my cup has grown!

Consider this part two to yesterday's post about how blessed I am. 

Not only is my cup overflowing...my cup has grown!

This is about an event that I was honored to take part in a couple of weeks ago.
A couple of dear friends who attend different churches and I decided to get 
our churches to partner to host an event we called Care 2 Share.  

We had done a similar event a couple of years ago 

through our workplace, but felt led to do this 

as a ministry to get those in our community into 

our churches and show them a little bit of the love that only God can offer...

that unconditional, no questions asked kind of love.  

The idea, to give something to those who might not have the 
same resources we have or maybe they were just having 
a crappy year and needed a little help for the holidays.

Basically the way it worked was anyone who wanted to participate 
brought their cast off items - but good cast-off items - 
the kind that could be regifted or reused.

The idea was those who had a need could come and

trade non-perishable food items for things they need.

OR, they could just come get what they needed.

We even had a gift wrapping station set up so

their gifts could go home and be ready for Christmas!

{ETA: the above photo was taken toward the end of the event -at the very end there 

were only 5 boxes of things left,which were taken to a local mission.} 
Well, let me tell you, it was a huge success!

It's hard for me to express how I felt after 

taking part is this ministry and truly seeing what

a need there is right in my own community.

There are several touching stories from the time leading 
up to the day of the event, and stories that happened during the event, 
and I'm sure there are stories still happening.

There were even children involved in helping organize and prepare.

Is there anything better than teaching your children to give and help others?!

 

The point is we made a difference!

Now, I don't know if souls were saved or lives were changed 

(well besides mine and probably others who took part), 

but hopefully seeds were planted and maybe, 
just maybe when some of the many wonderful people and children 
who were able to share in a new toy, or a warmer coat, 
or even a some new Christmas decorations will have a 
positive feeling about our churches and the love that God has to share. 

I want to encourage anyone reading this to get involved in some way.
Regardless of your circumstances, you have something to offer.
Whether it's helping in a shelter,
donating items to a place that resells and uses money for a cause,
cooking a meal for someone you know is in need, 
sponsoring a child for Christmas...whatever you feel led to do...just do it!

I can promise you,

there is a blessing in there for you

and it feels really good when your cup grows 

and continues to overflow!

my cup overflows

Being a Christian and having Faith is a very important part of my life.

It's who I am.

It makes me, ME.

Sometimes, I'll admit, it's hard.

Sometimes, life sucks.

Sometimes, Faith can waver and I get discouraged.

I mean, let's face it, life is nowhere near perfect....
I don't think that was ever a Promise of God.

Lately, though, I feel overly blessed.

I feel like little things are going right and even though I struggle with many aspects of my life, I feel stronger, I feel happy about who I am and what I stand for, and I feel like I'm coming up the mountain to the peak- out of that proverbial shadow of the valley of death!  

(if you've read my blog, you might recall this depressing post) GAH.

I think during this time of year - you know...the holidays?  

Yes, I think during this time of year I tend to reflect on positives in my life.

No, I don't have the money to buy everyone I want to a gift.  

BUT, I do have tons of people who I feel are worthy of a gift.

No, I don't have a picture perfect home that is decorated all Martha Stewart-y
or adequate for fancy dinner parties like I'd like to host. 

BUT, I do have a roof over my head and a sweet
little fencepost tree that makes me smile.

No, I don't have an extravagant plans for a holiday trip to New York
or a full calendar of fabulous New Years Eve gatherings, 

BUT, I do have family and friends who invite me to their homes
to celebrate occasions in down home, laid back style.

Yes, my cup truly overflows.

Next up.... how my cup has grown!

Radio, Presidents and Faith

I have been listening to K-Love for several months now and truly receive a blessing each and every day.  Not just from the music, but many of the messages from other listeners, DJs and guests. 

It is amazing how music can touch so many people across the world - especially when that music is created by Christians with a positive message.  I sure recommend it over some of the mess that's on the radio...especially if you are toting around the kiddos! 

You can listen online so if you are unfamiliar, check it out here.  

Now, I consider myself a Democrat, but I'm a conservative Democrat.  I have great respect for many politicians...including Both George Bushes.  I know, you are asking yourself what in the world I'm talking about and what does a radio station have to do with my feelings about former Presidents!

Well, the link at the end of this post will take you to a podcast that K-Love ran the other morning and it is George W. talking about Billy Graham...one of THE great evangelists of our time.  It truly touched me and felt I needed to share it. 

What a great perspective on God, Christianity, Salvation, and Faith.

http://files.emfcdn.com/downloads/audio/podcasts/klovemsint_podcast5810_20101109.mp3