I feel awful. I think I may have hurt someone's feelings. Usually, I can just go to the person that I've hurt and apologize and ask for forgiveness. This time, I can't do that. (Trust me; if I could, I would. The reasons why I can't are too private to discuss on an internet blog.) It isn't a pride issue. I would much rather go apologize for something I've done than to have both of us feeling awful about it. If I could, I would pick up the phone right now and apologize and ask for forgiveness....
But I can't.
So I am left with the awful feeling of knowing I may have hurt someone I love and respect...
...And with the reminder that, though I did not mean anything AT ALL in a derogatory way toward this person (my words were actually aimed at myself about a particular thing), that through the ears of another, a different meaning may become attached to my words and shared with others.
I pray that God will work it all out so this person knows the true intent of my words...and that she will know that I think highly of her and care about her.
And for me, I pray that I will more closely watch the words I say so that I don't hurt others.
And in a similar instance, I typed something on my blog a little while ago that may have been misunderstood. Part of the reason I wrote it was because I was grateful that a certain person went out of their way to smile and make me feel valued in a circumstance that was somewhat overwhelming....but I’m afraid that I didn’t convey the true meaning of what I wanted to say. So if you’re reading this, please know how grateful I am that you have gone out of your way to be kind and to smile at me at times that you have known were difficult for me.
I do notice.
And I am deeply grateful.
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Edit: God worked this all out the very next day after I posted this.
Sweet forgiveness.
Peaceful heart.
Thankful for the way God works things out in my life.
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Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti
Please pray for the people of Haiti during this difficult time.
If you are interested in helping those in Haiti, you can make a $10 donation to the Red Cross by texting "Haiti" to 90999. You can also make a $10 donation to Compassion International by texting "Disaster" to 90999.
Thank you for any help you can give. Each one doing a little adds up to a lot.
If you are interested in helping those in Haiti, you can make a $10 donation to the Red Cross by texting "Haiti" to 90999. You can also make a $10 donation to Compassion International by texting "Disaster" to 90999.
Thank you for any help you can give. Each one doing a little adds up to a lot.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Little Things
I think most of us want to make our world a better place. Many of us ask ourselves what we can do to impact those around us. We sometimes look for "big" things to do. But I think when everything is said and done, it's the "little" things we'll remember the most. Those personal contacts that make our lives a little brighter each day.
The smile of one who passes by us.
A heart to heart talk with a trusted friend.
The hand on a shoulder of one who is hurting.
Sharing laughter with those around us.
An unexpected kiss on your cheek.
The touch of someone's hand on your arm as you speak.
A hug to welcome or comfort another.
Encouragement given to one who is discouraged.
Loving words in a letter to a friend.
As we go through life, the "big" things are important. We need people who can donate sizable amounts of money to various causes, start foundations, and such. But remember that the "little" things are important, too. The loving actions of others are often held dearly in our memories for years.
Do the "big" things if you can. But don't forget about the "little" things.
Turns out they're not so little after all.
"This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12
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The smile of one who passes by us.
A heart to heart talk with a trusted friend.
The hand on a shoulder of one who is hurting.
Sharing laughter with those around us.
An unexpected kiss on your cheek.
The touch of someone's hand on your arm as you speak.
A hug to welcome or comfort another.
Encouragement given to one who is discouraged.
Loving words in a letter to a friend.
As we go through life, the "big" things are important. We need people who can donate sizable amounts of money to various causes, start foundations, and such. But remember that the "little" things are important, too. The loving actions of others are often held dearly in our memories for years.
Do the "big" things if you can. But don't forget about the "little" things.
Turns out they're not so little after all.
"This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12
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Saturday, January 9, 2010
I Know Not
The note lay in his hand extended to me.
"My sister wants me to ask you if you can give this to ________ so they can ask their kids to go to the car wash."
It wasn't just any car wash.
The money was going to be used to bury several young people.
An under-age joy ride taken.
The ultimate price paid.
A mother alone.
So many hearts broken.
Emotion welled up inside me and I blinked back the tears that stung my eyes. My student's own eyes swam with tears as he looked up at me. For a moment, we both thought of the ones who, at such a young age, had left this life.
A holy moment.
Felt Your presence, God.
Please comfort those who grieve.
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Those words were written some time ago. Not sure why I thought of them tonight.
Perhaps the mother is feeling especially lonely right now. Perhaps others have recently experienced a similar pain...
All in need of prayer.
I know not why the words came to mind so frequently at this particular time.
But I know God can take my prayers and send comfort where it's needed.
And so I pray...
For those who cry in the night...
Weeping for loved ones they hold no more.
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book." Ps. 56:8
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"My sister wants me to ask you if you can give this to ________ so they can ask their kids to go to the car wash."
It wasn't just any car wash.
The money was going to be used to bury several young people.
An under-age joy ride taken.
The ultimate price paid.
A mother alone.
So many hearts broken.
Emotion welled up inside me and I blinked back the tears that stung my eyes. My student's own eyes swam with tears as he looked up at me. For a moment, we both thought of the ones who, at such a young age, had left this life.
A holy moment.
Felt Your presence, God.
Please comfort those who grieve.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Those words were written some time ago. Not sure why I thought of them tonight.
Perhaps the mother is feeling especially lonely right now. Perhaps others have recently experienced a similar pain...
All in need of prayer.
I know not why the words came to mind so frequently at this particular time.
But I know God can take my prayers and send comfort where it's needed.
And so I pray...
For those who cry in the night...
Weeping for loved ones they hold no more.
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book." Ps. 56:8
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Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Eve
It is Christmas Eve.
I am by myself, but I am not alone.
God is here.
And I drink in His presence
...and His love
...and His peace.
Tomorrow, I will celebrate with people.
Tonight, I celebrate with Him.
"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11
Merry Christmas!
May you feel His presence, His love, and His peace now and all through the year.
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I am by myself, but I am not alone.
God is here.
And I drink in His presence
...and His love
...and His peace.
Tomorrow, I will celebrate with people.
Tonight, I celebrate with Him.
"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11
Merry Christmas!
May you feel His presence, His love, and His peace now and all through the year.
************************************************************************************
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Game
My student stood at the front of the room during Show and Tell last year and talked about a game she had received for Christmas.
"...And it says, 'What does God want for Christmas?'. Then you look in this box that has a mirror in it and you see yourself because God wants you for Christmas."
When she had finished talking about the game, a student raised his hand and, with a hint of laughter in his voice, asked, "God wants me for Christmas?"
I readied myself, thinking I would need to step in and do a little explaining, but I needn't have worried; my student knew exactly what to say.
She hesitated for only a moment and then, with a wave of her arm to include everyone, she enthusiastically said, "God wants ALL of us for Christmas!"
I smiled at her perfect answer.
God does want all of my students for Christmas.
He wants you for Christmas, too. And for every other day as well.
You have only to come to Him. He won't turn you away. He loves you.
This Christmas season, give yourself to Him.
(And the next time you look in a mirror, remember how very much you are loved and wanted by God!)
"For God so loved that world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
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"...And it says, 'What does God want for Christmas?'. Then you look in this box that has a mirror in it and you see yourself because God wants you for Christmas."
When she had finished talking about the game, a student raised his hand and, with a hint of laughter in his voice, asked, "God wants me for Christmas?"
I readied myself, thinking I would need to step in and do a little explaining, but I needn't have worried; my student knew exactly what to say.
She hesitated for only a moment and then, with a wave of her arm to include everyone, she enthusiastically said, "God wants ALL of us for Christmas!"
I smiled at her perfect answer.
God does want all of my students for Christmas.
He wants you for Christmas, too. And for every other day as well.
You have only to come to Him. He won't turn you away. He loves you.
This Christmas season, give yourself to Him.
(And the next time you look in a mirror, remember how very much you are loved and wanted by God!)
"For God so loved that world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
************************************************************************************
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Just for Fun
Somewhere, alone, in the dark of an early morning, she wrote...not from scratch...and not even words intended to be written, but write she did...maybe not even well, but definitely memories from the heart. Here it is...snippets of the present and past mixed together...for those who wish to peek inside my life....
...to the tune of My Favorite Things...
A lovely sunset and stars in the night sky
Contagious laughter and a small town fish fry
Knowing a friend's on the phone as it rings
These are a few of my favorite things
Happy exclaims when with others you're jokin'
Warm, loving hugs; memories of words spoken
Walking in snow with my dog evenings
These are a few of my favorite things
When there's too much
Work to do and
I'm in need of rest
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel...so stressed
Colorful trees that I see in the autumn
Crunching leaves underfoot when I walk on 'em
The peacefulness a new fallen snow brings
These are a few of my favorite things
Times with my family we spent all together
Laughter and smiles, all things that I treasure
Driving on trips; how I feel when I sing
These are a few of my favorite things
Sparkling eyes and emotions unhidden
Words sent to me that were lovingly written
God in my life and the joy that He brings
These are a few of my favorite things
When there's too much
Work to do and
I am feeling stressed
I simply remember my favorite things
Cause they make me feel...so blessed!!!!
************************************************************************************
...to the tune of My Favorite Things...
A lovely sunset and stars in the night sky
Contagious laughter and a small town fish fry
Knowing a friend's on the phone as it rings
These are a few of my favorite things
Happy exclaims when with others you're jokin'
Warm, loving hugs; memories of words spoken
Walking in snow with my dog evenings
These are a few of my favorite things
When there's too much
Work to do and
I'm in need of rest
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel...so stressed
Colorful trees that I see in the autumn
Crunching leaves underfoot when I walk on 'em
The peacefulness a new fallen snow brings
These are a few of my favorite things
Times with my family we spent all together
Laughter and smiles, all things that I treasure
Driving on trips; how I feel when I sing
These are a few of my favorite things
Sparkling eyes and emotions unhidden
Words sent to me that were lovingly written
God in my life and the joy that He brings
These are a few of my favorite things
When there's too much
Work to do and
I am feeling stressed
I simply remember my favorite things
Cause they make me feel...so blessed!!!!
************************************************************************************
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