The first time I met Mary Fran Larson was around 10 years ago. She had just moved to town with her husband and three sons. She came to Bible study at my house and I was amazed that such a tiny person could exude such a large amount of positive enthusiasm.
The more I got to know Mary, the more she made me want to follow Christ’s command to love and serve others. She was always bringing food to someone in need, helping younger moms through life or sending out prayer requests through the prayer chain. However, the most personal way she touched my heart was by showing love to my daughter Shalyn.
Mary often sent (and still sends) Shalyn (age 8) a note in the mail. Most of the notes are brief and written on ordinary paper, but Miss Mary always makes them special. She usually decorates each note and mailing envelope with stickers or ribbon. These simple letters mean the world to Shalyn, who even started a “card collection” from Mary Larson.
Every so often we have Mary over for tea. Shalyn sets the table with pretty tea cups and lots of treats. They sit and talk and eat, but most importantly, Mary invests in Shalyn’s life.
Mary has a special place in Shalyn’s heart because she spends time caring about her and making her feel special. The time Mary spends making my little girl feel loved and valuable makes my heart swell with thankfulness.
Mary’s thoughtfulness inspired me to find a little girl I could encourage. Last week I sent a note to a little girl from church telling her that I thought she was special and wonderful. I put stickers on the envelope and inside the card (following Mary’s example). Then I sent a card to Mary Fran Larson. I even decorated the envelope with heart stickers. She said it made her smile!
You see, Mary has the gift of encouragement and she is using her gift to glorify God. I am so thankful for people like Mary who take an active role in showing Christ’s love to others. Is there someone (it could be a child, teenager or adult) you can think of who could use a note of encouragement today? Take the time to send them some snail mail – it may become part of their card collection!
Scripture: Hebrews 3:13
Prayer: Lord, in Your Word You tell us to encourage each other daily. We want to obey You by lifting each other up. We want to encourage each other in our daily lives. May we follow You as we build each other up in our faith. Please show us a specific person today who we can build up with our words or with a letter. We want our love for You to extend to others.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
It’s Hard to Share – Even for Adults!
Did you know that Minnesota is called the “Land of 10,000 lakes?” Some people (Minnesotans, of course) say that 10,000 is actually a conservative estimate. That’s a lot of lakes! This past year my husband and I were able to buy a small cabin on a lake – our own little weekend retreat.
I envisioned our family of four “getting away from it all.” My dreams for the cabin included my husband spending less time on his computer and phone and more time with the kids and me. I thought about all the special times we would spend fishing, playing games and roasting marshmallows for s’mores.
My husband, however, had a different “dream” for the cabin. Soon after the purchase was finalized, he began listing off all the people he planned to invite to the cabin. It seemed that his dream was to spend time at the cabin with pretty much everyone under the sun.
Since I’m somewhat of an introvert, you can imagine what that did to my anxiety level. As I thought about his dream I started to panic. I envisioned myself cooking, cleaning, hosting, more cooking, entertaining and then going to the store to buy groceries so I could cook some more!
His dream of sharing our cabin was invading my dream of privacy and family time (it’s hard to read a book or play a game when you’re so busy cooking)!
In Mark 10, Jesus speaks to a rich young man. He tells the young man to sell everything he has, give it to the poor and then come follow Jesus. The Bible says the man’s face fell and he went away sad because he had great wealth.
How does this relate to our cabin? The Lord is the one who blessed us with a cabin. But instead of wanting to use it to bless others, I wanted to keep it for myself. I Timothy 6:10 says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It’s not wrong to have a cabin, but loving it so much that I wanted to keep it to myself was wrong.
If we own any material possession that we can’t bear to lose, then we probably shouldn’t own it. If we own a material possession that we aren’t willing to share with others, then we probably shouldn’t own it – whether it’s a car, television, cabin, home, etc. Think of it this way; if God asked us to share it, would we?
Scripture: I Timothy 6:6-10; Mark 10:17-31
Prayer: Jesus, I know You expect me to put You first in my life. Please show me if there are any material possessions in my life that I could not bear to lose. I want to put You ahead of anything I own. I do not want to love money more than You. Please show many anything in my life that is hindering me from serving You.
I envisioned our family of four “getting away from it all.” My dreams for the cabin included my husband spending less time on his computer and phone and more time with the kids and me. I thought about all the special times we would spend fishing, playing games and roasting marshmallows for s’mores.
My husband, however, had a different “dream” for the cabin. Soon after the purchase was finalized, he began listing off all the people he planned to invite to the cabin. It seemed that his dream was to spend time at the cabin with pretty much everyone under the sun.
Since I’m somewhat of an introvert, you can imagine what that did to my anxiety level. As I thought about his dream I started to panic. I envisioned myself cooking, cleaning, hosting, more cooking, entertaining and then going to the store to buy groceries so I could cook some more!
His dream of sharing our cabin was invading my dream of privacy and family time (it’s hard to read a book or play a game when you’re so busy cooking)!
In Mark 10, Jesus speaks to a rich young man. He tells the young man to sell everything he has, give it to the poor and then come follow Jesus. The Bible says the man’s face fell and he went away sad because he had great wealth.
How does this relate to our cabin? The Lord is the one who blessed us with a cabin. But instead of wanting to use it to bless others, I wanted to keep it for myself. I Timothy 6:10 says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It’s not wrong to have a cabin, but loving it so much that I wanted to keep it to myself was wrong.
If we own any material possession that we can’t bear to lose, then we probably shouldn’t own it. If we own a material possession that we aren’t willing to share with others, then we probably shouldn’t own it – whether it’s a car, television, cabin, home, etc. Think of it this way; if God asked us to share it, would we?
Scripture: I Timothy 6:6-10; Mark 10:17-31
Prayer: Jesus, I know You expect me to put You first in my life. Please show me if there are any material possessions in my life that I could not bear to lose. I want to put You ahead of anything I own. I do not want to love money more than You. Please show many anything in my life that is hindering me from serving You.
Friday, February 18, 2011
10 Bad Days
On a recent trip I met a remarkable bellman. He was one of those people who exuded positive energy, and I could feel that energy the minute he stepped on the elevator with me.
As we rode together, he started to tell me about his job and why it was important for him to do it with excellence. He explained that if people didn’t like the service at the hotel, they wouldn’t come back. I could tell he really cared about doing his job well.
He was one of the most upbeat people I’ve ever met, even though his job must have included dealing with crabby customers on a daily basis. He could have just greeted me with a pleasant “hello,” yet he chose to go a step further. He chose to strike up a friendly conversation with me and made my day a little brighter in the process. Positive enthusiasm for life radiated from the smile on his face.
As we exited the elevator, he stepped aside and told me his secret. He said he only allows himself to have 10 bad days a year! He said when one of his days starts to head down a negative path, he stops to decide whether or not he wants to use up one of his bad days. After he thinks it over, he often ends up changing his attitude.
I felt God prompting me to take the conversation one step further, so I explained that I believed God was in charge of all of our good days and bad days.
His face brightened and he enthusiastically agreed with me. I could tell that there was a deeper, more spiritual reason behind his happiness.
This man’s positive approach could work for anyone. Bad situations might not look so bleak if we would only allow ourselves 10 bad days per year. Taking this approach could change our lives. It would force us to reprioritize. And, we would have 355 good days a year!
Scripture: Isaiah 55
Prayer: Lord, I want to go out in joy each day, just like You suggest in Isaiah 55. I want to live my life in the joy of Your salvation. I want to thank you for all You’ve done for me and to choose to live my life in appreciation of Your love. I want to exude Your love so that others may see that You are the reason for the smile on my face and my positive attitude.
As we rode together, he started to tell me about his job and why it was important for him to do it with excellence. He explained that if people didn’t like the service at the hotel, they wouldn’t come back. I could tell he really cared about doing his job well.
He was one of the most upbeat people I’ve ever met, even though his job must have included dealing with crabby customers on a daily basis. He could have just greeted me with a pleasant “hello,” yet he chose to go a step further. He chose to strike up a friendly conversation with me and made my day a little brighter in the process. Positive enthusiasm for life radiated from the smile on his face.
As we exited the elevator, he stepped aside and told me his secret. He said he only allows himself to have 10 bad days a year! He said when one of his days starts to head down a negative path, he stops to decide whether or not he wants to use up one of his bad days. After he thinks it over, he often ends up changing his attitude.
I felt God prompting me to take the conversation one step further, so I explained that I believed God was in charge of all of our good days and bad days.
His face brightened and he enthusiastically agreed with me. I could tell that there was a deeper, more spiritual reason behind his happiness.
This man’s positive approach could work for anyone. Bad situations might not look so bleak if we would only allow ourselves 10 bad days per year. Taking this approach could change our lives. It would force us to reprioritize. And, we would have 355 good days a year!
Scripture: Isaiah 55
Prayer: Lord, I want to go out in joy each day, just like You suggest in Isaiah 55. I want to live my life in the joy of Your salvation. I want to thank you for all You’ve done for me and to choose to live my life in appreciation of Your love. I want to exude Your love so that others may see that You are the reason for the smile on my face and my positive attitude.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Good Gifts
Today is Valentine’s Day. Some people think this holiday is a big scheme by Hallmark, Target, Walmart and floral shops to swindle money out of the general public. Other people believe it’s the perfect time to show someone you love that you care for them.
Personally, I enjoy using Valentine’s Day to remind my family that they are special to me. After all, it’s the only day of the year when my son asks for pink, heart-shaped pancakes! My daughter loved the fluffy white bear I set in her room after she fell asleep and my husband enjoyed his red licorice with everyone at the office (at least that’s what he was supposed to do with it!).
It was very ironic that our family’s morning devotions included reading John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” I believe the day God sent Jesus into the world is the true Valentine’s Day.
According to Wikipedia, February 14 is a day to celebrate love and affection between intimate (someone associated in close, personal relations) companions. Kids bring candy to pass out at school to show their friends they care about them. As adults, we give flowers, gifts or cards as a way of expressing our love and affection.
However, it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day for God to express His love toward us. He shows us He loves us every day of the year. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (I John 3:1)
Jesus said to us in Matthew 22:37-39, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Take time today to love the Lord your God by spending time in His Word and in prayer. Then take extra time today to show love to someone around you. It can be a family member, a cashier at the gas station, an actual neighbor or anyone else that you encounter today. If you’re one of those people who thinks Valentine’s Day is a sham, just remember that kind words are free! You don’t even have to acknowledge “Heart Day.” You can simply tell someone to, “Have a good day.”
If you do celebrate this red/pink/heart-shaped/Cupid’s arrow shooting/candy conversation heart-eating/chocolate-loaded holiday, then “Happy Valentine’s Day” to you!
Scripture: I Corinthians 13
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for Your unconditional love toward me. While I was still a sinner, You sent your Son Jesus Christ to die for me. I want to follow Your greatest commandment, which is to love You with all of my heart, soul and mind. Please show me through Your Holy Spirit how I can love You completely. I also want to love my neighbors as myself. Please open my eyes to the needs of other hurting people so that I may show Your love to them in tangible ways. I love You!
Personally, I enjoy using Valentine’s Day to remind my family that they are special to me. After all, it’s the only day of the year when my son asks for pink, heart-shaped pancakes! My daughter loved the fluffy white bear I set in her room after she fell asleep and my husband enjoyed his red licorice with everyone at the office (at least that’s what he was supposed to do with it!).
It was very ironic that our family’s morning devotions included reading John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” I believe the day God sent Jesus into the world is the true Valentine’s Day.
According to Wikipedia, February 14 is a day to celebrate love and affection between intimate (someone associated in close, personal relations) companions. Kids bring candy to pass out at school to show their friends they care about them. As adults, we give flowers, gifts or cards as a way of expressing our love and affection.
However, it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day for God to express His love toward us. He shows us He loves us every day of the year. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (I John 3:1)
Jesus said to us in Matthew 22:37-39, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Take time today to love the Lord your God by spending time in His Word and in prayer. Then take extra time today to show love to someone around you. It can be a family member, a cashier at the gas station, an actual neighbor or anyone else that you encounter today. If you’re one of those people who thinks Valentine’s Day is a sham, just remember that kind words are free! You don’t even have to acknowledge “Heart Day.” You can simply tell someone to, “Have a good day.”
If you do celebrate this red/pink/heart-shaped/Cupid’s arrow shooting/candy conversation heart-eating/chocolate-loaded holiday, then “Happy Valentine’s Day” to you!
Scripture: I Corinthians 13
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for Your unconditional love toward me. While I was still a sinner, You sent your Son Jesus Christ to die for me. I want to follow Your greatest commandment, which is to love You with all of my heart, soul and mind. Please show me through Your Holy Spirit how I can love You completely. I also want to love my neighbors as myself. Please open my eyes to the needs of other hurting people so that I may show Your love to them in tangible ways. I love You!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Why Do We Have Big Buts?
Moses had a big but. Actually, Moses had three big buts. Before this starts going downhill, let me explain what I mean.
In Exodus 3 God revealed Himself to Moses in the form of a burning bush. That in itself is an amazing feat, and yet Moses seemed unimpressed. When the Lord told him (through the fiery bush, remember) that He wanted Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses basically replied, “But, God …”
His first “but” came when he asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” God patiently responded, “I will be with you.”
Moses had a second “but.” He asked God, “What should I do if the people ask me who sent me?” God definitively answered, “Tell them, I AM has sent me to you.” The Lord followed this statement with specific instructions and a well-laid plan for Moses to follow.
Even after the well-laid plan and God’s appearance through a burning bush, Moses had another “but.” He said to God, “But God, I’m not a good public speaker.”
This morning I nervously anticipated an appointment to speak at a MOPS group. I had a list of “buts” running through my mind before I left home. But I’m not good at speaking in public. But the women might think I’m boring, weird or even nuts (though this may actually be true). But I might not connect with them. Lots of big buts!
This morning the Lord showed me the same answer He gave Moses thousands of years ago – after his third “but.” “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now GO; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:11-12).
Needless to say, I got in my car and left! How can I say no when God directly promises to meet my needs by helping me speak and telling me what to say? God wants to turn our “buts” into “You can do it through Me!”
Scripture: Exodus 3 & 4
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your promises of support that are just as valid today as they were many years ago. You have proven that You love us and will always carry us through difficult situations. Thank you for being a God who is compassionate and patient with us. You are amazing and wonderful!
In Exodus 3 God revealed Himself to Moses in the form of a burning bush. That in itself is an amazing feat, and yet Moses seemed unimpressed. When the Lord told him (through the fiery bush, remember) that He wanted Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses basically replied, “But, God …”
His first “but” came when he asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” God patiently responded, “I will be with you.”
Moses had a second “but.” He asked God, “What should I do if the people ask me who sent me?” God definitively answered, “Tell them, I AM has sent me to you.” The Lord followed this statement with specific instructions and a well-laid plan for Moses to follow.
Even after the well-laid plan and God’s appearance through a burning bush, Moses had another “but.” He said to God, “But God, I’m not a good public speaker.”
This morning I nervously anticipated an appointment to speak at a MOPS group. I had a list of “buts” running through my mind before I left home. But I’m not good at speaking in public. But the women might think I’m boring, weird or even nuts (though this may actually be true). But I might not connect with them. Lots of big buts!
This morning the Lord showed me the same answer He gave Moses thousands of years ago – after his third “but.” “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now GO; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:11-12).
Needless to say, I got in my car and left! How can I say no when God directly promises to meet my needs by helping me speak and telling me what to say? God wants to turn our “buts” into “You can do it through Me!”
Scripture: Exodus 3 & 4
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your promises of support that are just as valid today as they were many years ago. You have proven that You love us and will always carry us through difficult situations. Thank you for being a God who is compassionate and patient with us. You are amazing and wonderful!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Boomerang
You’re probably familiar with the “flying tool” known as the boomerang. Right now you might be picturing it in your mind, since its “V” shape is very distinct. According to Wikipedia, the most common type is called a returning boomerang. It’s designed to travel on an elliptical path and return directly to its point of origin.
This week I’ve realized that the boomerang can accurately represent periods of time in our relationship with God. Right now some of my friends are in the midst of hard-hitting trials. Maybe you are experiencing an extremely difficult situation right now, or maybe you’re praying someone else through a tough time. You may feel like crying or even screaming out to God.
The writer of Psalm 74 did just that. Asaph (or possibly one of his descendants) was obviously frustrated as he openly shared his bold, honest feelings with God. He said, “(v.1) Why have you rejected us forever, O God?” Wow, can you believe He asked God that question? Don’t hold back, Asaph! Tell us how you really feel!
When I was in my early 20s, I was in a Bible study about prayer. The book taught us that we can lay it all on the line with God – even our most raw emotions – because He can take it. This doesn’t give us the right to be disrespectful or doubt God’s plan for our lives. However, it means we can come openly to God and share our deepest fears, desires, frustrations and heartaches. The God who created us can also handle our emotions.
Like throwing a boomerang, we can cast our burdens on God. Just as the boomerang always returns to its original point, we must also come back to praising God in the midst of our circumstances. We must cast our cares on Him and then return to praise.
In Psalm 75 Asaph says, “(v. 1) We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for Your Name is near; men tell of Your wonderful deeds. (v. 9) As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.”
Scripture: Psalm 74 & 75
Prayer: I Peter 5:7 says to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Lord, I want to be honest with you about my feelings, realizing that you have the best plan in mind for my life. I don’t know why bad things happen, but I know that You can work all things together for good. During hard times, I will trust in You.
This week I’ve realized that the boomerang can accurately represent periods of time in our relationship with God. Right now some of my friends are in the midst of hard-hitting trials. Maybe you are experiencing an extremely difficult situation right now, or maybe you’re praying someone else through a tough time. You may feel like crying or even screaming out to God.
The writer of Psalm 74 did just that. Asaph (or possibly one of his descendants) was obviously frustrated as he openly shared his bold, honest feelings with God. He said, “(v.1) Why have you rejected us forever, O God?” Wow, can you believe He asked God that question? Don’t hold back, Asaph! Tell us how you really feel!
When I was in my early 20s, I was in a Bible study about prayer. The book taught us that we can lay it all on the line with God – even our most raw emotions – because He can take it. This doesn’t give us the right to be disrespectful or doubt God’s plan for our lives. However, it means we can come openly to God and share our deepest fears, desires, frustrations and heartaches. The God who created us can also handle our emotions.
Like throwing a boomerang, we can cast our burdens on God. Just as the boomerang always returns to its original point, we must also come back to praising God in the midst of our circumstances. We must cast our cares on Him and then return to praise.
In Psalm 75 Asaph says, “(v. 1) We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for Your Name is near; men tell of Your wonderful deeds. (v. 9) As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.”
Scripture: Psalm 74 & 75
Prayer: I Peter 5:7 says to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Lord, I want to be honest with you about my feelings, realizing that you have the best plan in mind for my life. I don’t know why bad things happen, but I know that You can work all things together for good. During hard times, I will trust in You.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Is it More Blessed to Give or to Receive?
One of the first verses I learned as a child was Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The message of this verse is an important one – serving others should be an integral part of our daily lives. Scripture reiterates this command and Jesus’ life is the greatest example of service in the history of the world.
Then how can I ask the question, “Is it more blessed to give or to receive?”
The reason I ask it is to make us think. It is important to give of ourselves, yet it is also important to receive. There are times in our lives when we need to receive graciously from others. This is not always an easy thing to do. When others help us, our natural tendency is to want to give back an equal portion of what they’ve given us.
This week I needed to accept help from a friend. She lovingly took many hours out of her busy week to help me with an emergency project at my home. I wanted to make her dinner or buy her a gift certificate to help “compensate” for the extra time she spent helping me. When I asked her when I could bring her family dinner, she told me, “Gretchyn, if you bring me dinner I really will be mad at you! Just accept my help and say ‘thank you.’”
Those were powerful words. It was humbling for me to accept her help and not give her anything in return, but in the process I learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes we are supposed to sacrificially give, and other times we are supposed to graciously receive.
Christ offered us the free gift of eternal life and all we need to do to spend eternity with Him is to receive it. God wants us to accept the gift of his Son. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we naturally start wanting to share His love with others – that’s where the giving comes in.
Maybe I can answer my first question with another question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” What I’m trying to say is that while Scripture tells us it is more blessed to give than to receive, God has asked us to do both.
Scripture: Acts 20:35, Matthew 10:8, John 1:12, I Timothy 1:15-16
Prayer: Lord, Your Word says it is more blessed to give than to receive. I know You want me to share my time and talents to help others. I want to see needs around me and serve others out of a heart of love for You. I also realize that I need to receive help when others want to bless me. Please show me how to be a sacrificial giver and also a gracious receiver.
Then how can I ask the question, “Is it more blessed to give or to receive?”
The reason I ask it is to make us think. It is important to give of ourselves, yet it is also important to receive. There are times in our lives when we need to receive graciously from others. This is not always an easy thing to do. When others help us, our natural tendency is to want to give back an equal portion of what they’ve given us.
This week I needed to accept help from a friend. She lovingly took many hours out of her busy week to help me with an emergency project at my home. I wanted to make her dinner or buy her a gift certificate to help “compensate” for the extra time she spent helping me. When I asked her when I could bring her family dinner, she told me, “Gretchyn, if you bring me dinner I really will be mad at you! Just accept my help and say ‘thank you.’”
Those were powerful words. It was humbling for me to accept her help and not give her anything in return, but in the process I learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes we are supposed to sacrificially give, and other times we are supposed to graciously receive.
Christ offered us the free gift of eternal life and all we need to do to spend eternity with Him is to receive it. God wants us to accept the gift of his Son. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we naturally start wanting to share His love with others – that’s where the giving comes in.
Maybe I can answer my first question with another question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” What I’m trying to say is that while Scripture tells us it is more blessed to give than to receive, God has asked us to do both.
Scripture: Acts 20:35, Matthew 10:8, John 1:12, I Timothy 1:15-16
Prayer: Lord, Your Word says it is more blessed to give than to receive. I know You want me to share my time and talents to help others. I want to see needs around me and serve others out of a heart of love for You. I also realize that I need to receive help when others want to bless me. Please show me how to be a sacrificial giver and also a gracious receiver.
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