THROUGH HIS EYES

As Christians, one main goal of our life should be to walk each day as Jesus would and to see the world THROUGH HIS EYES.
Jesus cares most about how much we love Him and try to follow in His footsteps each day.
What would Jesus do if He were in your footsteps?
Think about how Jesus looks at your life THROUGH HIS EYES, and the things that are most important to Him.
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”  –Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)

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THROUGH HIS EYES, our heart is more important than our successes or failures.

Jesus doesn’t keep track of how many things we are good or bad at. He also doesn’t dwell on the negative or failures in our lives that we humans tend to focus on.

Jesus sees the beauty found within our hearts.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” –1 Samuel 16:7  (NIV)

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Photo credit by regan76 under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)
THROUGH HIS EYES, worry and fear are not found.
Jesus’ love casts away the worry or fear that we may experience. With Jesus, we have the faith that He will work every detail out for us.

Jesus sees how we can overcome worry and fear by trusting in Him more.

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.”  –Isaiah 41:13  (NIV)

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THROUGH HIS EYES, there is no problem that is too big or can’t be resolved.

Jesus has a solution for every problem we may face. In our lives, we usually want the easy way out of any problem or situation, but that may not be the best solution for the situation– or for our lives.

Jesus sees that all things work out for the good of them that love Him.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. –Romans 8:28  (NIV)

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Each day, strive to see your life a little more THROUGH HIS EYES.

Live your life focusing on the things that Jesus sees.
You will then be following in His footsteps and seeing the world THROUGH HIS EYES.
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him….  2 Chronicles 16:9  (NIV)

CONTINUALLY GROWING

The last year or so I have realized how important it is to be continually GROWING….

…in our relationship with the Lord

…in our relationships with family and friends

…in our knowledge of how things work

…in our networking with others

…in our perspectives on life

…in our views of other ways of doing things

…in taking care of our precious bodies

By continually growing we can learn new and different things in order to help expand our horizons in this life.

Through learning continually, we will be growing in knowledge and wisdom. I think sometimes we tend to be stuck doing the same old thing which tends to get monotonous and may stunt our growth.

Even something as simple as learning new ways to get places can be beneficial. This happened to me with picking up my son from a baseball camp. I did not know the easy way to get to the camp from my work until I checked out the different ways to get there. In turn, knowing that route helped me know where something else was that I needed to know later.

It’s kind of like this “road map” of life. You never know when some piece of information will come in handy in your life or even in helping another. Someone sharing something as simple as a software program enabled me to pursue my love of writing no matter where I am. If I did not have that tool, I know I would not have made the time to write and sit at a computer. Other things would have become more of a priority.

I think it is sad when someone is not willing to grow or change in their ways. If you aren’t willing to expand your horizons or think that it is beneficial to learn or try something new, you will definitely miss out. I think people are really missing out on more opportunities when they have that kind of attitude. God can work even more in their life if they were open to it.

This has been proven to me over the last few years. It has been amazing how God has used social media to help expand my horizons and let me gain more insight into life, and in turn helping me to be a better person.

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Photo credit by ransomtech under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

The more you know, the more you can be open to change, and even improve things you need to change about yourself.

I encourage you to look for ways you can GROW in this New Year…

…in your relationship with the Lord—maybe joining a Bible Study group or even an on-line group

…in your relationships with family and friends—make time to visit someone who needs a friend or someone you haven’t connected with in years

…in your knowledge of how things work—maybe grab a book from the library on something “new” you always wanted to know

…in your networking with others—reach out to others so you can benefit from their wisdom and they in turn can learn from you

…in your perspectives on life—be aware that everyone thinks differently…maybe sharing with someone will let you gain a new perspective on something in life and vice versa

…in your views of other ways of doing things—maybe doing something in a little different fashion from your norm will yield beneficial rewards for you.

…in taking better care of your body–maybe going for a walk everyday or doing some kind of exercise daily.

I encourage you to seek ways to GROW daily in your life so you can be the person the Lord wants you to be….in right relationship with Him first, and then others . Continually growing and changing to improve ourselves is a great goal to work towards each day.

Can you think of ways that learning has helped you grow? Or is there some knowledge you can pass on to someone else to help them?

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. –Romans 12:2 (NIV)

SHATTERING THE DARKNESS

As another Christmas holiday season comes to a closure, there are a few things that were on my heart that I wanted to share with you.

First, something that I think is worth pondering that seemed to resonate with me this Christmas season is the verse that says,

“..She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 (NIV)

Thinking about that innkeeper who had no more rooms available is a good parallel to peek into our own lives.

…Do we have “room” for Him, Jesus, in the “inn” of our heart?

Have we accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord of our life?

Does He rule our lives?

Or is that “inn” too busy with things in this world that distract us?

Do we let other things take priority over living for Him?

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Another image that keeps recurring in my life this Christmas season is the verse that says,

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)

Jesus’ birth. as well as the ultimate act of sacrificing His very life for us, SHATTERED THE DARKNESS!

Before God sent Jesus to earth, the people were in darkness from sin and evil that entered the world through our first parents, Adam and Eve. God’s plan was then to send the world a Savior….to save us all from that evil. God did not want us to be in darkness.

Jesus entering the world means there is no more darkness….that DARKNESS IS SHATTERED by the LIGHT OF CHRIST!

The darkness of ALL sin and evil is defeated. JESUS truly is the LIGHT!

Our lives need to reflect that LIGHT SHATTERING THE DARKNESS.

Light

For me this year, two events come to mind that I think reflect this LIGHT SHATTERING THE DARKNESS.

Last Christmas, I was truly blessed to have been part of some Christmas caroling at a nursing home where a fellow church member was confined to. We ended up caroling for her and then visited one other shut-in as well. You could tell that both people were blessed by that simple act, and they were singing along praising the Lord with us looking so happy and peaceful.

This year, I really had the urge to do that again. To bring that LIGHT SHATTERING THE DARKNESS to others. The lady we visited last year died during this past year. There was a gentleman from our church who has been sick and either in the hospital or nursing home for the past two years. He suffered immensely during this time. I thought he would be a great person to go caroling to this year. We found out a few days before the caroling date that he was back in the hospital and hospice was being called. He had gotten to the point of being unresponsive too. So, we felt it was not a good idea to go visit him. Ironically, we learned he died the evening we went caroling.

We ended up gathering eight of us to go caroling to three different shut-ins. I feel God truly worked it all out. The people we visited were so appreciative and I think the LIGHT SHATTERING THE DARKNESS helped brighten their holidays. Each couple we visited is going through such struggles and heartaches in their lives. The one family we are very close with, and their daughter, is going through a health trial right now. Her parents and I were crying as we stood singing Christmas carols, and it was neat to see that many of the people caroling had been praying for this gal by name, not knowing who she really was. So, now through seeing a picture of her, they can connect the face with the name and know it is this couple’s daughter.

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My eldest son had a wonderful idea to have the LIGHT SHATTERING THE DARKNESS for his one grandmother who lives alone. We usually end up entertaining three sets of people during the Christmas holiday by preparing feasts. I am so blessed that this son loves to plan, prepare and execute delicious meals and even clean up the house before hand. He is very organized and efficient in all he does. He will even help me shop if he isn’t busy studying for college finals.

The one day he says, “We should make a meal for grandma and take it to her.” It has probably been about 15 years since we’ve gotten together for any holiday with her. She just feels more comfortable staying home. This year my son actually said back in October that this Grandma shouldn’t give us gifts this year as she does not have much money. She is retired and was helping out at an organization a little through the year, but this year it was much less than prior years. Therefore, her income is very little. I thought that was a great thing for my son to recognize and be willing to not receive a present. Reluctantly, grandma agreed only if WE didn’t get her anything either.

To make it more challenging, this grandma is a vegetarian; we are definitely not! (Though this son wouldn’t mind if we were!) So, coming up with a meal idea was definitely more difficult. But leave it to him! He came up with a soup idea and a dessert. So, a few hours before we wanted to arrive at grandma’s house, I called her to let her know that my son wanted to prepare a meal and what time we would arrive.

It ends up that the whole family crashed her place bringing all the dishes, glasses, cups, etc. that we needed, along with the food, to her apartment. She was shocked to see us all. We overtook her dining room table that never gets used and made ourselves at home.  My husband brought his guitar so we sang Christmas carols to her as well.

When we left there, after about a two-hour visit, grandma was in tears…tears of happiness. I think the LIGHT SHATTERING THE DARKNESS was a huge blessing to her. I think she will not soon forget that night, and that we have forged a new tradition to add to our holiday list!

Can you think of ways that you might have shattered the darkness in someone’s life this holiday season? I’d love to hear.

You might just bless someone else or inspire them to do that in the future.

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you.  –Isaiah 60:1-2  (NIV)

HUMILITY

This Christmas season one thing that has struck me is thinking about the humility surrounding Christ’s entrance into this world.
From the different definitions, from a quick google search, for the word humility, I like the following definition the best:

the feeling or attitude that you have no special importance that makes you better than others; lack of pride.

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Let’s first take a look at Mary, the mother of Jesus.  In my eyes, I consider Mary to be a woman who exemplifies humility.
We do not hear of her being popular in this world or of high status.
Here she was just a young gal, “…a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.”  –Luke 1:27 (NIV)  
The angel, Gabriel told Mary,  “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”  –Luke 1:35 (NIV)
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.  –Luke 1:38  (NIV)  I think that final response displays humility on Mary’s part. She is trusting God and ready to be a part of His plan.
Mary gave us a powerful example of humility, yet she graciously accepted God’s plan of being the mother of Jesus! She was the humble maid servant of God who through the Holy Spirit birthed our Savior!

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Just as important is to keep in mind the humility of Joseph.
 Upon first hearing that Mary was going to have a child, he did have in mind to divorce her quietly, but when “…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  –Matthew 1:20-21  (NIV), Joseph did what the angel had commanded him to do.
Taking someone to be your wife, when she is pregnant with the Son of God is humility on Joseph’s part. He, too, gave us a powerful example of doing what God tells you to do despite what others may think.
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Photo credit by frankieleon under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)
At Christmas time, I think it is always a blessing to ponder the circumstances of Christ’s birth. Despite being the Savior of the world, He was certainly born in humility!  
How many people do you know were born while their parents were at the end of a three day walking trip back to their home town to register for a census?  “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” –Luke 2:6-7  (NIV)
Imagine giving birth to the Savior of the world in a barn like place and having to place the baby in an animal trough because there were no rooms available!

Jesus was born in the humblest of ways, yet He is the Savior of the world!  Being the Savior of the world is the ultimate success that anyone could experience.

So, this Christmas season, I pray that you ponder the powerful example of humility that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus gave to us over 2,000 years ago.
Let us focus on what we can learn and apply to our lives from their humility yet success in fulfilling God’s plan for their lives and for our sake. And let us lead lives in humility yet successful ways for our loving God!
May you remember the reason for the season….celebrating our Savior and the freedom He has brought us!
Merry Christmas my dear friends!
…God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.  –1 Peter 5:5-6  (NIV)
So the last will be first, and the first will be last.  –Matthew 20:16  (NIV)

RELATIONSHIPS

During the last few years, God has impressed upon my heart how vital relationships are in each of our lives. We truly are all connected and need each other to share with, learn from, and encourage one another. It is important to be aware of people in our lives who need us to be there for them and those that God puts in our life for us. It works both ways!
In your life, do you make time for relationships rather than always busying yourself with checking things off your to do list? It is something I struggle with but feel I am making progress on in my life.
For those of us who are more introverted, I think this realization of the importance of relationships in our lives might take a little more effort compared to those that are maybe naturally extroverted. But I think the extroverts can help encourage the introverts of the importance of sharing with others and maybe help them come out of their shells some.
There have been three or four incidences within a few weeks where God showed me the importance of relationships. I think the main lesson for me is that, yes….
…we do need each other
…we can all help each other
…and build the kingdom of God through our relationships.
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Photo credit by Celestine Chua under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
On Thanksgiving Day, I received a text from the Pre-K teacher I worked with the past two years who was just thinking of me and wishing me a nice day. This summer she moved about 1  1/2 hr away and I only saw her once since then when we were both at a funeral for a mutual friend. In the process of exchanging a few texts on Thanksgiving, we both said how great it would be to get together. I made sure I made an effort to contact her on my day off that week, and it was a day that worked for her as well.
It was neat to see how God used just that simple, little text to orchestrate our get together which was a huge blessing for both of us. She was excited to show me their new home and the church that her husband pastors, so I made the trek to their new place. It is always a pleasure to spend time with her, talk about the Lord, our families, and whatever else comes up. We enjoyed a nice lunch at a quaint little restaurant and her husband joined us for a bit. Four hours flew by and I know both of us were inspired and encouraged through our visit.
Sharing different parts of our lives with each other and in more depth was truly a blessing. So often I think I am the only that is going through something, but then I learn that is not really the case. Having that support and encouragement from other people helps us get through different things and might give us a different view point that we had not thought of.
Another friend of mine texted me on a Sunday to say she bought some tickets to a Women’s Tea at her church and wondered if I wanted to go. It was a blessing to learn that because of a sermon she heard about the importance of community, she decided to go the Tea and invite a few friends.  Again, it was a blessing spending time together, take time to reflect on the reason for the Christmas season, and it was powerful to see the speaker at the Tea echoed a devotional I had just read from the pastor of Third Day. God at work!
During the past year, my life has also been enriched through building community through a 32-week Bible Study and then a 10-week one. That coming together and sharing thoughts about the studies and even prayer requests builds relationships that are so vital in our lives.
Small groups are a great way to build relationships as well. I’ve been blessed to be meeting one on one with  a friend who experienced the Bible study with me and then we both shared an in-depth weekend retreat. It has been a true blessing to meet weekly with her to share our experiences, pray for each other and encourage one another.
Third day post
David Carr, Mac Powell, & Mark Lee, all of Third Day, with some Gomers in Fayetteville, NC  11/20/15
Attending Third Day concerts and getting to know the old time fans called Gomers shows me the importance of relationships as well. And as I’ve said many times, the guys of Third Day model for us the importance of relationships. They take the time to ask how your trip was, thank you for coming, and wish you safe travels home to show they care. The Gomers are a group of people, bonded together through their love for Third Day music, who realize the importance of relationships and are there to support one another via prayer, an encouraging word if needed, and sometimes even financially if some disaster is affecting someone.
Though not quite as vital and certainly not to replace our face-to-face relationships,  social media these days can help build relationships to a point and a definite way we can encourage others. There are more opportunities to pray for others, encourage someone with a kind word, and make a difference in their life.  I have been blessed to feel led to pray and encourage a few people this way, and truly have been blessed in return. You might just say one little thing that might have a huge impact on the other person. God can use even the smallest gesture or one sentence spoken in truth to change the other person or help them see something in a different light.
So, I encourage you to be aware of the importance of relationships in your life. Even meeting an elderly neighbor at the mailbox and talking with them and being really “present” for a few minutes, rather than being busy with your to do list, can make an impact on their life. Take time for those vital relationships that God puts in your path!
Feel free to share ways you have experienced how vital relationships have been in your life. Maybe helping you through an illness, providing transportation or meals for you when you couldn’t provide for yourself?
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  –1 Thessalonians 5:11  (NIV) 

MOMENT BY MOMENT

Lord, help us to take
One day at a time
Not worrying about tomorrow
And live MOMENT by MOMENT.
Help us live each day
To the fullest for your glory
Soaking in the richness of everything
And live MOMENT by MOMENT.
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Photo credit by maymoron under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Lord, help us to see
You in everything around us
How you work mightily
While we live MOMENT by MOMENT.
Lord, help us to continually
Be refreshed
And renewed by your presence
As we live each moment,
MOMENT by MOMENT for you!
….For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who strengthens me.  –Philippians 4:11-13  (NIV)

SERVANTHOOD

“Serve as if it is the first time you served; Serve as if it is your ONLY time serving.”
It was so fitting for me to hear that saying while at the closing celebration of a weekend where I felt led to “serve” others in whatever capacity was needed in setting up the dining room for meals, with food preparation, and clean up from the meals.
I had never helped at this place before though my family and I have helped at a soup kitchen monthly for several years.  I went into this weekend feeling like I was there to be a servant; being available for whatever task was needed, no matter how menial.  It made me think about that is how Jesus was the ultimate servant, who came to this earth to SERVE, one of the most powerful ways being dying on the cross for you and me. Jesus came to serve, NOT to be served.
I envisioned Jesus doing even the most menial of tasks, liking wiping food off of chairs, vacuuming the crumbs off the floor, emptying the garbage, with love and in humbleness. I believe Jesus thought NO task was without value especially when done in love and humbleness.  Jesus did not think He was above anyone or think that He was exempt from doing any menial task.
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Photo credit by Sapphire Dream Photography under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND-2.0)
Whenever I work at the soup kitchen or in this kitchen, I try to be attentive to what others may need in whatever task they are performing and try to be there to assist them….maybe giving them a utensil they need when their hands are full, consolidating food into one container so the dishwasher person could get busy scrubbing the baked-on lasagna pan, etc.
I was truly blessed to be able to serve others that weekend especially since it ended up I was one of the younger people. I did not know any of the people there, but they certainly made me feel welcome, sharing hugs often with the main lady who was so happy I came to help. It is truly a blessing to talk with other people, try to see why they have the perspectives they have due to their life experiences, and to share the Christ in me.
There was one lady who was kind enough to take me under her wing, and filled me in as to how things worked, where things were and the history of things. She truly blessed me in our interactions, and we seemed to think very similarly in our serving of others. Her willingness to extend herself in sharing with me made me realize the importance of me doing that when I am in my local soup kitchen….reaching out to be friendly to any new comers who may be helping out.
Servanthood is a way of life. Looking for even the littlest ways of serving others is something I think Jesus did while on this earth.
No matter what we do, we need to do it in love and because of Christ in us…May we strive to be more like Jesus every day…serving others with love and humbleness.
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Are there places or ways God may be calling you to step out more and serve others? I think often we get so stuck in our routines that we might not step out and serve in some different way. It would be awesome to go help at this kitchen again, and to see some young faces there too….we are ALL called to serve one another in love and humbleness!
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  –Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.  –John 12:26 (NIV)

PRAISE TO HIM

All glory and praise
  Belong to our Lord
Whose love has done more
  Than we can afford.

Because of Jesus,
  We can face each day
With love and peace
  To brighten our way.

Since living with Him,
  Life is easier to bear
Because we know
  He’s always there.

His greatest deed
  Is hard to measure–
For eternity with Him
  Is a priceless treasure!

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Photo credit by marty hadding under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long. –Psalm 71:14-15 (NIV)

TRUE FRIENDS

What attributes come to mind when you think of a true friend?

I think we can learn some attributes of a true friend from thinking about:

–The example Jesus gave us

–Our relationship with Him

–And our own friends who might mirror Christ to us.

Remember too, that a friendship works both ways…

–It is a blessing to have true friends

–And, we have the honor of being true friends to others.

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Photo credit by MICHELLE TEGROOTENHUIS under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

A true friend is:

–Someone who really CARES what is happening in your life

–Someone who WALKS WITH YOU whether you are hurting or happy

–Someone who LISTENS to you with all his/her heart

–Someone who SHARES your ups and downs

–Someone who makes you SMILE and LAUGH

–Someone you can DEPEND on to support you especially in the struggles

–Someone you can TALK to about anything and everything

–Someone who shares their FAITH with you to help you grow

–Someone who ENCOURAGES you in your walk

–Someone who CHALLENGES you to be a better you

–Someone who UNDERSTANDS what you are saying

–Someone who shows COMPASSION when you need it most

–Someone who PRAYS with and for you

–Someone who REACHES OUT to you and forgets about their own needs.

I thank the Lord for His gift and example of being a true friend to us and for the special true friends He has placed in my pathway to share my life with.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.   –John 15:12-15 (NIV)

THE SNOWBALL EFFECT

Have you ever experienced and taken time to notice in your life something that could be coined the “Snowball Effect?” (I borrowed that from my editor as I was sharing some of the stories below with her.)

By this, I mean God can use events and circumstances in our life to affect another person and their life. One small encounter in our life can be viewed as a small snowball. As that event affects another, creating that snowball effect, the snowball continues to increase in size and affects even more things.

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Photo credit by 19melissa68 under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

For me, especially more recently, it seems I am more aware of it happening in my life. I am always so in awe of it and truly blessed to see how the Lord uses each and every one of us through such simple, ordinary ways to have a ripple effect. It makes me aware of God’s presence and Him working in my life and those around me.

Recently I had plans to visit a friend whose husband died a few months ago. We had a time arranged but at the last minute, I had a message from the friend saying to come an hour later as she was asked to be in a photo shoot for the place where she lives.

That simple little hour change in my plans then afforded me the chance to run to the dentist as I’ve been having some teeth issues. As I was driving to the dentist, I noticed, by the license plate, that a friend of mine was in front of me. I tried flashing my lights to get her attention but to no avail. Seeing her car made me think about saying a prayer or two for her as we haven’t seen each other or talked much in a few weeks.

After going to the dentist, I had a few minutes to run to the store, and felt inspired to pick up a few bouquets of flowers; one to leave for the friend whose car I had seen and the other for the lady I was going to visit though I wasn’t sure she really liked flowers. I thought it was quite a “God incident” that the lady I was visiting happened to have the same beautiful pink color shirt on to match the color of the roses I brought her.

When I got to the store, I texted my friend whose car I had seen, and I shared that I was praying for her. I was really blessed and inspired when she wrote back, “Well, that explains it. As I was driving, I felt this peace come over me. I had a bad day yesterday and need prayer. I’ll call you later.” When we talked later, she asked me where it was that I saw her…when I told her where she said that was the moment she felt the peace come over her. That sure was a God-moment for me! To see first hand the power of prayer was such a blessing for me…and my friend.

When we talked that evening, my friend shared an experience that she is going through that I have been through too, so it was awesome to see how God brought us together.

That same day, I was debating whether to attend a Celebration of Life for a husband of a teacher my children all had. It was about a 1/2 hr away in a different city & state. I really felt I should be there but wasn’t sure if I wanted to travel that far in the dark and on the country roads. While driving and at a stop light, there was a dump truck in front of me and though I’ve never seen anything like it before, on the top, right corner of the truck bed was the name of the city and state where the funeral was. To me, it was like “confirmation” that indeed I was to attend.

At the celebration there were many, many people and the “snowball effect” happened again. I was waiting in line to get in the church, but I was in the “right” place at the right time to see a teacher that I helped out in her classroom the last two years. This past summer she moved away so it was a blessing to run into her…and in the service we ended up sitting near each other though that was unplanned as well.

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Photo credit by Scripture As Art under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

As I sat at the Celebration of Life, all I could think was how powerful that ONE LIFE can be. This gentleman was a Godly man who was a basketball coach for 27 years and involved in Awana for 25 years at his church, among many other things. His life and Godly example touched so many people.

I think we ALL have that opportunity though maybe not in the “bigger” way that he did. WE have the power to touch and be a positive influence in EVERY life we come in contact with. Other people may not “see” the way we impact other’s lives, but God does and in the end, that is what matters. God sees all those little ways we try to brighten someone’s day, encourage another, pick up litter we see on the ground, send an email to someone we haven’t heard from in awhile, and the list goes on.

A few days later, I was taking my youngest son to his last outside fall baseball game. My teeth had still been hurting, actually even worse than when I went to the dentist the day mentioned above. To top it off, there were so many cars at this baseball field as there were football games going on too….there was no place to park! I drop my son off and try to find a parking spot way far away and hang out in my car (during his practice time) as it is a little chilly. I finally get a call from my son saying no one is there from his baseball team! Right as I was going to text the coach, the coach calls and says, “Oh, I just thought I bet I forgot to call you to tell you the game is cancelled.” Needless to say, I was not too happy especially as this isn’t the first time it happened.

On the way home, I decided to go to the store for some milk and bread. As I’m leaving there, out of the corner of my eye and through the boxes and aisles of food, I see a friend of mine who we get together weekly to talk about life and God. This is the first time our schedules and other commitments won’t allow us to meet for a month or more but we’ve been keeping in touch via emails.

The “snowball effect” again…if I hadn’t gone to the cancelled baseball game and stopped at the store, I wouldn’t have run into her. She had just gotten back in town from a weekend getaway. So, it blessed me to catch up quick with her and share about my teeth issue that was still so bad. Quite “God incident” my teeth did start to feel a little better after that encounter, as well as me asking another friend to pray for me on that same day.

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Photo credit by Sapphire Dream Photography under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Maybe these “snowball effects” are to benefit you, or maybe the other person. You may never know how your interaction touched or blessed another. God is good, and it is so powerful to see how everything is connected. I can help you, you can help me, and together we can glorify the Lord in all we do and say. It is awesome to be open to see the Lord working in all of our circumstances.

I encourage you to look at events and circumstances in your life to see what “snowball effect” you see. Feel free to share them in the comments section below.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. –Romans 8:28 (NIV)