Eeny-Meeny-Miney-Mo

The memories of my childhood - not unlike yours probably - are filled with moments in which I found myself huddled among my peers, our feet or knuckles forming a sloppy sort of circle while one of us sets about the formidable task of determining who was going to be "it". No matter if the rhyme was "Eeny meeny miney mo.." or "Bubble gum, bubble gum in a dish...", the goal was to keep it random so no one could be accused of playing favorites. Anticipation was just part of the fun.

As a child I didn't mind that things were arbitrary. For the most part my days weren't planned. Other than organized sports or piano lessons, my days were pretty much my own. Pretend my dolls are having a giant slumber party which include a giant pink and white puppy dog? Sure. Lip synch the entire Muppet Movie album for hours on end? Why not! Hakuna Matata, man.

However, most people they see chaos as their mortal enemy. Our days are planned. Our trips are planned. Our meals are planned. Not much is left to chance these days. Don't even think about being spontaneous, we've got things to do, right?

Guess what - and moms know this more than anyone - our plans are worthless. Our plans are overwritten by an almighty God. And thank goodness because we'd get it all wrong. God has a great plan for us, and when we do things our way we are only getting in His way. That doesn't mean you leave everything to chance. I'm pretty sure none of us are going to buy a house on the Eeny-Meeny-Miney-Mo Method. Instead talk to God about His plan. Listen to what He has to say about your life. Trust me, He cares enough He'll tell you.

Heavenly Father,

Please forgive us for doing things our own way. Please forgive those times when we thought that we knew best and made decisions without you. Give us the ability to be still and know you. Open our ears to hear your word and your desires for us. Thank you for loving us enough to make a fool-proof plan if only we would listen to you. Throughout the bible you have revealed that your guidance is patient, kind, and loving. Help us to trust in your word and to not worry when things go awry. Your plan is better than our plan. Your ways are better than our ways. 
Amen

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."" - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Random Acts of Kindness - Day 1

 

Have you ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness (RAK) from a total stranger? Maybe someone took care of your coffee at Starbucks. Or a neighbor anonymously mowed your lawn. Maybe you were fortunate enough to find yourself at the receiving end of a large gift such as a car or money for medical bills. If you've ever been on the receiving end of RAK you know just how good that makes you feel, especially if you're going through a difficult time. But an act of kindness doesn't have to be some grandiose display; a kind word, an act of thoughtfulness, or a pleasant smile are just a few simple ways to show kindness to those around you. 

In the bible we see all ways in which Jesus shows kindness. Of course Jesus is not random, his deliberate kindness is an integral part of his ministry here on earth. He spoke kindly to the woman at the well when the rest of the world was ignoring her. He was kind to the lepers while others shunned them. He washed the disciples feet when they should have been kneeling to worship Him. Jesus was still kind as he hung dying on the cross when he sought God's forgiveness for those who had been malicious toward Him. Kindness means humbling yourself when you'd rather be self-righteous. Being kind means you have to lay yourself down despite how you feel about that person or situation. Kindness is easy when we like someone, but Jesus was kind to all - the poor, the sinners, the hopeless, the diseased, and even to those who tortured Him.

Heavenly Father,

What a blessing it is when everyone is kind to one another. But we know in this world we run across all sorts of people who are inconsiderate, unthoughtful, and spiteful. Lord, we ask that you be with us today as we encounter others. Despite our feelings, we need you to help us to be good-hearted and compassionate to others. When that angry driver is riding our bumper, let us be the first to be considerate and let them pass. For that mom in the store with the kid throwing an inconsolable fit, let us be the one person who smiles and tells her she's doing a good job. Show us all the ways today in which just a kind word or friendly glance would make someone's day. We're here to shine your light, Lord. Make us a beacon in this dark world. Let not one opportunity for kindness pass us today. Keep our eyes open and our hearts soft to those hurting around us. Thank you Lord for the kindness you have shown us through your sacrifice on the cross. We pray that today we would be a perfect example of your gracious love. In Jesus' glorious name,

Amen


"The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness." Psalm 145:17

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12

On Our Hearts: Family

Heavenly Father,

The season is upon us. It's that time of year where family often makes an extra effort to be together. A time to surround ourselves with the ones we love and to be reminded of what truly matters. So why is that while we attempt to connect with our loved ones we find ourselves full of dread? There's the family member that is just a little too nosey, the one who knows how to push our buttons, and the one with the annoying habit that likes to ruin everyone's fun. Suddenly that loving moment turns into one big aggravation.

Father, please forgive us when we feel resentment during this time. Restore that desire to spend time with our family. Let us love them exactly where they are and not where we wish they would be. Give us patience and grace when handling awkward and uncomfortable situations. Let us stand firm in our faith when we are tested by those we love. Give us a supernatural understanding when it comes to dealing with our family members. And let us be the one true example of Your love. Thank You Lord, for the family that You have given us. May we be blessed and be a blessing this season.

Amen

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." James 1:19

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12

On Our Hearts: Patience

Heavenly Father,

There are so many things that we have prayed for and yet we still wait for Your answer. We are at the mercy of Your perfect timing - unfortunately we are not so good at waiting. We continually seek immediate and self-gratifying answers though You have told us to wait and be patient. We can't see the big picture that You have so carefully painted for us. We're too eager to skip past all the "little" things and just get to the end result.

Lord, we know deep down that You have an awesome plan for our lives. We know that as our Father You know what is best for us. We also know that no amount of manipulating or plotting will get us the result You desire for us. We ask that You give us the patience to wait. Give us a joyful spirit in faith that You will answer our prayers, that You will give us what we seek. God, You are our Provider, Deliverer, and Companion we put our hope in You.

Amen

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

"If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you." John 15:7