For God so loved...

Adam came in the church office this afternoon.  Honestly, he smelled of cigarettes.  Skinny guy, but very outgoing and enthusiastic.  He was with the pastor and had just given his life over to Jesus’ control.  He asked me, “When you first become a Christian, are you supposed to feel weird?”  I said, “You mean like a burden has been lifted off your shoulders?”  “YES!” he said.  

He needed gas money and food vouchers.  As I handed them to him, I asked if he had a Bible.  He said he did and was told to read from the book of John.  Perfect place to start. It’s important to start learning about Jesus first because he is the foundation of your new life.   He’s the one that’s gonna help you grow into the the new person he wants you to be.  

Like a child with many questions, Adam asked, “”What if I can’t get my mind off all the bad stuff I’ve done?  I feel so wicked.”  Stay disciplined and constantly remind yourself  “I am new.”  Keep looking forward.  Write “I am new” on your dashboard or bathroom window.  Surround yourself with Christian music that reminds you of how God sees you, beautiful and full of hope.  If you fall down, it’s okay, God will reach out his hand, take your elbow and lift you back up.  


What's your weakness? Where do you seem to always fall down? Is there a verse or phrase you could write one your walls, place on your desktop to help you stay focused on things above. Consider the John 3:16 to remind you or your family of how special you really are to Christ.

http://mandiwill.uppercaseliving.net

She Left Beauty Wherever She Went

Driving to work today I heard the song, “Meant To Be” by Steven Curtis Chapman.  Long before you drew your first breath...God wanted to give a gift to the world, so He wrapped it up in you.  Every step that you’ve taken, every move that you make, is part of His plan.  You were meant to be touching the lives that you touch. And meant to be here making this world so much more than it would be without you in it.  You were meant to be bringing the gifts that you bring.  And singing the songs you’ve been given to sing.  You are perfectly, wonderfully, beautifully meant to be.  You were meant to be.  

http://lybio.net/steven-curtis-chapman-meant-to-be/christian/

God has made you beautiful and He wants you to share that beauty.  Each of us has unique gifts and talents to share with the people we come in contact with.  A simple smile.  A kind word.  A pat on the back or ruffling the hair of a little one.  A simple phrase such as, “You can do it,” or “I believe in you” leaves your fingerprint of beauty.  

Today, how can you share the beauty God has has given you?  What do you have planned in your day today?  Will you be in contact with a cashier at the store that you can encourage?  What about while you are on the road driving?  Maybe the person in the cubicle next to you needs you to share beauty with them?  Maybe leave a special note for your roomate or husband?  Give your child that extra hug before you drop them off at school?  Maybe that person on the other line needs you to do more than just say you will pray for them, actually pray with them?  

Leaving beauty where you go only takes a second or a minute out of your day.  Make up your mind now, that today you will leave beauty wherever you go.  

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle, quiet spirit, which is of great worth in the God’s sight.  For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.”  1 Peter 3:3-5

http://mandiwill.uppercaseliving.net

Written: 3/20/2012

Learn to Love, and Be Loved

I pulled into the Costco gas station this morning, and it was a ghost town.  Just me and the attendant.  As I got out of the car, he began to open my car’s gas tank & pump my gas for me.  I kindly told him, “Thank you,” and began some small chit-chat.  However, midway through our conversation, it dawned on me, “do I need to tip this guy?”  But this guy didn’t seem to want anything from me, he seemed to just being giving out a kind gesture to a lady on her way to work.  

Have you ever found it hard to accept kindness from someone?  Especially a stranger.  It’s totally hard....and awkward, isn’t it?  But sometimes, we need to let people be kind to us.  Allow them to reach out and care for us.  Too often, as women we are so busy caring for others, that we forget to allow others to care for us.  

Has someone been trying to reach out to you lately?  How have you responded?  Think about it.  If we brush them off, they may not feel comfortable enough to do that kind gesture again for fear of rejection.  That’s kind of sad.  So, by you welcoming their kindness, you are really helping boost their self-confidence.  Not only are you blessed, but that kindness may be multiplied.  

So if that strange man wants to open the door for you today, let him.  If your girlfriend wants to pay for your meal, allow her.  And if your husband wants to massage your feet, let him (even if they are smelly).  

The phrase above is one I ran across in my UpperCase Living catalog.  It is available in vinyl lettering and I think would provide a great, daily reminder to us of this life lesson. The letter could go on a wall, on a mirror, or even a picture frame.  The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.  

Yours for Encouragement,

Mandi Will
636-293-5466
mandik01@gmail.com
http://mandiwill.uppercaseliving.net

Written: 3/21/2012