stewardship

so today as i was coming back to the church from lunch there was a family that was offering to rake our leaves for some money. susan, of course informed them that our custodian, david, does these tasks. as i was turning the key to get inside she said 'excuse me ma'am'....to which i replied, 'yes'. do you guys have any food inside to feed a family of 4. we have our children in the car.
i had to tell them
no, ma'am not at this church. then i directed her to some local neighborhood centers, churches and soup kitchens that would be able to provide food, clothing and groceries for them.
she told me they were low on gas.
i simply apologized and told them i hoped that some of the organizations could help them because we simply could not.

oh how situations like these make my heart ache

patience & love

so today was proly the most stressful day i've had in awhile. i laugh at this b/c w/ the line of work i am in i take everyday as a blessing and use it as a chance to better myself as a person. i am constantly learning patience.
so today after a nice long talk w/ my best friend she shared some good scripture from 1 john and i turned to my own...
i remind myself of this regularly
the section reads
'marks of a true christian'
-let love be genuine. abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
love one another with brotherly affection, outdo one another in showing honor.
do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord" To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil but over come evil with good.-

sometimes i feel like i am failing my youth. i try my very best to teach them and to be a living example, but life is so hard for them right now. i can't imagine being a teenager in the current times esp one without a sturdy home life.
i pray everyday that i may be the best living example, that i may reach them, influence them for the better, that i can make a difference in their lives.
i pray that they learn to take the high road and that everyone one day will follow the guideline of trying to outdo one another in kindness and good deeds.
i would like to touch lives in a way where evil and anger are replaced with love, understanding, hospitality, patience and love.
my heart hurts for those who are suffering.
may Christ let his love pour out of me onto those in need and i pray he use me as an example of love.