Tag: kindness

CARE FOR

This reflection draws inspiration from a friend who shared these thoughts with me after our most recent visit. We both know it was divine intervention a few years ago that brought us together because of a Christian T-shirt that I was wearing at a retreat. Since then, we get together at least once a month and enjoy food, walks, and spiritual conversations.  This time I was glad she asked for assistance with two small house tasks that needed a second person.

She had been praying the next morning, and the word “care” came to her.  She pointed out something I had never thought about—the difference she sees between when you “care about” or “care for” someone.

Continue reading “CARE FOR”

GROWING IN LOVE

As I was reflecting on a recent day, this passage summed up my thoughts as I was thinking about the theme of being the Body of Christ in light of some events.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.  –Ephesians 4:15-16  (NLT) Continue reading “GROWING IN LOVE”

GOD’S GRACE

God’s Grace~~

 

A thought that occurred to me one particular day when I could not stop thanking God for His goodness and grace.

 

When we think of God’s Grace, I believe the first thing that usually comes to our mind is God’s Grace in relation to our salvation.  Grace is most commonly defined as “the free and unmerited favor of God.”  Because of God’s Grace to us, He sent His only Son, Jesus, to earth, to die for our sins; for our salvation.  Grace is a free gift from God to us!

In researching different definitions about the word Grace, I found one site that listed seven of them.  I am going to zero in on two of those which are applicable to these thoughts this week:

 

 

Continue reading “GOD’S GRACE”

LIVING KINDNESS

Reading a book entitled “Praying for Strangers” that a friend gave me for my birthday recently and attending a luncheon that included a talk on “Live a Life of Kindness” are inspiration for these thoughts this week.   I won’t mention that the luncheon was really a “seniors” luncheon because we all know I’m only 23; they were kind and made an exception for me!  😉

Both events were blessings in my life which I feel are wonderful ways to live our lives on this earth day by day.

We can all make this world a better place for at least one person every day by living a life of kindness; sharing the light of Christ, that is within us, with others.  Continue reading “LIVING KINDNESS”

KINDNESS MATTERS

You, my friend, are a valuable instrument and have the power to impact God’s kingdom for the better daily!

Do you believe that deep in your heart?

Seeking God in the little things and sharing those things with others is such an honor and in turn blesses our own lives at the same time! Continue reading “KINDNESS MATTERS”

THREE SIMPLE THOUGHTS

Recently, I saw two movies that left me with a few inspiring thoughts. They are simple things, but hopefully worth pondering to see how they can benefit you, and how you could incorporate them more into your daily life.

1-HAVE COURAGE 

One definition of “courage” is: “The ability to do something that frightens one.”
Can you think of some things you’ve done that took courage to do?
—Taught a Sunday school class?
—Ever gone a trip by yourself?
—Ever gone back to school after many years?
I think with doing any of these things, they require a certain degree of courage.
I think if you practice courage, you will end up having more faith in yourself and your abilities. In turn, you can experience more things, not be so afraid and grow more as a person.
Some of you may know recently I was in New Orleans and was truly blessed by taking my first air boat swamp tour by myself. I actually pet, fed and picked up a gator’s tail! Needless to say, I have never done anything like that before, and actually the week before I was “mad” at myself for not having enough courage to hold a horseshoe crab that a stranger had picked up to show us.
So, I’m not sure if that is why I felt compelled to just do the gator things, or because it was really a most relaxing, peaceful environment where there was so much beauty. Thankfully, I didn’t really “think” about doing those things, I just did it.
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                                         Feeding the hungry gator!
It was great because there were only three of us on the swamp tour and I was in the front too. At the one point, I even got to put my legs/feet across the seat so the gator came right up on the boat and went from one end to the other right in front of me! (I might have held my breath for that!)
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            The gator crossing our boat right in front of my legs!
So, I encourage you to try to face things with courage. If you have courage, it seems like you can face anything with a better attitude and succeed!
For the brave of heart who want to see me “catching” a gator, check out this short video:
https://youtu.be/Ug_n_JGffsI
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. –1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)
2-BE KIND
I like this definition of “kind”: “Having or showing a friendly, generous, sympathetic, or warm-hearted nature.”
 
Wouldn’t this world be an even better place if everybody was kind to every person they met? Being kind doesn’t cost anything and it is a great way to live. It is something we can ALL do, everyday! It can have a big impact on a life.
—That stranger you smiled at…he was feeling all alone.
—You saying that silent prayer for the elderly couple who can only shuffle their feet along as they leave the soup kitchen…I’m sure God blessed them because you cared.
—That person you surprised by paying for their coffee….you gave them hope by your small act.
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Be on the look out for how you can be kind to all those you meet….Open the door for someone, encourage someone with a positive word. Your life will be blessed as well as blessing another.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.  –Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
3-HELP SOMEONE TODAY
 
The one movie had this quote that I thought was worth sharing: “If you believe the purpose of life is to only serve yourself, then you have no purpose. Help someone today.”
Wow…I think that is great advice! See how you can help someone today!
I’m sure you’ve heard me say before that I truly feel happiest when I am helping another. It brings me happiness to do whatever “little” thing I can do to bring the love of Christ to others. In giving of ourselves, we give ourselves purpose.
What are some ways you can help someone today?
—Give an encouraging word to someone who is having a really bad day.
—Offer to stop at the store for a shut-in.
—Take time to understand how someone might be feeling.
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Photo credit by grapefrugten under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0). Words added by hopetoinspireyou.wordpress.com
Daily, see how you can help another. You will feel refreshed and renewed!
…serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  –Galatians 5:13-14 (NIV)
For me personally, trying to practice courage helps me realize that with God, I can do more things outside of my comfort zone. Doing that helps me grow as a person and in turn maybe reach out to others more. Trying to be kind and helping others seems like a natural extension of trying to share the Christ in me with others. Such simple things to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. –1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)

SPREAD A LITTLE KINDNESS

How can you spread a little kindness each and every day for Christ?  When we do any little act of kindness, we should do it freely, not counting the cost or looking for repayment–and, keeping in mind that our giving is unto the Lord.  Jesus gave himself so freely for each one of us–shouldn’t we, with His power, be able to do the same?

To help us spread a little kindness, we need to forget about ourselves and our trials, and put other people as a priority.  We also need to slow down a little in order to be aware of other people and their needs.  Think of how you can show some kindness toward the people that God puts in your path each day–be it family, friends, coworkers, or even complete strangers.

Your kindness might be:

  • Asking about a relative
  • Calling a neighbor who is home-bound
  • Giving a young mother a break from her children
  • Leaving a “surprise” note to brighten someone’s day
  • Defending someone you see being wronged
  • Giving some extra money to someone in need
  • Speaking a sincere “have a nice day” to the stressed cashier

Every person we meet is an opportunity to spread Jesus’ love through our kindness.  We just never know the circumstances or situation that someone is facing or experiencing.  By spreading a little kindness, we may ease their problems without ever knowing it while on this earth.

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Photo courtesy of Barbara Mazz under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

We may not always feel like showing some kindness to someone and it might not always be easy, but it certainly is a blessing knowing that it is exactly what the Lord would do and expects from each of us.

Jesus’ life gave us  examples of spreading kindness to others.  It did not matter to Jesus whether the people were lowly or lofty. Jesus showed kindness in healing the ten, lowly, outcasts of leprosy and with acknowledging the rich Zacchaeus, who was in a tree trying to catch a glimpse of Jesus passing by.

In our reaching out to one another in Jesus’ name, we will be following in His footsteps, and our reward in heaven will be great!

He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. –Proverbs 14:21

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Photo courtesy of MTSO fan under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)