Acts of kindness

I look at kindness as a seed. When we plant a seed something grows out of that tiny unnoticeable piece of whatever it is. Totally amazing what comes from that tiny seed.  Just one of God's incredible designs! What I really want to say though is about a different kind of a seed. A seed of kindness is a seed in that when planted in a life can grow. Just as a seed requires soil and water to grow so a seed of kindness needs a life where it can grow. When we are kind we will often think nothing of it because it wasn't anything big or special. Just being kind that's all it was. Kindness though is not forgotten. Remember that kindness is a seed, and seeds grow. I like to remember this because in our children's home we get opportunities to care for children for short periods of time. I have wondered what good we can do in a life that has been so damaged over a span of sometimes several years. With a few days or weeks what can we do. A waste of time I have thought, but no it is not time wasted. I can plant seeds in these lives that will grow. Even if I do not see that growth I can have the assurance that kindness grows. God works through and with the seeds that are planted in a life. Keep planting. Be faithful. Don't loose heart but rather give much love and kindness. Have and be a wonderful day. There is always someone that is watching that could be touched by your radiance. 

Wanted: Family

I saw this picture on social media and it caused me to reflect on my work in Tepic. At our children's home live or have lived many children separated from their parents. The reasons for the separation are distinct, but the fact is they all long for a mom and dad. I had my parents my whole childhood and teen years so I cannot relate to not having a mom and dad, or having but not being present, in these important years. What affect does this have on the life of a child? You probably have seen a tree that just grew around something. The tree just continued growing as children do. Character and behavior of the child are affected. Love and support are needed in a child's life to help them in their development. Where that attention comes from is crucial. 

Words of encouragement along with attention can go a long way in the life of any child. This is where you or I can have a positive affect of the life of a child. Working with children as a church worker, or coach are opportunities to provide needed attention. Time given to a child will have a present and eternal reward. We cannot know when a crucial time of need arises in a life. There may never be a thank you as we give time but you can know that you have done little of more value than give time and encouragement. Be a blessing to those around you and have a wonderful day!

Wonderful life!

I know we all have challenging times, some more than others, but still we all experience dry times in our lives. I live in the central part of Mexico where we have a dry season which last for approximately 7 months. It is rare to have rain during this time so needless to say it becomes quite dry in our natural surroundings. This tree pictured here is common to our area, and their are many flowering trees common to us here. The incredible thing is that they flower mostly in the dry season. Even though it is very dry where we live it is the most beautiful time. I truly soak in the beauty of this tree every time I come to work, and when the tree is in bloom.

Now getting back to dryness of soul. Often in our challenging times we so easily focus on our lack of energy or motivation. Beauty, joy, peace, etc. are always present, not always in plain view, but not hard to find. We can drag on our sorrow and depression by choosing to not see the beauty around us and even within us. These trees contain the flower which is released. We all have inner joy and peace which will be released. You are a beautiful person, I am a beautiful person at all times because I know that God is so good, and will give abundance beautiful joy. 

In God's eyes

The other day I was at my computer working on something, don't remember what it was, and with my office door open to the world. I generally love to connect with the kids. That day a little 3 years old comes running down the sidewalk toward the office. I knew that he was coming to me. Being busy and seeing his dirty body and runny nose I thought to myself not now please! I was correct though as the little happy faced guy stepped up into my office and ran over to me grabbing my leg laughing. Not the nose on my pants I thought as he began to hit the computer keys laughing. A all too common thing in my office as I do try to allow these kinds of interactions. Honestly I have not always received "unwelcomed visits" as I should. 

As I was pondering my fleshly side it dawned on me just how simular this may be to our loving and wonderful God. I go to him just as I am when I want to or need to, barging into His presence. It is moments like these when I can appreciate very much how wonderful, patient, and accepting God is. I need to be more like Him. I cannot ever imagine God feeling that now is not a good moment. 

Blessings to you and have a wonderful week!