Heart Reflections
Song: “Life of Praise” by Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgZEgr9yHds&feature=related
We are blessed. There is so much to be thankful for in our lives, however, how often do I stop to really praise the one who holds the world in his hands. Do I “live a life of praise”? During this Thanksgiving season take some extra time to think about the multitude of blessings you have in your life and give Him praise. Hopefully we continue to sing His praises throughout the year as we see the countless gifts of love we have been given. Here are a few lines of the song that were a great reminder to me:
I will love You, Lord always
Not just for the things You’ve done for me
And I will praise You all my days
Not just for the change You’ve made in me
But I’ll praise You for You are holy, Lord
And I’ll lift my hands, but You are worthy of so much moreFor You are awesome, God of the Nations,
Lion of Judah, Rock of the Ages, Alpha, Omega
You’re worthy of all praise
More than these hands I’ll raise
I’ll live a life of praise
I’ll live a life of praiseSong: “Indescribable” by Chris Tomlin
This is a great song giving God the glory for creation. We serve an amazing God and the song names only a few ways of how truly awesome He is from the seasons, to knowing each star, the depths of the sea and so much more. You cannot fit such an amazing God in a box. He is the creator of miracles and He is with you always to help guide your life no matter where you may go. Here is a piece of the song to encourage you:
Indescribable, Uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God.
All powerful, Untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees and we humbly proclaim,
You are amazing God.Operation Christmas Child Packing Party

One box ready to be opened by a girl and another one for boy! Every year our family and our church participates in the Operation Christmas Child. Our church collects items for Operation Christmas Child throughout the year. Each month they have an item or two that they request donations for and in late October they have a big Operation Christmas Child Packing Party. The girls enjoy donating items throughout the year but they really look forward to packing the actual boxes. We were not able to go to the church’s big packing party (the girls were very disappointed) but we were able to have a packing party at home. We had so much fun doing it I totally forgot to take pictures of the process! I was simply amazed at how many items we were able to get into the boxes. Our kitchen table was full of goodies and we were able to get almost everything into the boxes. The children getting these boxes will be very surprised at all the fun stuff the girls included.
How did we do it?
- We collected items throughout the year to put in our Operation Christmas Child Goody Box (toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, toys, trinkets, notebooks, books, socks, shirt, sunglasses, crafts, etc…)
- Once our OCC Goody Box was full we donated any extra items to our church’s packing party
- Throughout the year during the girls devotions we talked about helping others, Operation Christmas Child, and prayed for the children who would receive their boxes.
- The girls saved some of their money to purchase a few specific gifts for their child
- We prayed for the kids who would receive their boxes and went to the store to pick out items for them.
- We set all the gifts out on the kitchen table and packed as many gifts and treats that would fit into the boxes (the boxes barely closed with all the items).
- The girls proudly carried their boxes into church so they could be sent to their kids.
- We are continuing to pray for the girl and boy who will receive their boxes in the next few weeks.
Brina picked out items for a little girl and Karlie picked out items for a little boy. This activity provided many great opportunities to show the girls what it is like to give to others, pray for people who we will probably never meet, to share, and many other learning moments. The girls enjoyed donating to the church’s packing party throughout the year and it gave us an chance to discuss giving each time we donated items.
They love putting together their individual child boxes. I am amazed at how much thoughtfulness they put into each item they pick out for their kid. Even though we may never know the full impact their gift has on the recipient it is a true blessing to see them desiring to give generously to others without any expectation of getting anything in return. I pray that Operation Christmas Child will be a blessing to many children this Christmas Season and for many years to come.
Compassion International: “One Meal One Day” Event on November 9, 2011
On Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Compassion International holds an event called One Meal One Day. Skip a Meal and Change Your World. Have you ever gone a full day without any food because you have nothing to eat? There are people all over the world who are go hungry every day and this is a great opportunity for us to help.
What To Do?
- Step 1: Skip 1 meal on November 9, 2011 and donate the money you would typically spend on a meal (or more)
- Step 2: Engage Others – encourage others to participate in the event with you (both before the event day and the day of the event) by going without lunch and donating to help others around the world.
- Step 3: Feed Hungry Children – Compassion International uses your donation to feed children and train parents on the benefits of a healthy nutrition.
Why Should I Do It?
- You get to help others in a tangible way (food for those without any), plus you may have an chance to show the love Jesus with those around you.
- Youth, parents, and people around the nation are experiencing what it feels like to be hungry and sharing the challenge with their churches, passing out empty paper bags at school, and inviting their friends to skip one meal and give $5.
- When friends, family, or co-workers ask you why you are not eating lunch you have the opportunity share about the event and what Compassion International is doing to help starving people around the world.
- Once the donated amount is collected you send it to Compassion International so they can help feed children in poverty countries.
What is Compassion International?
- For over 50 years Compassion International has diligently worked to free children from poverty in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Compassion International works in 26 developing countries and with more than 1.3 million children who are living in poverty.
- While Compassion does help meet the physical needs of children they also minister to them spiritually.
- Compassion sponsored children have more opportunities for education, medical assistance, and physical benefits (such as food and water) while hearing the message of Jesus.
For more information about Compassion International and the One Meal, One Day visit their website. Our church youth group is encouraging everyone in our church to participate. Jake and I decided this is a great way to help others and are participating in this event.
Heart Reflections: I Was Hungry…
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. – Matthew 25:35
This verse has been on my mind since working on our church’s Alms & Legs Food Pantry a few weeks ago. Recently I was visited another church for a Fall Festival and I noticed the same verse on their Food Pantry informational sheet. Our family has gone through tough times but never have we been completely without food to put on the table, yet there are families in our community that go without meals every day.
I am grateful for this verse’s reminder of the importance of reaching out to other people to help not only with their physical needs but spiritual needs. Actions really do speak louder than words. What actions do I take when I see someone in need? Yes, I maintain the Food Pantry at church but how often do I reach out and give from my own resources to those in need around me?
Do you ever have a moral dilemma when you see a person standing on the side of the road holding a sign saying something along the lines of “Will work for food.”? What do you do? I have a mix of emotions seeing someone standing on the street holding one of those signs. I really never experienced anything like it growing up so the first time I saw someone standing there holding a sign I didn’t know what to do.
- Do you give money…..what if you just feed an addiction?
- Do you give food…..(you have a granola bar or box animal crackers in the car) does that really help them?
- Do you give them water…..(you have an extra water bottle in the car) how does that help them?
- Do you give words of encouragement…….you only have a few seconds or minute if you are at a stoplight?
I have had the opportunity to think about this situation and several other ones similar over the past few years. When you apply the verse from the beginning of the post by giving them food, drink, or a welcomed word of encouragement you are reaching out. You may be meeting their physical need which may in return open the door to meet their spiritual needs. I do not suggest you feed or give water to everyone standing on the street corner especially if it is unsafe. Use your best judgment, but take an opportunity to help others when you can even if it means just sharing a bottle of water or granola bar.
Song: “Something Heavenly” by Sanctus Real
I heard this song again recently, the phrase that really stood out in my mind was “Whatever You’re doing inside of me it feels like chaos but somehow there’s peace.” A few weeks ago I posted a series on Loosening My Grip one that had been on my heart and mind for over a year (the post was started back in September 2010) but I finally after several months of going back and forth with God about posting it I decided that he knows better and may encourage someone who is going through a similar situation even though I felt like “chaos” was going on inside of me. The other phrase that caught my attention with this song was “You’re up to something bigger than me, Larger than life, something Heavenly”. His plans are much bigger than me and sometimes I may miss out on an opportunity he has for me because I want to be in control even though my life is the most effective when he is in control and is working through my life. Hope this song is a blessing to you as well, here’s a few lines of it:
Whatever You’re doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there’s peace
It’s hard to surrender to what I can’t see
But I’m giving in to something HeavenlyTime for a milestone, time to begin again
Re-evaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will
Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills?
So show me what it is You want from me
I give everything, I surrenderWhatever You’re doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You’re up to something bigger than me
Larger than life, something HeavenlyHeart Reflections: Is Anyone Cheerful?
A few weeks ago I read a verse that stuck in my head. The verse reminded me of the importance of praying for others and giving thanks not only for what is happening in our immediate families but for the lives of those we touch everyday.
Is anyone among you suffering?
There are people around you everyday that are suffering. Some days you may be suffering as well. When you meet with a friend, family member, or acquaintance that is going through a tough time what do you do? It is wonderful to take time to listen and encourage. What does the Bible say about those who are suffering? The answer “let him pray”. The best thing you can do when you are going through a trial or you know of someone who is suffering is to pray.
Is anyone cheerful?
There is so much negativity that surrounds us every day that it can sometimes be more difficult finding people who are cheerful. Are we focusing on the positive blessings in our life everyday? How are we encouraging those around us? Is cheerfulness seen in your life? The Bible says to “let him sing praise.” When you are cheerful you may find yourself singing praises!
Is anyone among you sick?
It doesn’t take long to hear about someone who is going through an illness or suffering from an unknown sickness. When you have a friend or family member with an illness it is important to pray for them and have others pray as well. You may never know how much of an encouragement your prayers may be to those going through the sickness. God can work miracles and bring healing through your prayers.
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. – James 5:13-14
Song: “Fall Apart” by Josh Wilson
Sometimes it is easier to see the blessings and good in life when things are going well. The tough times can be difficult, however, in those times we may see greater healing, a deeper trust, and a stronger commitment to the one who holds our life in his hands. I heard this song several weeks ago and it has really made me think. Do I only worship and sing praises when my life it good? Or do I give Him all the glory even when I feel like my life is falling apart around me? He longs to hear from you both in the good and the difficult times. If you are going through a tough time right now I hope these words will be an encouragement to you:
Why in the world did I think I could
Only get to know You when my life was good?
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give You praise
Now it all seems upside down‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need?
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apartHeart Reflections: Gifts from Above
A few weeks ago I was speaking to a friend who received a gift anonymously. As we were talking I mentioned to her that we have been recipients of such gifts in our lives as well. I can think of several times God used someone in our lives to deliver special gift from above. During those times I had been praying for something specific and it came through a completely mysterious giver.
A desire to show appreciation.
After receiving the gift I would often find myself racking my brain thinking…..who could have given such an amazing gift? Did they know that I have been praying specifically about this particular item? Most of the times I never even shared the need with anyone other than God. In these situations I often find myself really wanting to know who it was that delivered the gift so I could say thank you in person or write a thank you note to them. I want to express my deep gratitude for what they did and the impact they made on my life. However, it is during those times that I realize that they don’t want me to know who it was because they didn’t do it for their glory or praise, they did it for God’s glory. It provides an opportunity for me to give God ALL the glory because only He could have instrumented such an amazing answer to my prayer. He really does hear our prayers. Whether you are going through a financial, physical, emotional time or other need, he hears and cares for you.
Directing my praise to the one who holds my life in his hands.
What do you do when you receive an mysterious answer to your prayer? Give all the thanks and credit to God. He worked through another person to directly answer your prayer. Glory in the goodness and blessings he continually bestows on us even in the midst of a difficult situation. We don’t deserve anything yet he longs for us to have a personal and ongoing relationship with him. Pray for that person who was used by God to meet your need at the time. You may never know who it was on this side of heaven but there may come a time when they have a need that God allows you to help answer.
What am I doing to help others?
On the flip side of the coin how often to I get those nudges from God to help someone or call or write or do something completely anonymous but don’t follow through with it. God can use you and me to deliver these amazing gifts to others. The gifts come in all shapes, sizes and varieties from an encouraging note, listening, phone calls, financial, physical help, and so much more (there really is no limit to the width and depth of these gifts). We may not know what is going on in their hearts and lives. They may be asking God for something specific or need to hear a word of encouragement and he gives you the opportunity to deliver His gift to them. I cannot tell you how large of a blessing and encouragement these gifts from God are to people. When you have a nudge or feel called to do something for someone take a moment and do it. You may be a tremendous blessing to a specific need that they have in their lives.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4
Photo by JD Hancock
Song: “Give You Peace” by Echoing Angels
Over a year ago I did a Bible Study with some women in our church on Esther and one of the phrases that stood out to me during that study was “such a time as this”. I was placed on this earth for a purpose, to share the good news with those around me. Even though I may not know all the answers, at times I struggle with seeing my passion, and often I stumble through life I have peace in knowing the one who] holds my life in his hands put me here on this earth at this place and time to bring him glory. Isn’t comforting to know that He has a perfect plan for my life. Below is the verse that really stood out to me in this song:
For such a time as this I have you here
Chosen for the lost to show I’m near
Through your brokenness my glory shines
And through your frailty my strength will rise




