Faith in action

James 2:25-26 (Message translation)
"The same with Rahab, The Jericho harlot. Wasn't her action in hiding God's spies and helping them escape-
that seamless unity of believing and doing- what counted with God?
The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse.
Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse.
"

Monday, January 31, 2011

Day 30- Here in the love of Christ I stand!

I remember thinking when Amanda died that if God would have taken both my arms and my legs it would have hurt less. And I remember thinking given the choice I would have chosen being limbless in a heartbeat.

Then one day I saw this guy. I immediately identified with him and was so blessed by his example and story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3LFBqvvW-M


I thought, "Yes! This is what GOD can do!"

We are not alone.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Day 29

Meet people where they are at 
with a heart of love and compassion.

Remember where you came from- identify.

 Be busy! 

Be a servant to all 
 for the cause of the Gospel.

It's good to do things because you are supposed to, but
 better to have a willing heart.

 All points from our sermon today given by missionary Andy Bishop.  
From the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians.
  This is how I hope to live my life and share my faith.

Out of all the people I meet in heaven I hope Paul is one of the first. I imagine him with such a humble face, and a heart made strong from suffering for the cause of true love. Afraid of nothing.

  After church today son Jared went to spend the day with son Nick at his apartment. So I went home and got lost in deposits and spreadsheets and bills and church treasurer reports! It was fun- believe it or not :) I am so thankful to have a way to serve that I enjoy so much too. I hope to do a good job.
  
Main Entry: willingness
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: readiness
Synonyms: alacrity, compliance, consent, eagerness, enthusiasm, zeal
Antonyms: aversion
willingness. (n.d.). Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition. Retrieved January 30, 2011, from Thesaurus.com website:http://thesaurus.com/browse/willingness


Saturday, January 29, 2011

Day 28

Saturday morning. I am sitting at my dining room table watching the birds at the feeder. Everything is covered in white, peaceful snow. I have coffee, a sweater and slippers, and a fire going to keep away the chill. This is what I love about winter. The cozy, slow solemness of it. The sky is still gray today but I woke up with more energy than usual, and I intend to make the most of it! I usually view Saturday as a good day to make a loose plan for the coming week. I say loose because you know how plans are- God might have a different one. But just in case He doesn't I do my best so the time doesn't get frittered away too awful much.
Tim happens to be out of town today and Jared has plans with a friend, so this won't be a family type Saturday. I can get all wrapped up in my scheming and nobody will miss me!
I like to make a BIG list of all the things I would like to accomplish throughout the week and I organize them according to efficiency and fit them in where it works best around the family schedules. Tim said once he wanted to do something on my list so he could be a part of something so epic! Funny guy.
I will have fun with that and some church spreadsheets. However, what I really need to do is get outside and go for a walk. Milo ( my chubby dog that lays around all day) needs it too. So I am going to shoot for that. Walking and list making with some laundry and dishes mixed in.

I am going to write to Aunt Vi today too and tell her how much I love and appreciate her and her life and example. I am pretty sure I told her before, but I forget and maybe she does too. It can't hurt to tell her again! She is really in my heart lately.

I have made up a simple little prayer that I say in the morning:

Thank you Father for another day, help me to live it YOUR way.

No matter what. If I live in a comfy house or not. If my plans work out or not. I am grateful for my life. I am grateful for Jesus.
.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Day 27

Yep I missed Day 26!!

On Day 26...
I went to see Jared's basketball game, got home around 8:30. Then we sat down and turned on the TV. We watched American Idol and my brain turned off. I completely forgot! I am not sure why that surprises me so much- I forget everything else. I did remember finally, right around 11:45 while lying in bed, but I was stuck. It was like quicksand, believe me. No getting out. I was rescued this morning from the life sucking bed by the smell of coffee and an obligation to go to school conferences.

I have now returned to the quicksand- because I like it here- and figured I better write before it's too late again!

I first sat down to reply to my emails. In one of the letters I wrote I talked about my Aunt Vi. She will be 97 in March. I realized that in February I will be 45. The next thought I had was that Aunt Vi has lived two of my lifetimes plus a few years. I can only imagine the amount of things that can happen were I to continue on for another whole lifetime. I think of all the things that have happened in my life so far. All of the changes. When I was in my twenties I could not imagine that my perspective on things would change very much but it sure has. How much will it change in the next twenty... forty? What things that seem so important now will lose their grip? What things that I take for granted will I learn to thank God for every day? I know one thing. The future has never turned out to be what I imagined it would be- so I won't even try. I will just try to appreciate each day and each gift. Another 45? I think I'm up for it. As long as I have a notepad! Oh, and coffee and a good pair of pajamas.





PS...the counseling center I gave the bookmarks to, called and asked for more!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Day 25

Soooo darn tired today. I have really dragged myself through this one. Not quite sure why- maybe just the lack of movement in general combined with the lack of sunshine.
When my energy levels are so low, I feel depressed. Or is it when I feel depressed my energy levels are so low?
I really am not sure sometimes which comes first. Sometimes depression is just an underlying feeling that I grow accustomed to and so it just feels normal.
It is just the sadness and yearning that never really goes away. I think sometimes it manifests itself in me physically and makes me feel very tired. The combination of winter weather just adds to the mix.

Lack of energy always frustrates me. One part of me has this never ending sadness that makes me tired. The other part of me has joy and plans and projects I want to carry out. If the energy is not there physically it can be really frustrating! It makes me think about people that live with physical pain every day. How do they do it? Well how do any of us do it? Life is just plain hard sometimes.
I realize though that this is just a temporary condition. It is an ebb and flow. The energy will return. Probably after I acknowledge the pain, cry for awhile, and rest. Then I will be able to get back to work!
I tell you, I have more ideas running through my brain sometimes then are really necessary!
I think I would like to start up a "sewing for service" group at church and make things like diapers and dresses for Haiti or some more of those parachutes for Columbia. I would like to invite the community to come too.

So I best go to sleep now....tomorrow is always a big day!





This dress is made from a pillowcase. You can make them for Haiti orphans.

 Here is a tutorial:   

http://freshlypicked.blogspot.com/2008/03/pillow-case-dress-tutorial.html

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Day 24- Learning by doing...

There are some days that I feel at a loss for what I should write about here. If I haven't made a plan for the day, I don't feel right just writing about something little that I may have just done naturally to be loving and encouraging.
And, there are some times that I feel as though writing about what I have done has somehow taken something away from it.
My main goal in beginning this blog was to make sure I would be intentional about my days and how I spend them. They seem to pass by so quickly and it is very easy for me to just get wrapped up in myself. I was inspired by James, and Amanda's favorite poem and the other ladies blog. It all came together in a way that made sense to me.
As I follow through with writing daily, some things keep bothering me. Sometimes I don't want to write about something because the other person involved may not want me to. Other times I don't want to write because it feels as though I am boasting about something I did, even if I am not. I think that has something to do with it being an every day thing. On some days I am excited and happy to share about my experience because I think it is worth sharing. So...
I still think my resolution is a good one and I want to follow through with it. However, I think I am going to do it just a bit differently.
I will come here and write every day. I just want to write about what is on my heart. Just coming here will do the job of keeping me thinking about being intentional with my days. There will still be times that I will share about something I have done, because it may be helpful or inspire an idea for whoever might be reading. Or maybe I just want to share!
It has been six years since my dad and my Amanda died. It has been a hard road. I have been slowly beginning to join in with the world around me again. My sons, my husband, my family and friends have loved and encouraged me along. Jesus has given me joy and hope. I really want to return that each and every day. It has made all the difference. Otherwise I know exactly where I would be, because I have been there before.
I would be lost and lonely and hurt and bitter and angry and rebellious and I would not care what happened to me. THAT is why I want to share. THAT is why I want to Bedoing!
So.... stay tuned (if you are out there)... I will share my heart, my exciting days and my mundane thoughts, and I will keep the rest between me and the Lord and whoever is sent my way.
You live and you learn!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Day 23

I am out of sorts today. It has been a busy day but I keep feeling like I am forgetting something important.
Hmmm.... must not be too important, right?

I am getting ready to sit down and write an email to a woman I have not talked to for some time.It has probably been a year or more- shame on me! I just want her to know I am thinking of her and she is very dear to me.


Sunday, January 23, 2011

Day 22

Today I spoke words of encouragement and love to someone that has been down a pretty rough road for awhile and is now close to reaching a major goal. Gave him a big hug too.

In church today a man from Haiti came and spoke to us. He has gone from a very poor child that used to get picked on, to an educated man of God that teaches and is a pastor. His story basically started when some missionaries from America gave him a new pair of pants. That small act of kindness changed everything for him. I was so encouraged to hear about how God will use such seemingly small things to do very big things! Of course I knew it already- but I LOVE to see the living proof!
That's my Father!

I was elected church treasurer today and I am so grateful to be trusted with this responsibility. I have had fun with spreadsheets and Quickbooks all afternoon :) I like them almost as much as making blankies!  Speaking of which- I am going to go crochet a couple of rows before turning in. 

God is so good.




 

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Day 21

Today was spent finishing the quilt top from yesterday. Now I just need to do the embroidery. I decided it needs to be a tad bigger- so when the time gets closer I will put a border on it and then finish it up. Tonight I will continue to work on the crocheted baby blankie I am making for some other friends who are being blessed with a little girl very soon. In fact the due date for their baby is my birthday :)
I also just found out another friend of mine is going to be a grandma very soon! Lucky girl. And lucky me I get to spend more blogging days bedoing what I like best- making baby blankies! It just occurred to me that I could use up some scraps to make blankies for the pregnancy center. They have a program where they reward parents with things from their "shop" when they complete certain parenting classes and goals. They are always looking for blankets and things for the "shop".

Brososky News alert:

My boys all went out and worked on tearing down an old barn today. I am really excited to see how we end up using all that beautiful wood in and around our home! It is going to be ALOT of work. And first they have to relocate the BEES.... 


Wow- and that's just a small portion of the hive.
Guess they were BEEdoing too. I just had to say it :)

Friday, January 21, 2011

Day 20- Beblogging?

It is amazing that we are 20 days into the new year already.
Each day that has gone by that I have made a point of doing something for Christ, because of His love, I have felt like I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be-doing. :) 
The question in my heart today is: should I be blogging about it? Does it take something genuine out of the encouragement by sharing it this way?
I'm not sure. It has helped to keep me accountable to my resolution. I know there have been a couple of days that would have slipped by, had I not made the promise to myself to report to the blog every day.
 In that respect it has become like a job; a commitment to Christ and myself. Blogging is like my time sheet. Clocking in. Additionally, it is a way to share myself and my heart with anyone that cares to read about it. It is a way to share the journey, and from my perspective, another way to encourage someone to be-doing for Christ also! 
I guess I have answered my own question for now, and will continue to record my daily work here, in the hope that it will bring praise to God and not to me. It is because of Him that I live and breathe and feel joy and that is what I want to share!

Today I spent the day working on a baby quilt for a young lady I know who will soon be having her second child. She is just starting out with her husband and will no doubt have many challenges ahead. The quilt has the pattern of a cross in the middle and in the light colored squares I plan to embroider these words:

Jesus loves me

This I know

For the Bible

Tells me so!



Remember that song? It's all ya need to know!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Day 19




I liked yesterday's idea so much that I did some more today!

 I absolutely love the idea of the Word of God falling from the sky and then changing a life forever.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Day 18- Dios es Amor

Well, my encouragement today will go deep into the Columbian jungle! I find this fascinating. I am excited to think I can help to spread the love of God in such a cool way. A bible arrives straight from the heavens! 

Check it out:  


http://www.persecution.com/colombia

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Monday, January 17, 2011

Day 16

Have you seen Undercover Boss yet?

My son Nick was telling us about it the other day. He related how touched he was by the actions of the CEO's of the companies after they had lived a day in the shoes of their employees.
This evening, my other son, Jared, remembered the conversation and suggested that we watch a few episodes via Netflix.
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/undercover_boss/about/

What a great show! 

While undercover, the CEO's were greatly encouraged by the employees they found putting their hearts into their daily jobs no matter how hard or yucky the job was. At the end of the show when the boss reveals who he is, the employees are greatly encouraged to have been noticed and appreciated  for their effort, hard work and good attitude.

 After watching the show, I realized that I can be an encouragement to the people around me by putting my heart into everything I do and having a positive attitude. Also, I can encourage them by noticing when they are working hard and letting them know they are appreciated for all they do.

My husband Tim, is on my heart tonight. We have been through a lot together. You could probably pretty honestly say we have been through hell and back in our marriage. We decided to put our needs and our marriage into the hands of God and we worked hard at learning how to love each other the way Christ teaches us to love. Tim did not give up, and he has worked hard and put his heart into being a good father and husband. I really appreciate that and I am pretty sure he knows it, but tonight I am going to write a letter to him telling him how much I appreciate him and some specific reasons why.


It is encouraging to me to know that God, my CEO, pays attention to me and knows my name. In fact He created me for a specific purpose and job and helps me with it every step of the way :)

This I share from   http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2010/04/09/god-knows-our-name/

 

God Knows Our Name!

There are folks in our world who believe that God is a non-caring God — a nebulous God who is completely detached from His creation and created beings. As Christians, it’s comforting to know that the God we serve knows our name and is personally concerned about our welfare and well-being (John 10:14-NKJV; cf. 1 Corinthians 8:3-NKJV; Gal. 4:9-NKJV; 2 Timothy 2:19-NKJV; 1 Peter 5:7-NKJV).
Let us look at the following examples to illustrate the fact that our God takes a personal interest in each one of His followers:
  • Before his name is changed to Abraham, God calls to Abram out of a vision saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram” (Genesis 15:1-NKJV).
  • When Abraham is about to offer his only son Isaac upon the alter, the angel of the Lord calls to him out of heaven saying, “Abraham, Abraham” (Genesis 22:11-NKJV).
  • Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-2-NKJV). As Moses goes to investigate why the burning bush is not consumed, God calls to him from out of the bush saying, “Moses, Moses” (Exodus 3:3-4-NKJV).
  • Young Samuel being fast asleep, when he repeatedly hears the Lord’s voice say, “Samuel” (1 Samuel 3:4,6,8,10-NKJV).
  • Saul hears the voice of the Lord say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4-NKJV).
All of the above verses consistently affirm that God does indeed know His children by name. He is very much aware of our problems, our attitudes, our motives, our works (whether good or evil), and our sins. Since this is the case, we should rejoice that our God is a loving, long-suffering, merciful, and forgiving God, who is personally interested in each one of us.
Let’s give praise, glory, and honor to His name this day and every day! (Psalm 30:10-12-NKJV; Psalm 42:11-NKJV; Psalm 150:1,2,6-NKJV).

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Day 15




Today is sleepover day! I am at my mom's with my sister having a wonderful time and I was wondering what I was going to do for the blog today when I realized that we have been loving and encouraging each other all night.
I don't know how to put into words how wonderful it feels to have this kind of sisterhood.
It has not always been this way. For me anyways. I have learned over the years and through the trials of life how much we need each other and that we can share our hearts and souls no matter what. We will always love and support each other. There is so much security knowing that.

 My encouragement and love today are for my sister and mom. I am most grateful for their love and encouragement in return.




Saturday, January 15, 2011

Day 14

Went to get a badly needed haircut today. Badly needed because I was supposed to go the week before Christmas but I was too sick. I finally got around to making a new appointment.
I decided to take my hairdresser a late Christmas gift. I also talked to her about my faith and about my resolution and my blog. She is the same age Amanda would be. I hope some little seeds were planted, she is a sweet girl and very thoughtful about life.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Day 13

hmmm....I feel so out of it today. Just off a bit, like I can't follow a thought all the way through, and I am just tired.
Last night wore me out I think. I went to a dear friends birthday party and met some very gracious friends of hers. We had a very nice night and conversation, which at one point came around to women that had lost children. My friend Dana and I ended up sharing our hearts and our mutual experience of the death of a child. Normally something like this might have turned a happy evening into a sad one, but I left feeling that somehow everyone had been blessed in a way and the power and love of God was clear in our testimony.
I have always believed that things happen for a reason and this was no different.

However, it always brings up so many emotions and makes me tired for a day or two. When I got home LATE (11:45!) last night I found a message on my answering machine from my sister. She had been to the funeral of a 17 year old, and Amanda's memory all came crashing down on her. On the machine she sounded pretty overwrought and I called her back but she was already in bed. I got in touch with her today and she was doing better, but I know how much that kind of thing wears a person out. I was thinking we could really use some sister time and my mom has been hoping we could both come over and spend the night at her house.

So I made arrangements with them and we are going to have a sleepover on Sunday! I hope that counts for showing my love today :)
I think it does because in the past it has been all too easy for me to stay within myself when I am tired and hurting and not reach out. It is easier for me to just not answer the phone and to hide away.
I am so thankful for my family always there.






Thursday, January 13, 2011

Day 12

A few days ago, I wrote to encourage a family member who is in jail. Yesterday I received a letter back from him. Today I am going to write to him again. I am so glad that he is responding to me, I can tell he is really down and out.
I think I will also send him one of the bookmarks I made and this picture by Ron DiCianni.



When he wrote to me he shared this poem with me that had touched him deeply:


Someday


Someday all doubt and mystery will be made clear. 
 The threatened clouds which now we see will disappear.   

Someday what seems a punishment or loss or pain,
  Will prove to be God's blessing sent for every gain.  

Someday our weary feet will rest in sweet content,  
 and we will know how we were blest by what was sent.  

And looking back with clearer eyes our life's short span
We'll see with wondering glad surprise God's perfect plan.

And knowing that the way we went was God's own way,
We'll understand His wise intent,
Someday
Someday


Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Day 11

Taken from prisoneralert.com :


Location: Afghanistan
Arrested: May 2010
Days Imprisoned: 227


On May 24, Said Musa was arrested by government authorities in Afghanistan following a television broadcast that showed Christian baptisms and worship, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts.

Musa has openly professed his faith, and he was interrogated about his conversion to Christianity on national television in June. Musa’s wife has visited him in prison. “Musa told his wife that he has been under serious pressure to disclose details about people and NGO’s,” VOM contacts said. “During the third week of August he was moved to another prison and interrogated and beaten again.” Prior to his arrest, Said was employed by the Red Cross/ Red Crescent Society for 16 years. 



Today I sent a letter of encouragement to Said Musa.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Day 10

Have you ever seen a 14 year old play the ukelele? It has got to be one of the coolest things ever.


      



 The next coolest thing is to have that same 14 year old with teenage insecurities decide to play his ukelele and sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow for an audition for The Wizard of Oz- the school spring production!


Jared, my son, the 14 year old I am talking about, texted me around 6 pm. I had planned on picking him up at the school around 8:30 after auditions were over. He was planning to try out to be one of the witch's guards for the play. You know- oo ee oo... oo ooo. He planned on just singing Happy Birthday for his audition and getting it over with. When he texted me I had just recently gotten home from a long day of memory testing-(another story for later perhaps)- and I was planning to write a letter to a persecuted Christian for my blog today.
I was just starting to settle in and get started when Jared texted and asked me if I would bring him his ukelele so that he could use it for his audition. It was snowing pretty good outside and my first inclination was to say no, you should have thought of that before and took it to school with you. But then I realized it was very much worth going out of my way to encourage him in this way of showing himself and his heart and talent to others. He had told me he was nervous and I had said to him, " Just be yourself and how can they help but love you!" So in this way I could help him "be himself".




 So I packed up the ukelele, and drove to the school where he was anxiously waiting for me at the doors. He hugged me and thanked me and went off to do his thing while I waited for him. I first went back to my car and just prayed for him. Then I went to the cafe and had a cup of coffee and waited. I thought this was the best way I could possibly have spent encouraging someone today. He was finally done around 8:30. He had waited until close to the end so not so many people were around. I could sense his feeling of pride that he had done something very difficult for him. He did not think he had done well but he was glad he had dared to do it and I was so glad too. I continued to tell him throughout the night how proud I was til my husband said that was probably enough :)

I got to thinking about the Wizard of Oz and how each character in it just needed a bit of encouragement!!

Dorothy- How much she was loved and needed at home

Scarecrow- His thinking was worthwhile

 Lion- His bravery was real

Tin man- His heart mattered 

The Wizard- He could really help someone


It seems to me that it was just so appropriate for a 14 year old boy on the brink of manhood to play his ukelele and sing somewhere over the rainbow.....WOW... I am the one encouraged today.  I love being a mom.


Monday, January 10, 2011

Day 9



I am really tired today! Going to the dentist and getting fillings seems to have put me out for the count. The whole side of my face was numb most of the day. I managed to get the grocery shopping done. I smiled at a couple people there and they must have thought I had  had a stroke or something with half of my face not operating. Came home and put the groceries away, started dinner in the crock pot and then just took a nap. I slept until 5 pm!! Then at around 6:30 I drove to Adrian to pick up Jared and brought him home and after he showered we ate a late dinner. The inside of my mouth is still sore and I am just ready to go to bed. I keep thinking oh- I must have done something encouraging today that I can write about but not really! It just goes to show how easily a day can go by when I don't intentionally make the effort.
I had made a plan to do something this evening but it would require more energy than I have at the moment.
So although tired, I will find an encouraging verse and post it on Facebook. I know God can use even the smallest efforts.  I have friends that do this on occasion and sometimes it was just what I needed to see at that moment.

Verse: Lamentations 3:31-33

For men are not cast off from the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Day 8- Mac and cheese please!

When I first went out on my own, I was a single mom. I was excited and nervous. So many things I needed to learn to do for myself, and for Amanda! I felt up to it though. I was on my own, but at the same time, I knew my mom and dad were still out there and loved me if I needed them. Now I also know that my Father God is there for me too, and knowing that always brings me peace.

Tonight I want to remind my son, now out on his own, that I am still here loving him and so is God.

Sometimes there is just no better way to show love than making food for someone. In my humble opinion :) So I made him my mom's famous mac and cheese, and wrote him a little note.
If you want to make it yourself here is the recipe! 

My Mom- Kathy

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Day 7

Today was one of my favorite kind of days. Just a nice Saturday spent doing whatever I wanted to do. Had a few inches of snow last night and it was so pretty this morning. Got up, had coffee, took dogs for a walk. Came home, took a shower and spent the day sewing, crocheting, nice supper with Tim and Jared. Now settled in for the night and realized I was forgetting to do something encouraging!
 I have enjoyed the warmth and safety of my family and home today, and my encouragement is for my family. I wrote a note of love and appreciation with a Bible verse on it- one for Tim and one for Jared and put the note under their pillows.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Day 6- No matter what....

Today I sent a letter to a family member that is in jail. I hope that he will stay encouraged in the love of Christ and know God still has a purpose for him and loves him.

I found this article on the web- a nice reminder of how important every one of us is to God- no matter what we have done.


Setting Prisoners Free..!
December 15, 2010 at 10:33 am
Bobs-Banter-Image-Colour
All the national daily’s showed them, hardened criminals, sitting impassive and cross legged in jail clothes. They reached news page only because minister sahib, with photo man and reporter was addressing them. Otherwise they are a forgotten lot. But when I was part of a Prison Ministry I have seen them cry, time and time again, weeping as a story is told to them, and I am going to tell you the same story:
                
A certain man had two sons. When the younger told his father, “I want my share of your estate now, instead of waiting until you die!” his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
            
A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and took a trip to a distant land, and there wasted all his money on parties and prostitutes. About the time his money was gone a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him to feed his pigs. The boy became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the swine looked good to him. And no one gave him anything.
           
When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, “At home even the hired men have food enough and to spare, and here I am, dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired man.”
           
So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming, and was filled with loving pity and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
           
His son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and you, and am not worthy of being called your son.”
           
But his father said to the slaves, “Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. And a jeweled ring for his finger; and shoes! And kill the calf we have in the fattening pen. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has returned to life. He was lost and is found.” So the party began.
           
Meanwhile, the elder son was in the fields working; when he returned home, he heard dance music coming from the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on.
           
“Your brother is back,” he was told, “and your father has killed the calf we were fattening and has prepared a great feast to celebrate his coming home again unharmed.”
           
The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in, so his father came out and begged him, but he replied, “All these years I’ve worked hard for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to; and in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends.”
           
“Yet when this son of yours comes back after spending your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the finest calf we have on the place?”
          
“Look, dear son,” his father said to him, “you and I are very close, and everything I have is yours. But it is right to celebrate. For he is your brother; and he was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!”
            
And as the narrator finishes the story from the holy scriptures, murderers and gangsters, have tears flowing down their once stony faces. Suddenly they realize that the law of the land imprisons and punishes, whereas a loving God forgives and sets them free. A God who knows that those who deserve love the least, need it the most…!
           
 Do you need that kind of love..?
Bob’s Banter by Robert Clements         Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Day 5

No big plans today.
I just sent a message to a single mother I know that I thought might need encouragement. I let her know I was thinking of her and praying for her.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Day Four- Connections

Last nights experience on the grief website still has me amazed. God made His presence clear to me through all the connections I found within the other Amanda's memorial page made by her parents. There was no mistaking that all these connections were not mere coincidences. Consider this:

-it was the first memorial page to come up, actually a "featured" memorial for the day.

-of course her name

-her middle name was my Amanda's favorite word and one she wished was her own middle name.

-one of the first pictures was her with her grandpa.

-the street name was Maple Avenue ( this is the name of the church where I gave my heart to Christ)

-her role model was her sister Rachel (My Amanda's role model was Rachel Scott)

-she liked to tell people about Jesus, just like my Amanda.

-my husbands friend lives in that area and he thinks he has ridden his bike down that very street.

Really...what are the chances of me finding all these connections out of anywhere on the Internet I could have gone? And, I found this on the first and only website I visited.
Through trying to connect with others, God made it clear we are indeed connected and meant to be encouraged by each other knowing that He is near and very real.

Thinking of how close He always is made me think back to a verse that became very important to me.

There was a time in my life before my dad and Amanda died that I was very scared. I was quite sure my marriage was over and I was devastated. I was a Christian now and knew God wanted me to trust Him no matter what happened.I asked God to heal my heart and my marriage. My husband and I started going through Christian counseling.
At one of our sessions we were reminded of the verse: " I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you." I remember repeating that over and over to myself all the way home. Oh, how I needed to know and believe that! I decided to trust it as His word and therefore the truth.
Last night God reminded me just how close He always is. We are connected.
So all of this together gave me an idea for what to do today. I decided to make some bookmarks on card stock with that verse on them and take them up to the Christian counseling place here in town so people coming in for help can have one and be reminded too. Remembering God is always near can make all the difference in the world!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

God is here.

Amanda Marie Stevens
Well I spent all day today wondering what I would do for the blog. I came up with a couple different ideas but nothing really felt right. It was getting late and so I was running out of time and ideas. I decided I would go visit a grief website and offer some encouragement to someone that had suffered a loss.


What happened there blew me away. God shows me He is here in such unexpected ways, but it is always VERY clear. Thank you Father!!!
So what happened?


I met another Amanda there- Amanda Joy Alstatt- and this is what I signed on her memorial guest book. Also following is a link so you can go and meet her and her family for yourself if you like.
 http://Amanda-Alstatt.virtual-memorials.com

01-04-2011 9:10 PM -- By: Rebecca Brososky,  From: Michigan  
Hello. My journey here tonight is an interesting one. But that is how our God works oftentimes! I also lost my daughter. She was 19 and beautiful. She was killed in a car accident 6 years ago. Her name was Amanda. Her favorite word was JOY. One of her role models was Rachel Joy Scott (killed at Columbine) and she wished I had given her that middle name. But her middle name was Marie. I guess you can see why I was immediately drawn to your daughters memorial. I read through most of it, and you were very good at expressing what the loss feels like. I often wondered how I kept breathing in the beginning. As I read I realized our daughters had in common a love for God and spread it where they went. She was an inspiration to me and all she knew.
Now to tell you why I ended up here tonight. I am at a place in my heart where I am able to try now to have acceptance with joy and live out the rest of my life doing the only thing that matters in the end. Sharing the love of Christ and living out His purpose for my life. So this year I decided that each day of the year I would try to give encouragement or love to someone that may need a lift and needs to know they have a great and mighty God that can get them through anything. I also decided to blog about my experiences, to have a written record and to keep myself on track. Today I was thinking all day and could not decide what to do. Finally I thought, "hey, I can go to a grief site and maybe give someone a word of encouragement from the Lord." So I came here. After I signed up I realized that it would be a day or two before I was accepted so I decided to look at the memorials. I went to the teens and clicked. There was your daughter- first one I saw. My breath caught in my heart. I knew God had led me here. As I read my heart broke for you and with you, but I knew without a doubt that God was here. Bringing us together to encourage one another.
I can't wait to see my Amanda again, and to meet yours too. I imagine they may have already met and are dancing and singing with Jesus. God bless you. Thank you for sharing so much of your heart here on these pages. I have a facebook page for my Amanda. Its called Remembering Amanda Marie Stevens. I hope you won't mind me sharing this memorial on my blog tonight, I would love for others to come and learn about your Amanda. God bless you!!!
Becky

Amazing....

Monday, January 3, 2011

Day Two

The sun is shining today and I am breathing better (I have been sick for awhile). I am anxious to get to doing things but need to be careful not to overdo it. I have plenty of ideas swarming around in my head- which one do I pick?
You know, there have been so many times when out of the blue a friend has sent me a card or note letting me know that they were thinking of me and it always means so much. Knowing people care and knowing God cares keeps the wind in my sails. Its like a drink of water in the desert- keeps me walking.
For some reason I am thinking of a woman I know that has been through alot. She is older and I would like her to know I am thinking of her. I do not know if she believes in Christ. I have decided to bake her something and send it to her with a card and a verse.
My car is in the shop so I am stuck here and will have to use what I have on hand. I will add a photo later on when finished, just cause I love taking pictures of food. :)
I wonder if we get to bake in heaven? Everything turns out perfect??? MMMMmmm.
It's a good thing my resolution this year had nothing to do with food restriction!

Here's a link to the bread- it turned out pretty yummy. I used 1/2 cup less sugar though- thought that was a crazy amount of sugar! Still turned out great. Oh- also only had applesauce, not juice, so I mixed applesauce and water 1/2 and 1/2 to make a substitute for the 1/2 cup apple juice. The recipe made 4 mini loaves and one smallish regular loaf- lots to freeze!
http://www.grouprecipes.com/12485/harvest-pumpkin-apple-bread.html

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Day One

As I sat last night thinking about who might need encouragement and where to begin, it occurred to me that I could easily look back at my own life for times when I was afraid and needed lifting up. The first thing that came to mind was how scared I was when I found out I was pregnant with Amanda and knowing I was going to keep her but feeling very lost and alone. So, thinking that it might be helpful for those in the same postion to know they are not alone, I wrote this letter of encouragement and I am going to send a bunch of copies (with a letter of explanation) to the local pregnancy care center in envelopes for them to hand out to mothers who come in for help.
It might not be much, but then again it might be alot. It feels exciting to really start DOING something to share my faith and hope with people. I woke up feeling purposeful and with a smile on my face. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Letter:

A word of encouragement to a mother with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy:
*      Right now it seems hard, impossible maybe
*      Right now it seems as though it’s not real, not a life yet
*      Right now relief from the problem is so tempting  
Right now:
*      God is with you
*      God loves you
*      God knows your needs
*      God created your life and the one inside of you for a purpose
Joshua 1:9    “Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”  Message translation

God is your God if you accept the gift of His Son that He sent for all people as a way to Him. Jesus died on the cross so that our sins would be forgiven and God in His holiness could accept us as His own. He had Jesus pay the price that we could not pay.

John 3:16-17  “This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed: by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending His Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.” Message translation
He can put your world right again. No matter what.
*      Put your trust in Jesus
*      Value your life as much as He did dying for you
*      Value the life He has allowed you to carry inside of you
*      Find a church and let them love you and your baby
*      Adoption may be an option too.
I too, was once a single mother. Eighteen and scared. The choice before me was difficult and I knew things were going to be tough. I was not living for Jesus when I made my decision to have my daughter, but I knew about His love. Later on my daughter found Jesus and led me back to Him, and I accepted His gift of forgiveness and gave Him my heart and my life. It was not much later that Amanda died in a car accident. My heart broke into a million pieces. I will spend my life missing her. What if I had decided to terminate the pregnancy? Would I have been better off? Did her life matter? Those questions are answered so quickly. I cannot imagine her not ever having been here. Her life touched so many people. All of our lives touch so many people. I have no idea why God saw fit to take her away so early, but I am forever grateful to have been her mother. I am forever grateful that I know she is with Jesus and I will spend eternity with her because of Him.
I would like to encourage you to be strong and fearless knowing you have a mighty God behind you and that your life and that of your child’s have great value to Him. So much value that He was brutally beaten and died for you. Trust Him. I know you won’t regret it.
The choice for life leaves no regrets and is worth any amount of trial.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Intentionality

It's the New Year. 2011. For some time now a lot of ideas have been brewing in my mind and heart. As with every beginning of a New Year it seems to be a good time to put those ideas into practice in my life. Resolutions. Perhaps made to be broken, but worth the effort just the same. I consider this poem:
 A Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
    Life is but an empty dream! — 
  For the soul is dead that slumbers,
    And things are not what they seem.
  Life is real! Life is earnest!
    And the grave is not its goal;
  Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
    Was not spoken of the soul.
  Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
    Is our destined end or way;
  But to act, that each to-morrow
    Find us farther than to-day.
  Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
    And our hearts, though stout and brave,
  Still, like muffled drums, are beating
    Funeral marches to the grave.
  In the world's broad field of battle,
    In the bivouac of Life,
  Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
    Be a hero in the strife!
  Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!
    Let the dead Past bury its dead!
  Act, — act in the living Present!
    Heart within, and God o'erhead!
  Lives of great men all remind us
    We can make our lives sublime,
  And, departing, leave behind us
    Footprints on the sands of time;
  Footprints, that perhaps another,
    Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
  A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
    Seeing, shall take heart again.
  Let us, then, be up and doing,
    With a heart for any fate;
  Still achieving, still pursuing,
    Learn to labor and to wait. 


It was my daughters favorite and now mine also.  It seems to me to apply to what James was talking about when he told us our faith is dead without our works. God wants us doing things! No matter the fate. And the kinds of things He wants us to do will encourage others over life's solemn main. 
As a believer ultimately I want all the things I do to point to Jesus- the reason we can have hope in this life and look forward to eternity. 
I recently heard about a woman who took her inheritance from her father and committed to giving away $100.00 dollars a day for a year to a different charity every day. And then she blogged about her experience.
I thought that was such a wonderful idea. I will search for her blog and maybe link to it later when I learn how to do that stuff. So that idea of hers started brewing in my mind with James and Henry and the idea of living more intentionally. You can probably see where this is going... I thought, why not take that idea and transfer it over to being busy for God every day? And I think that keeping a blog about it will help me to be more intentional and perhaps share the story with someone who may be encouraged. So my resolution this year is to do something loving or encouraging for someone every day of the year and then write about it here. I don't want to do this to make myself look like a nice person. We can all do nice things. Random acts of kindness are fantastic and the world needs more of them. But my motivation here is a bit different. I want people to see Jesus. His great love for all of us. That is why James tells us to live out our faith. How will people see Christ if we are busy living like the world? What is it all about? I hope along this journey I learn to be more giving and loving. I hope it will take my mind off of myself. I hope I will become an encouragement and a blessing to someone each day BECAUSE of Christs love.

Found the link to the lady who inspired this idea for a blog:
http://whatgives365.wordpress.com/