situation- no one was home, the dog is fine, parents were arriving to pick up their children so they saw the smoke and called 911. There is so much pain, but also so much to be thankful for.

This has been on my heart since it happened. I am asking myself how I would feel if I lost everything I own. My wedding album, my computer, my clothes, everything. I am reminded how easy it is to replace things, and even if some things can not be replaced (wedding album etc.) it's OK. Because this life is short, and as another co-worker said, "The most important things in life are not things at all." Please join me in praying for peace for this sweet family.

Matthew 6:19-21

19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Joy

Sometimes I find that I stop myself from experiencing joy because I am afraid something won't work out, I will be disappointed, etc. The fact is, though, that by not experiencing joy, even for a brief time, I am not fully allowing myself to understand the blessings God has been so loving to give me. So here goes, bring on the joy!


Job 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Least of These

Whenever I read Katie's blog I find myself amazed at her heart and obedience. I also find myself a bit jealous. "Why can't I be given those same opportunities to blindy follow the Lord with all I am?" I wonder. Or I think, "Well of course she can be so obedient. Look where she lives! Look what she is faced with!" I find myself wishing I could care for/give to Jesus (the orphan) or Jesus (the widow) or Jesus (the sick) and Jesus (the poor) like she can.

Well, you can probably tell where I am going with this...

It hit me today like a ton of bricks. As I was driving to work I suddenly realized, I can care for Jesus (the special needs child) just like Katie cares for who she cares for. I can serve Jesus (the homeless) or Jesus (the lonely neighbor) or Jesus (the co-worker)! How am I any different or at any disadvantage because of where I live or because of who is in front of my face on a daily basis? I can be just as obedient here as she is in Africa. It is my choice. I can not get in the habit of limiting myself because I don't feel like I am in the right situation. I am in the exact situation God wants me in, surrounded by the exact people the Lord wants me to be surrounded by. There is no excuse. I just need to be obedient to this:


40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:31-46