Don't Miss a Blessing

A couple of weeks ago, Sharon from our prayer blanket ministry, invited me to go with her to deliver a prayer blanket. It was going to someone that was in close proximity to the church office, so I said yes. I thought, why not, it won't take long and it is right near here. It was close to time for me to leave the office and I had things to do after I got off work. It won't take long, I thought...
I got in the car with Sharon and off we went for the delivery. I knew the person we were delivering to but still didn't know what to expect. I had never been on an "official" prayer blanket delivery before with the leader of the blanket ministry team.
We arrived to a warm welcome into the household. Sharon was a professional and I sat on the person's couch amazed at how she presented the blanket, explained the ministry and placed the blanket open on the person. She prayed for the person eloquently. I teared up and couldn't speak. I really don't know who was blessed more, me or the person who actually got the blanket. I forgot all about the "time" and immersed myself in the moment. I was so thankful I said yes and accompanied Sharon that day. I was truly blessed. Nothing else I did that day mattered but that.
How many times have I been "too busy" or "not involved" with things to miss a blessing like I could have missed that day. It taught me a valuable lesson again, not to pass up something that could be a very meaningful moment. I only need to take the time and do it. God will show up, every time.
Let your "yes" come more frequent to those things that might "take a little time" but could make your day all the more blessed. We never know what God has in store for us.

PLUG FOR THE BLANKET MINISTRY:
The prayer blanket ministry could use more volunteers, sewers and such. The demand is high and these ladies work very hard to touch so many with the ministry. I've seen the results first hand. The stories they can tell are amazing. See Sharon if you can help them. It is an awesome ministry of PUMC and God blessed!
Mary Jane

Lent Challenge

As I've been thinking about the upcoming Lent season (Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. Lent begins on 25 February 2009 and ends on 11 April 2009, which is the day before Easter.) and it's meaning, I think about my spiritual growth and what I need to do to enhance or change my habits. As my walk as a Christian continues to grow and develop, I need to continue to stay connected with Christ, His followers and the resources out there to help me along. I began to think about what I may sacrifice (or give up) for Lent or to develop a period of fasting. None of that really appealed to me and especially the FASTING part! (ha)
Spiritual Growth is something we all need to keep us connected with Christ and to become more like Him. As I thought about my spiritual growth, I realized that one way to grow is by reading good Christian material (and the Bible). Which I do often.
Instead of fasting or giving something up this Lent, I plan to read a good book about Christian growth and discipleship during the Lent season of 2009. In essence, I am giving up my time for Christ to be a better person for Him.
Won't you join me this Lent and grow closer to Christ as we reflect on what He did for us on the Cross?
I am taking orders for "Compelled by Love" by Ed Stetzer, Philip Nation :
Understand what it means to be compelled by love. Look at love within the context of God, the church, and the lives of individual believers. Learn what it means to love like Jesus and the calling to love others. Look at the love of God; begin to truly understand what is at the center of the church’s foundation, commission, and direction; but most importantly, understand your role within the mission of God.
Books are $12.00 each.
Email me, call or something so that I can get you on the list for your book! Join me in a season of spiritual growth this lent!
Mary Jane