If you have a few moments to spare, take a look at this video. My high-school aged nephew shared it with me. He recently saw it at Youth Camp. It's an awesome, moving message, and one that will encourage you today. Blessings friends. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.
Showing posts with label encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label encouragement. Show all posts
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
When Only God Sees...
I read this inspiring piece for the first time a couple of years ago, entitled "I'm Invisible," a special tribute to Moms. Perhaps you've read it, too. Today, it crossed my desk again as "author unknown." I did just a little research and learned it was written by Nicole Johnson (who has a website of her own http://www.freshbrewedlife.com/). It's apparently an excerpt from her book entitled "The Invisible Woman - When Only God Sees". For those who may not have seen it (and for those who may want to simply enjoy it again), I wanted to share it with you.
I'm Invisible
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'
Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
The invisible Mom.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more:
Can you fix this?
Can you tie this?
Can you open this?
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being.
I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?'
I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?'
I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, and she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'
It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:
'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour – the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals – we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And, the workman replied, 'Because God sees.' I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime, because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
I'm Invisible
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'
Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
The invisible Mom.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more:
Can you fix this?
Can you tie this?
Can you open this?
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being.
I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?'
I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?'
I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, and she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'
It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:
'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour – the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals – we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And, the workman replied, 'Because God sees.' I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime, because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Encouragement for your Monday
(photo courtesy of Google images)Brighten Your Corner
We cannot all be famous
Or be listed in "Who's Who,"
But every person, great or small,
Has important work to do.
For seldom do we realize
The importance of small deeds,
Or to what degree of greatness
Unnoticed kindness leads.
For it's not the big celebrity
In a world of fame and praise,
But it's doing unpretentiously
In an undistinguished way.
The work that God assigned to us,
Unimportant as it seems,
That makes our task outstanding,
And brings reality to dreams.
So do not sit and idly wish
For wider, new dimensions
where you can put into practice,
Your many good intentions.
But at the spot God placed you
Begin at once to do,
Little things to brighten up
The lives surrounding you.
If everybody brightened up
The spot where their standing,
By being more considerate,
And a little less demanding.
This dark old world would very soon
Eclipse the evening star,
If everybody brightened up
The corner where they are!
~Helen Steiner Rice
Or be listed in "Who's Who,"
But every person, great or small,
Has important work to do.
For seldom do we realize
The importance of small deeds,
Or to what degree of greatness
Unnoticed kindness leads.
For it's not the big celebrity
In a world of fame and praise,
But it's doing unpretentiously
In an undistinguished way.
The work that God assigned to us,
Unimportant as it seems,
That makes our task outstanding,
And brings reality to dreams.
So do not sit and idly wish
For wider, new dimensions
where you can put into practice,
Your many good intentions.
But at the spot God placed you
Begin at once to do,
Little things to brighten up
The lives surrounding you.
If everybody brightened up
The spot where their standing,
By being more considerate,
And a little less demanding.
This dark old world would very soon
Eclipse the evening star,
If everybody brightened up
The corner where they are!
~Helen Steiner Rice
Friday, June 19, 2009
Encouragement for your Friday
Hello sweet friends! How I have missed you! There is such sweet encouragement that comes to the soul from knowing others are praying on your behalf. Thank you so very much for lifting my family (and for reminding me that you are).
There has not been much change since the last update. Dad is trying to adjust to life at home. He was a very active man before his accident, so he is bored and frustrated by all the things he isn’t able to do. Two different therapists come each week to help maintain his body strength while he waits for his bones to heal. We’re doing our best to keep his spirits up, and Mom is doing well looking after him. I won’t give so many updates from here on out, but please do keep him (and my Mom) in your prayers as God brings them to mind.
My niece, Brooke sees the orthopedic doctor again next week to determine whether or not she will need surgery to repair her collar bone. I saw her a few days ago. The difference in her shoulders is quite evident, yet this is an improvement over how it appeared initially. I would appreciate your continued prayers for her, as well.
Not surprisingly, my devotional messages (from Streams in the Desert) over the last couple of weeks have been so incredibly fitting to our situation and delivered such peace to my soul. I’d love to share them all. I’ve opted to share one that's a bit lighter and based on a passage you’ve perhaps heard hundreds of times. If you’re in the midst of your own storm, I pray it falls fresh on your soul this day.
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)
What a tremendous claim Paul makes in this verse! He does not say, “We know that in some things,” “most things,” or even “joyful things” but “ALL things.” This promise spans from the very smallest detail of life to the most important, and from the most humbling of daily tasks to God’s greatest works of grace performed during a crisis.
Paul states this in the present tense: “God works.” He does not say, “worked” or “will work.” It is a continuing operation.
We also know from Scripture that God’s “justice [is] like the great deep” (Ps. 36:6); at this very moment the angels in heaven, as they watch with folded wings the development of God’s greatest plan, are undoubtedly proclaiming, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made” (Psalm 145:17).
Then when God orchestrates “all things…for the good,” it is a beautiful blending. He requires many different colors, which individually may be quite drab, to weave into the harmonious pattern.
Separate tones, notes, and even discords are required to compose melodious music anthems; a piece of machinery requires many separate wheels, parts, and connections. One part from a machine may be useless, or one note from an anthem may never be considered beautiful, but taken together, combined and completed, they lead to perfect balance and harmony.
We can learn a lesson of faith from this: “You do not realize what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7) J.R. Macduff
In a thousand trials, it is not just give hundred of them that work “for the good” of the believer, but nine hundred and ninety-nine, plus one. George Mueller
There has not been much change since the last update. Dad is trying to adjust to life at home. He was a very active man before his accident, so he is bored and frustrated by all the things he isn’t able to do. Two different therapists come each week to help maintain his body strength while he waits for his bones to heal. We’re doing our best to keep his spirits up, and Mom is doing well looking after him. I won’t give so many updates from here on out, but please do keep him (and my Mom) in your prayers as God brings them to mind.
My niece, Brooke sees the orthopedic doctor again next week to determine whether or not she will need surgery to repair her collar bone. I saw her a few days ago. The difference in her shoulders is quite evident, yet this is an improvement over how it appeared initially. I would appreciate your continued prayers for her, as well.
Not surprisingly, my devotional messages (from Streams in the Desert) over the last couple of weeks have been so incredibly fitting to our situation and delivered such peace to my soul. I’d love to share them all. I’ve opted to share one that's a bit lighter and based on a passage you’ve perhaps heard hundreds of times. If you’re in the midst of your own storm, I pray it falls fresh on your soul this day.
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)
What a tremendous claim Paul makes in this verse! He does not say, “We know that in some things,” “most things,” or even “joyful things” but “ALL things.” This promise spans from the very smallest detail of life to the most important, and from the most humbling of daily tasks to God’s greatest works of grace performed during a crisis.
Paul states this in the present tense: “God works.” He does not say, “worked” or “will work.” It is a continuing operation.
We also know from Scripture that God’s “justice [is] like the great deep” (Ps. 36:6); at this very moment the angels in heaven, as they watch with folded wings the development of God’s greatest plan, are undoubtedly proclaiming, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made” (Psalm 145:17).
Then when God orchestrates “all things…for the good,” it is a beautiful blending. He requires many different colors, which individually may be quite drab, to weave into the harmonious pattern.
Separate tones, notes, and even discords are required to compose melodious music anthems; a piece of machinery requires many separate wheels, parts, and connections. One part from a machine may be useless, or one note from an anthem may never be considered beautiful, but taken together, combined and completed, they lead to perfect balance and harmony.
We can learn a lesson of faith from this: “You do not realize what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7) J.R. Macduff
In a thousand trials, it is not just give hundred of them that work “for the good” of the believer, but nine hundred and ninety-nine, plus one. George Mueller
Friday, May 16, 2008
A Loving Reminder from God
Don’t you love experiencing God in the midst of the ordinary? Those moments when He speaks through a beautiful sunset, a friend's encouraging word or a vibrant rainbow, and you just know it was something He meant especially for you?
One of my favorite of these such moments occurred several years ago. My husband, Tom and I were both in the midst of some challenging situations at the time and were feeling particularly overwhelmed. Among other things, there were major difficulties going on at work for Tom. In addition, several months prior, we had joined the youth staff which meant each of us were caring for our own small group of 8-10 middle school students. Although our hearts were willing, we were completely out of our comfort zone in this new and unfamiliar territory. (Our own son was just then in middle school for goodness sake!) There was much we didn't know. Add to this, one of our biggest challenges was helping to look after Tom’s elderly Aunt, who lived next door.
God had divinely placed us here for the purpose of helping to care for Aunt Helen. A widow with no children of her own, she had practically helped raise Tom and his sisters, and she had always been so good to me. Being nearby to help her was truly a privilege, yet it could also be quite a challenge. She was 81 years old at the time and though her petite frame suggested frailty, it spoke nothing of her legendary determination. She took great joy in doing something challenging (and often dangerous) just to prove to herself (and to you) that she could.
It was January or February in one of those winters where we kept getting snow, just a few inches at a time, for what seemed like weeks. Shoveling the driveway became almost a daily task, in an effort to keep Aunt Helen from slipping and breaking a leg or hip, should she take a notion to walk outside (which she often did).
We tried everything to keep her off that driveway…we got her newspaper early each morning, we got her groceries and we picked up medicine. However, since Tom and I were both working, there were often hours when no one was home and the mail was delivered during that time. Despite our pleas, and offers to bring her mail as soon as we got home from work, many days we returned to find her mailbox already empty, because she insisted on walking that driveway and getting it herself.
And so…with every snowfall, whether a little or a lot, we were over there shoveling and salting like mad. With everything else that was going on at the time, this typically minor chore grew to be a bit of a thorn in our side. We were long past enjoying its beauty. In fact, every time it started to snow, we would find ourselves groaning.
Well, on this particular Sunday, I woke up very early – well before my alarm. It was still dark outside and I realized Tom was already up and out of bed. When I didn’t see him anywhere in the house, I peeked outside and spotted him (yet again) shoveling snow next door. (We had gotten around an inch overnight.) I made my way through our garage and opened the side door just a few feet away from where he was working. "Good morning," I said…He greeted me with a smile and said, "Grab a flashlight and your coat and come out here…I want to show you something..."
A few moments later, I returned as instructed. He took my hand and led me to the end of Aunt Helen's driveway. I turned on the flashlight and there, in the peaceful silence of that early Sunday morning, this is what we saw...
Now a logical person might assume it was pure coincidence that these tire tracks (probably from the newspaper delivery truck) formed two hearts. Instead, what we saw was a blessing from the Lord, spoken straight to our weary souls saying, "I know your struggles, I see your faithfulness, I care about what burdens you, I love you and I'm right here with you."
It's hard to put into words the encouragement that flooded our hearts that morning, truly when we needed it most. We stood there for several moments, not saying anything, just taking it in and thanking the Lord. Then I went to get my camera to capture this moment I didn't ever want to forget. It still encourages me every time I look at this photo. I pray it does the same for you this day.
...May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)
One of my favorite of these such moments occurred several years ago. My husband, Tom and I were both in the midst of some challenging situations at the time and were feeling particularly overwhelmed. Among other things, there were major difficulties going on at work for Tom. In addition, several months prior, we had joined the youth staff which meant each of us were caring for our own small group of 8-10 middle school students. Although our hearts were willing, we were completely out of our comfort zone in this new and unfamiliar territory. (Our own son was just then in middle school for goodness sake!) There was much we didn't know. Add to this, one of our biggest challenges was helping to look after Tom’s elderly Aunt, who lived next door.
God had divinely placed us here for the purpose of helping to care for Aunt Helen. A widow with no children of her own, she had practically helped raise Tom and his sisters, and she had always been so good to me. Being nearby to help her was truly a privilege, yet it could also be quite a challenge. She was 81 years old at the time and though her petite frame suggested frailty, it spoke nothing of her legendary determination. She took great joy in doing something challenging (and often dangerous) just to prove to herself (and to you) that she could.
It was January or February in one of those winters where we kept getting snow, just a few inches at a time, for what seemed like weeks. Shoveling the driveway became almost a daily task, in an effort to keep Aunt Helen from slipping and breaking a leg or hip, should she take a notion to walk outside (which she often did).
We tried everything to keep her off that driveway…we got her newspaper early each morning, we got her groceries and we picked up medicine. However, since Tom and I were both working, there were often hours when no one was home and the mail was delivered during that time. Despite our pleas, and offers to bring her mail as soon as we got home from work, many days we returned to find her mailbox already empty, because she insisted on walking that driveway and getting it herself.
And so…with every snowfall, whether a little or a lot, we were over there shoveling and salting like mad. With everything else that was going on at the time, this typically minor chore grew to be a bit of a thorn in our side. We were long past enjoying its beauty. In fact, every time it started to snow, we would find ourselves groaning.
Well, on this particular Sunday, I woke up very early – well before my alarm. It was still dark outside and I realized Tom was already up and out of bed. When I didn’t see him anywhere in the house, I peeked outside and spotted him (yet again) shoveling snow next door. (We had gotten around an inch overnight.) I made my way through our garage and opened the side door just a few feet away from where he was working. "Good morning," I said…He greeted me with a smile and said, "Grab a flashlight and your coat and come out here…I want to show you something..."
A few moments later, I returned as instructed. He took my hand and led me to the end of Aunt Helen's driveway. I turned on the flashlight and there, in the peaceful silence of that early Sunday morning, this is what we saw...
Now a logical person might assume it was pure coincidence that these tire tracks (probably from the newspaper delivery truck) formed two hearts. Instead, what we saw was a blessing from the Lord, spoken straight to our weary souls saying, "I know your struggles, I see your faithfulness, I care about what burdens you, I love you and I'm right here with you."It's hard to put into words the encouragement that flooded our hearts that morning, truly when we needed it most. We stood there for several moments, not saying anything, just taking it in and thanking the Lord. Then I went to get my camera to capture this moment I didn't ever want to forget. It still encourages me every time I look at this photo. I pray it does the same for you this day.
...May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)
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