by Sharon Sloan
“If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42 (NIV)
The fiendish heat wave was in its seventh day. Local news reporters were urging residents to stay inside in air conditioning as the air quality was so poor. One particular evening after dinner, the oppressive heat eased up just a touch, and we decided to brave the outdoors. I sat on our front porch while Joshua and Gabrielle played contently in the front yard with some neighborhood friends.
A distinguished-looking man with a friendly countenance walked at a purposeful pace down the sidewalk. Quickly observing an aide assisting him with campaign literature, I knew he must be a hopeful politician seeking support in the upcoming elections.
As he strode up our driveway and reached out his hand to shake mine, it was clear his body was struggling with the stifling heat. As his brow glistened with large beads of sweat, his breathing was noticeably labored. His once crisp and perfectly-ironed shirt was now wrinkled and soaked with perspiration. The visitor’s efficient greeting was an effort to politely keep cadence so he could complete his neighborhood campaign and find necessary relief from the heat.
All the children had kept playing during this brief encounter, but Joshua had been taking notice.As the man was walking down our driveway towards our neighbor’s home, Joshua said, “Mommy, that man and his helper look very hot. I was just thinking I would like to give them some cold water. He has wet spots all over his shirt, and cold water would help him.”
My heart rejoiced in Joshua’s compassionate and responsive heart. He genuinely cared and discerned the condition and needs of our unexpected callers. Joshua was loving in actions and in truth. “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (NIV)
As my husband and I spend these precious parenting years in the trenches, our desire is to train our children how to apply 1 John 3:18 and be mindful of the needs of those God has placed in our paths. We prayerfully trust the Holy Spirit to gently nudge our children’s hearts and fill them with the joy and peace that accompanies obedience. All around us are opportunities to love with actions that bring honor to God.
Ever since the children were small toddlers, we’ve walked around our cul-de-sac together to bring morning papers from the bottom of neighbors’ driveways up to their porches. On trash collection mornings, we often would bring the neighbors’ empty trashcans up to their garage doors. Now, when our children see a newspaper or an empty trashcan, they take action instinctively on their own. Though they are young, they can serve the Lord in useful and significant ways. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Tim. 4:12 (NIV)
Some other ideas may include leaving a home-made card or a little gift at the door of someone hurting or needing encouragement. At Christmas, small gifts can be purchased for other children whose parents may be struggling financially. Sponsoring a child through Compassion International and having your children pray for and write to that child is a beautiful way of awakening your child’s heart to the needs of others. For Easter, through Samaritan’s Purse Ministries, musical stuffed lambs that play “Jesus Loves Me” can be sent to children in third world countries. As we respond in obedience to His leading, these acts of kindness stir children’s sensitivity and prime their hearts to be actively looking for ways to serve others in their family, neighborhood and around the world.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) A few years ago, we were inspired by another Christian family in our community who put love into action. So, following their lead, for our birthdays that year, rather than receiving birthday gifts for ourselves, we requested new library books for a Christian school in New Orleans that had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. In total, our little family received almost 200 new books for the school after we had celebrated all four of our birthdays.
This year, our birthday ministry outreach was by theme. Joshua chose basketball, and Gabrielle chose a theme of flip flops. Their party guests brought gift cards for footwear and new basketballs for Rock Ministries of Philadelphia, which ministers to at-risk young men of Philadelphia’s inner city. Gabrielle’s guests generously gave more than $400 in footwear gift cards, and Joshua’s guests donated 30 new basketballs for these young men at Rock Ministries.
Seemingly small expressions of kindness can soften hearts and bear eternal fruit. As we love others with actions and in truth, He is faithful to bring forth a harvest. When we extend His love and kindness to others, they can see His perfect love, salvation and provision. Our rewards blossom in our soul as He fills us with His joy and peace.
As Joshua served our visitors bottles of cold water for their journey that evening, his reward was a personal treasure in his heart between himself and our Heavenly Father. “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV) With a pure heart, Joshua had served our Lord and King a cup of cold water. He was loving with actions and walking in the truth of God’s Word.
Indeed, there is no greater joy for a Christian parent. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4 (NIV)
Sharon Sloan and her devoted husband, Jim, live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. They have two precious children: Joshua (8) and Gabrielle (6). Sharon is a She Speaks! Graduate and has had devotions published through P31 on-line devotions. A paralegal by profession, Sharon now works part-time at her church as an administrative assistant. She leads a P31 Gather & Grow group in her home. Sharon is passionate about encouraging others in their personal walk with the Lord. The Sloans invite you to visit them at: www.joyinthetruth.blogspot.com. Please share how God has led you to love with actions so we can all spur one another on!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Joy of Music in the Holiday Season
by Rebekah Howell
As the temperature drops and the days shorten, many dread the coming winter. In our household this change in the seasons was not accompanied by distress of being cooped up in the house, but anticipation of the coming holiday season. Waking up to a white blanket of snow glistening in the sun filled me with life and energy for the celebration of the coming of our Lord and Savior. One of the most precious ways my family celebrates the birth of our Lord is through the gift of music.
Many people have forgotten the joy of music during the holiday season. As long as I can remember, music has played a significant role in my family’s celebration of Christmas. Every year, we gather together with all of our relatives for the “Ahlquist Family Christmas Sing.” Of course we would share a Swedish dinner together and then gather around the piano where Grandpa would play. My brother and I eagerly watched as his fingers smoothly glided over the keys, not a piece of music in sight. I was sure he had the whole hymn book memorized! The room was filled with joyful varieties of Christmas tunes including old Swedish hymns, the well-known children’s songs, and the dearly loved Christmas carols. As the family has grown over the years, we have not given up on this tradition. In fact, we now have the youngest children dress up and act out the nativity with Christmas carols interspersed among the story. It is one of my most cherished traditions!
Another musical highlight of the Christmas season for my family was Christmas caroling. Because my father was a doctor, he enjoyed taking us down to the nursing home and the hospital. Usually on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we would get all bundled up and head over to visit his patients. Whether playing our instruments or simply walking through the halls singing as we went, it was such a delight to share the joy of music with those who had to spend Christmas away from home!
During our first year of marriage, I was excited about developing our own musical Christmas traditions. We lived in a large apartment building in downtown Chicago, so my husband and I decided to host a caroling party. I realized that we hardly knew any of the people that lived in the apartment building, and I wanted a way to share the love of Christ with them. We sent out homemade invitations inviting all of our friends to join us in this musical ministry. I also made fudge and wrapped it up into little gifts for all those we visited. On the night of the party when our guests arrived, we walked from floor to floor Christmas caroling to all who were home. Everyone loved it! Even the night guard was delighted to be serenaded by a group of college students as he sat behind the desk.
No matter where you live, Christmas caroling is a great way to get people together and meet those in your neighborhood that you never seem to cross paths with. Why not invite those you visit to join the group as you go from house to house? And make sure to end the night around a blazing fireplace or with a mug of hot cocoa back at your house! Whether you venture out into the crisp cool night to carol around town or you simply bring the whole family together for a night of singing, it will be a precious treasure in the memories of all who participate!
As the temperature drops and the days shorten, many dread the coming winter. In our household this change in the seasons was not accompanied by distress of being cooped up in the house, but anticipation of the coming holiday season. Waking up to a white blanket of snow glistening in the sun filled me with life and energy for the celebration of the coming of our Lord and Savior. One of the most precious ways my family celebrates the birth of our Lord is through the gift of music.
Many people have forgotten the joy of music during the holiday season. As long as I can remember, music has played a significant role in my family’s celebration of Christmas. Every year, we gather together with all of our relatives for the “Ahlquist Family Christmas Sing.” Of course we would share a Swedish dinner together and then gather around the piano where Grandpa would play. My brother and I eagerly watched as his fingers smoothly glided over the keys, not a piece of music in sight. I was sure he had the whole hymn book memorized! The room was filled with joyful varieties of Christmas tunes including old Swedish hymns, the well-known children’s songs, and the dearly loved Christmas carols. As the family has grown over the years, we have not given up on this tradition. In fact, we now have the youngest children dress up and act out the nativity with Christmas carols interspersed among the story. It is one of my most cherished traditions!
Another musical highlight of the Christmas season for my family was Christmas caroling. Because my father was a doctor, he enjoyed taking us down to the nursing home and the hospital. Usually on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we would get all bundled up and head over to visit his patients. Whether playing our instruments or simply walking through the halls singing as we went, it was such a delight to share the joy of music with those who had to spend Christmas away from home!
During our first year of marriage, I was excited about developing our own musical Christmas traditions. We lived in a large apartment building in downtown Chicago, so my husband and I decided to host a caroling party. I realized that we hardly knew any of the people that lived in the apartment building, and I wanted a way to share the love of Christ with them. We sent out homemade invitations inviting all of our friends to join us in this musical ministry. I also made fudge and wrapped it up into little gifts for all those we visited. On the night of the party when our guests arrived, we walked from floor to floor Christmas caroling to all who were home. Everyone loved it! Even the night guard was delighted to be serenaded by a group of college students as he sat behind the desk.
No matter where you live, Christmas caroling is a great way to get people together and meet those in your neighborhood that you never seem to cross paths with. Why not invite those you visit to join the group as you go from house to house? And make sure to end the night around a blazing fireplace or with a mug of hot cocoa back at your house! Whether you venture out into the crisp cool night to carol around town or you simply bring the whole family together for a night of singing, it will be a precious treasure in the memories of all who participate!
The Blessing of Christmas
By Julia Howell
Early in the holiday season, right around Thanksgiving time, I always feel a stirring of excitement in my heart. It reminds me of the unbridled joy I felt as a child anticipating the “most wonderful time of the year.” With visions from Southern Living dancing in my head, the decorations come down out of the attic and I begin to plan for our best Christmas ever. Inevitably, however, the Grinch comes along, and before I know it I have lost all sense of the true reason for the season. I find myself lost in a flurry of shopping, Christmas programs, and parties. By the time the last note is sang in the choir program, the last present is wrapped (for which I paid way too much), and the last dish is baked, I cannot help but feel disappointed at the emptiness in my soul.
This year, though, an unexpected phone call and an invitation from the associate pastor at our church became the catalyst of change: “We are in need of another woman to serve as a counselor during the Lighthouse Foundation’s toy store give-away. Are you interested?”
I was already a bit familiar with the work of the Lighthouse Foundation, a local Christian effort that reaches out to the less fortunate children and youth of our community. At Christmas, they arrange for parents who have no means of providing toys for their children to visit a “toy store” and choose gifts. Through an application process, those selected are scheduled a time, prioritized by need, to visit the store. The parents (usually single moms) are taken to a room when they arrive and presented the gospel message. Those who desire more information are separated out of the group and sent to see an invitation counselor—which is where I would serve.
“I’d be glad to!” I heard the words come out of my mouth before I felt the nudge of fear in my heart and my head remembered I would have to take a leave day from work. “But,” I added, “Let me pray about it.” It didn’t take much prayer for me to become convinced this opportunity was God inspired and I agreed to do it—even though my comfort zone was severely threatened.
The morning of the giveaway arrived and we were blessed with unusual spring-like December weather. About eight of us gathered at our church for a van ride to the mission. In a few short minutes, we had left the more opulent area of our town and arrived at a small non-descript metal building in the midst of small non-descript rental housing. No fancy holly wreaths or lavish decorations here. In their place, steel bars secured many of the neighborhood windows. I could not help but marvel at how two vastly different cultures could co-exist only a few miles apart.
We were met at the door by event organizers, briefed, and ushered into a room to begin. Without separate counseling rooms available, each counselor would need to separate themselves from the group and find a place in the room to talk quietly with those sent to us.
In less than five minutes, the first group entered. I noticed Michelle from across the room—a young, blond girl with tearful eyes and stooped shoulders. Even before she was introduced to me, I knew she was the one out of the group God had chosen for me to counsel. We found our “spot” and I tried to place her at ease.
“I have a daughter about your age. May I ask how old you are?” I smiled and gave her a hug, because she looked like she needed someone to show her love. With her hair in a ponytail, she appeared so youthful it was difficult to imagine she was here to get toys for a child of her own.
As we talked, some of her barriers melted away and a flood of pent up sorrow poured forth. I discovered she was indeed my daughter’s age- all of 19-years-old. She shared through sobs that she already had two children under the age of three, and her live-in boyfriend had recently skipped out of town. She had moved in with her single mother who was trying to support them on next to nothing. “I really do want to change,” she assured me, “But I don’t know how. I’ve made such a mess of my life that it seems hopeless.”
By the time we finished our talk Michelle had prayed to surrender her life to Jesus Christ, and she promised to find a church to attend. I smiled as I watched her walk away. No longer stooped, she stood tall and had a new bounce in her step. My own heart soared to new heights. Before the day ended, the Lord allowed me to share Him with four more women who accepted Him as Savior.
Our group sat in contemplative silence as we returned to the church. Funny that I didn’t notice the housing on the way back—my mind was on a baby born in a stable in a “non-descript” section of Bethlehem. The true Blessing of Christmas had come into this world without fanfare or wealth to become our Savior. Each of our group had experienced a blessing today, but the blessing had not been in the giving of ourselves, our time, or anything we had done. The giving of the blessing was all God’s doing; we who had desired to bless others had become the blessed.
Christmas morning arrived and my family gathered around our tree to open gifts. In the midst of all the ohs and ahs as we examined our presents, my thoughts traveled back to Michelle. I wondered how her Christmas morning was going and if her children were excited with their toys. And I wondered if she was rejoicing that her once empty soul was now full of hope, even as I marveled at the joy that filled my own.
Early in the holiday season, right around Thanksgiving time, I always feel a stirring of excitement in my heart. It reminds me of the unbridled joy I felt as a child anticipating the “most wonderful time of the year.” With visions from Southern Living dancing in my head, the decorations come down out of the attic and I begin to plan for our best Christmas ever. Inevitably, however, the Grinch comes along, and before I know it I have lost all sense of the true reason for the season. I find myself lost in a flurry of shopping, Christmas programs, and parties. By the time the last note is sang in the choir program, the last present is wrapped (for which I paid way too much), and the last dish is baked, I cannot help but feel disappointed at the emptiness in my soul.
This year, though, an unexpected phone call and an invitation from the associate pastor at our church became the catalyst of change: “We are in need of another woman to serve as a counselor during the Lighthouse Foundation’s toy store give-away. Are you interested?”
I was already a bit familiar with the work of the Lighthouse Foundation, a local Christian effort that reaches out to the less fortunate children and youth of our community. At Christmas, they arrange for parents who have no means of providing toys for their children to visit a “toy store” and choose gifts. Through an application process, those selected are scheduled a time, prioritized by need, to visit the store. The parents (usually single moms) are taken to a room when they arrive and presented the gospel message. Those who desire more information are separated out of the group and sent to see an invitation counselor—which is where I would serve.
“I’d be glad to!” I heard the words come out of my mouth before I felt the nudge of fear in my heart and my head remembered I would have to take a leave day from work. “But,” I added, “Let me pray about it.” It didn’t take much prayer for me to become convinced this opportunity was God inspired and I agreed to do it—even though my comfort zone was severely threatened.
The morning of the giveaway arrived and we were blessed with unusual spring-like December weather. About eight of us gathered at our church for a van ride to the mission. In a few short minutes, we had left the more opulent area of our town and arrived at a small non-descript metal building in the midst of small non-descript rental housing. No fancy holly wreaths or lavish decorations here. In their place, steel bars secured many of the neighborhood windows. I could not help but marvel at how two vastly different cultures could co-exist only a few miles apart.
We were met at the door by event organizers, briefed, and ushered into a room to begin. Without separate counseling rooms available, each counselor would need to separate themselves from the group and find a place in the room to talk quietly with those sent to us.
In less than five minutes, the first group entered. I noticed Michelle from across the room—a young, blond girl with tearful eyes and stooped shoulders. Even before she was introduced to me, I knew she was the one out of the group God had chosen for me to counsel. We found our “spot” and I tried to place her at ease.
“I have a daughter about your age. May I ask how old you are?” I smiled and gave her a hug, because she looked like she needed someone to show her love. With her hair in a ponytail, she appeared so youthful it was difficult to imagine she was here to get toys for a child of her own.
As we talked, some of her barriers melted away and a flood of pent up sorrow poured forth. I discovered she was indeed my daughter’s age- all of 19-years-old. She shared through sobs that she already had two children under the age of three, and her live-in boyfriend had recently skipped out of town. She had moved in with her single mother who was trying to support them on next to nothing. “I really do want to change,” she assured me, “But I don’t know how. I’ve made such a mess of my life that it seems hopeless.”
By the time we finished our talk Michelle had prayed to surrender her life to Jesus Christ, and she promised to find a church to attend. I smiled as I watched her walk away. No longer stooped, she stood tall and had a new bounce in her step. My own heart soared to new heights. Before the day ended, the Lord allowed me to share Him with four more women who accepted Him as Savior.
Our group sat in contemplative silence as we returned to the church. Funny that I didn’t notice the housing on the way back—my mind was on a baby born in a stable in a “non-descript” section of Bethlehem. The true Blessing of Christmas had come into this world without fanfare or wealth to become our Savior. Each of our group had experienced a blessing today, but the blessing had not been in the giving of ourselves, our time, or anything we had done. The giving of the blessing was all God’s doing; we who had desired to bless others had become the blessed.
Christmas morning arrived and my family gathered around our tree to open gifts. In the midst of all the ohs and ahs as we examined our presents, my thoughts traveled back to Michelle. I wondered how her Christmas morning was going and if her children were excited with their toys. And I wondered if she was rejoicing that her once empty soul was now full of hope, even as I marveled at the joy that filled my own.
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