Monday, July 1, 2013

Treasures

Last week, a dear friend invited me over to her house for coffee simply for the purpose of fellowship and to talk about writing. It was a treat! We enjoyed good coffee and even better conversation.

It's one of the events of the past couple of weeks that has reminded me of something. These are some of the others...

My parents recently spoke at a gathering at my church, telling their story. One of points they emphasized was the importance of being plugged into the body of Christ.

My youth pastor was having a water slide day at his house, and my sister invited me to come (even though I'm not in youth). I did. It was fun!

Last Sunday I sat in on my church's young adult group, talking and fellowship with people...

I realized how much I miss relationships. True, I'm introverted and like some good time to myself, but I also realize how much I need other people. You see, other people can see things differently than I can. They point out things I may miss. They make me laugh. They let me cry. They refresh my heart. It's the way Jesus created His Body--to need on another and to bless one another. I'm thankful that people care enough to invite me...even when I've told them "no" ten times before. I'm thankful for the Church. For friends. For family. And the reason it's so good is because He's in it.

Good times. And it's just the beginning!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Family

This morning I had a sweet time with the Lord.

For a brief weekend, some old friends and new friends of mine stayed at my house. I had asked the Lord before their trip that the visit would be one of encouragement and refreshment for both parties. I can say that, at least from my part, it was.

This morning I woke up early to see them off. I intended to going to back to bed once they left, but the house was so quiet, I couldn't resist an opportunity. I had put a kettle on for some hot water and made a cup of wild orange tea. Then, in the stillness of the early morning, the sky still mostly dark, I sat in our living room and journaled. And read my Bible. And thought. And prayed.

I've had the privilege of meeting believers from various parts of the U.S. as well as some in Ireland. Some of those people I may never see again on this earth. Still, they have a special place in my heart. Yet as I reflected this morning, I was thankful at the kindness of our God, who adopts us into His family. And while we may be spread out over the ends of the earth for a while, one day, we will all be together. I love the family of God. Like any family, we have our struggles. But there is no other family I would want to have. When I think of the things that bond people together, I know that there is nothing stronger than knowing that we are saved by Jesus and have a destiny to live for and with Him.

Life is busy. Days can be long. I get caught up in to-do-lists as much or more than the next person, stressing over all that "needs" to be done. But today, for a moment, my heart was stilled. I recently learned the definition of 'peace' as it is used in Galatians 5. It means, 'To set at one again.'
We worship a kind Lord. He sets our hearts at one again. We are whole in Him. And in each other. Our Family, where Christ is Head.