Pay It Forward

As I was getting ready for work, I noticed the rubber "Pay It Forward" bracelet that was sitting in my ring holder. It's been there since my son gave it to me several weeks ago. He rushed in one evening when he heard me putting up the dishes from the dishwasher and helped me put them away. He took off the bracelet from his wrist and gave it to me and told me that I needed to do one kind act that I wouldn't normally do or get a reward for, and then I would need to pass on the bracelet to the person that I did the kind act for and encourage them to do the same. He said that he had been challenged at school to participate and now it was up to me.

While I think it's good that my son's school is promoting doing kind acts, the message really isn't a new one. Jesus shared a message of caring for others and today we are still called to give of ourselves. So why has it been so difficult for me to complete my turn...I would like for it to be a natural response rather than something I plan. Matthew 25:34-40 reminds me to show kindness-"pay it forward" so to speak, but not just because someone has done a kind act for me or because of what a bracelet says. I'm called to kindness & love because I love my Lord and my God.

Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'


This situation has challenged me to pray that this become a natural response in my life and that I'm willing to show kindness to everyone (even when it might inconvenience me).

Thoughts on seeds...

As I work in the garden I've been thinking about seeds. The cool thing about seeds is that just one little seed can be responsible for a plant and eventually a whole bunch of seeds and fruit. Planting one seed will produce untold amounts of good food for many people. Jesus said that the Kingdom of Heaven is like this, one seed produces a lot of fruit. He also said that the Kingdom of Heaven was like seed that was sown on different types of soil. My prayer is that you are a seed that landed on fertile soil and that you are producing a lot of fruit for the Lord.

Graduation

This week, thousands of students across the country will shake the hands of thousands of school administrators across the nation, receiving the "ol’ sheepskin." Moms and Dads will shed a tear, graduates will throw strange cardboard caps in the air, and everyone will cheer. Graduation marks a milestone in life. A thousand commencement speakers in a thousand auditoriums will remind these former students "this is not the end, it’s the beginning." How true.

I’m glad that when we follow Christ, we never graduate from serving the Lord. We make transitions to different areas of service. We find new opportunities and avenues of ministry. We see new and exciting victories. The scripture describes it this way:

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
(1 Corinthians 15:58)

Even when we are called home to heaven, we don’t stop serving the Lord. We begin an eternity in His presence. Think of the possibilities! I’ll bet that’s really a great graduation celebration!

So to all those finishing your education, earning a degree, or simply waking up this morning - this is not the end, it’s the beginning. Make it a good one!

Happy to have dirty fingernails

I have a confession.

There's dirt under my fingernails.

And under my toenails. And in my ears....

Yes, I've had a shower today. But I can't seem to scrub enough to get rid of all of the dirt. That's because I spent most of the day hoeing, and raking, and planting at the church garden. It was hard work. It was also one of the best Saturdays I've had in a long time.

There is something invigorating about digging in the soil. There is something wonderful and exciting about planting tiny seeds knowing that they will soon be big, green plants laden with yummy crops (fingers crossed). And there is something sweet about working alongside members of our church family.

In fact, that's my favorite part of the church garden. I love getting to know folks that I don't normally run into in service or Sunday school. We talk about vegetables. We talk about the weather. We talk about ministry. And we look forward to a shared harvest. It's what community gardens are all about.

If you're looking for a way to get plugged in at NHBC, we'd love to have you work alongside us. You'll get all the fresh veggies you can pick and we'll get the pleasure of getting to know you better. That is, if you don't mind a little dirt.

My Favorite Time of Year

I absolutely love this time of year!

Probably not for the reasons that you're thinking about-like the beauty of Springtime; warmer weather; baseball games; cook-out's; bike rides, etc.

I LOVE VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!

The time has finally arrived to prepare for my most favorite ministry of the year! Our VBS Kick-off volunteer meeting was April 19 (yesterday) and we are looking forward to the week long event that is scheduled for June 8-12 from 9am-12pm.

Please make plans for your children (ages 4 years old-6th grade) to join us for this awesome week! We have a blast: games; Bible-learning centers; high-energy Worship Rally; craft work; music class and a time to be with friends while learning Bible truths!

The National Heights web page has all the information and a way for you to register your children on-line for our VBS.

Don't miss the VBS train ride-Boomerang Express where It All Comes Back to Jesus!!
God loved us and sent His only Son, Jesus. 1John 4:9.

The Church-Wide Community Garden

The church-wide community garden is coming along. After weeks of preparing the soil and picking up oodles of rocks, we have planted a couple of rows of onions and four rows of cabbage. I wanted to plant carrots and radishes last week but the weather didn't cooperate. Perhaps this week will go better.

We have had two tillers donated. One still needs a little work but the other should be running with no problem as soon as I am able to pick it up.

We have scheduled another work day and I hope we have good weather for it. It will be on April 26th from 10 am to 12 noon. We will meet up by the garden behind the bus barn and talk a little and work a little. Perhaps we will be able to get everything in the ground that needs to be planted right now.

If you haven't been a part of the community garden and would like to, we would love to have you. Come by the meeting or talk with me to get more information.

This is a great opportunity to do ministry by working to take care of each other and meet the needs of those around us.

If it is raining on the 26th we will still meet but in the youth room.

See you there.

Permanent Holiday

I always look forward to holidays. I suppose it goes back to my days in elementary school when we saw those golden words on the board - school holiday next week. I, along with every other student (and, I suspect, most of the teachers and administration), looked forward to time away from the work of school. The end of the holiday, however, brought a sense of resignation - back to the old grind. I always wished we could find a way to have a permanent holiday.

Easter makes for an exciting holiday. Families gather, attending worship services around the world, celebrating the Resurrection. Churches overflow with young and old hearing the exiting news "He Is Risen." (Mark 16:6). Every year, I think to myself, "Why can’t we have Easter every week?"

Then I remember - we do! Every Sunday when believers gather to worship, it is a celebration of the Risen Savior. That is the nature of the eternal life Jesus provides - it never ends! Join me in making every day a holiday. Celebrate the fact that "He Is Risen, Indeed!"