A Servant's Heart

For awhile now, one of the spiritual muscles I've been wanting to flex more is serving (volunteering) on Sundays (or where needed) at church. I've been struggling between my selfishness with time and the desire to give my time in some way. I've started serving at church in two ways.

Small Group.
The first way I serve at church is as a co-leader of a small women's group. We meet each week on a regular basis. Our time together is spent getting to know one another and living life together. It's not just about what we did that day or the work we do in our jobs but we are able to connect at a much deeper level. We share what is making us joyful in our days, what saddens us. We discuss what life struggles we are experiencing right now and how we can support one another. We study the Bible and reflect on our pastor's message from the Sunday before. We pray together. We pray for each other's lives and we pray for the community beyond us. We pray for those who are sick or struggling. We pray. We praise.

When Loving Hearts Come Together.
I took this photo as part of my 365 Project (a photo everyday of my life for one year). It's one of my favorite shots I've ever done because it symbolizes what "community" really means. Every heart is different but together it's beautiful!
These are the hands of the women in my group.

Helping lead these women week in and week out is such a special time for me. I get to see how God is transforming them in their lives, building deeper faith in them and watching them love upon each other. It's a place of healing and feeling uplifted. It's a safe place where we can share life.

It took some courage for me to be a leader. Considering the time commitment and being in a leadership position (my natural tendency is to be a follower) is character building. But, learning how to be one is a life lesson. It is a blessing to be here.

Good morning. Welcome!
One of the other ways starting out as small step, I dipped my toe between two ministries; the Welcome team and the children's ministry. For one Sunday each month or so I'd serve on one team and on another the other team. Back and forth, back and forth I'd volunteer my time never really dedicating my efforts in a meaningful or impactful way. Where is God calling me to serve? Why does the time spent between the two ministries still leave me feeling empty? I prayed about it and felt He was asking me to be more focused with my time and not so scattered so that the time I do spend there can be used really getting to know the people who crossed the doors, meeting and knowing them.

On Sunday mornings, if you bring your child to the children's ministry, twice a month you will find me at the entrance checking them in and simply saying "Good morning. Welcome! I'm so happy to see you." What a joy it is to be around young children. I don't have any of my own but to see their vibrant, smiling faces brings a little bit of joy into my own heart. My role seems small and easy but really I find it to be important. After all, it was that first warm, friendly "Hello" I received when I first visited this church that had me coming back again... and again... and again. May I just be a piece of that "Hello".

Tomorrow morning when our church opens the doors at our new location I will be there to welcome the little ones and their parents.

I am humbled.
Serving is a humbling experience. It's getting outside of yourself, your own needs, your own desires to serve something so much greater than one person can possibly be. I'm humbled to let go of precious time where I sometimes would rather be using to fulfill my own needs but instead I use it to be available for another. Serving doesn't come naturally to me. I'm a selfish person. I am humbled.

Keeping Sabbath

I'm a "To Do List" kind of girl. I have difficulties with putting everything down, letting them be, and simply just stopping in life to breathe and listen to God's whispers. I usually have a "to do" list for that, too. First, listen to a sermon, then pray, then journal, then... and the list goes on. But, to actually STOP, rest, and rely on Him solely, that's a tough one. I recognize this discipline is my challenge so I'm adding it to my list. LOL! Ok, another to do list, I know.

A couple times in the last month or so, I haven't had plans on my Friday or Saturday which in some ways as a single girl is the downfall of a flailing social life. But, in others it's a blessed event. I do all the chores I normally would do on a Sunday on my Saturday so by the time Sunday comes along, I have more time on my hands than I know what to do with (unless I'm checking stuff off my to do list). This weekend was one of those times. Thankfully, I already knew I had plans on Sunday so intentionally did chores on Saturday but boy did it feel good!

On an additional note, I think keeping Sabbath also falls under my goals of decluttering and simplifying my life. It's a day of much less worry, clutter, and complexity. I'm all for the simplicity it offers.

It's Mother's Day today. My brother, sister-in-law and I are celebrating. No, I'm not a mom to a human child but I have Lucy. In their eyes, I'm a mom so I get to celebrate this year. Very exciting!

I'm off. Brunch, doggie walk, Star Trek @ IMAX (supposed to be a fabulous movie), and a Mexican dinner. I can't wait!

I'm off to

Skydiving

As if!
I would never jump out of a plane (unless I was forced and had a quality assured, top of the line parachute on my back). Although, I randomly daydream of being an airborn/freefalling acrobat. Now, wouldn't that be something to brag about?

Ever have one of those really tough days at work that makes you question what your real purpose in life is? This question usually pops up in my mind when something at work happens that doesn't sit well with me. I had one of those days yesterday. There's no blaming of people or tasks, just the accumulation of the situation and the lack of realizing my true purpose. In this respect I seem to be on the Route 66 of living a life of purpose.

So, I ask myself "What is the color of my parachute?".

A Bible verse comes to mind:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11

Following Faith

^{A big part of my life journey is growing deeper in my relationship with God. To some who are not believers, this is a big idea and probably one that is difficult to grasp, but I'm a believer. I'm a Christ follower. I love my God.
He is my comfort, my peace, and I draw strength from His word. Perhaps this sounds odd to some, but to me, I am more balanced and less lost when I am connected with Him. He inspires me to be a better person; more compassionate, honest, joyful, forgiving, and fearless.
I'm not perfect, in fact, I'm incredibly flawed, often to my dismay. But, He is perfect. So, why not follow One who is perfect than to follow all the imperfection of this world.}

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. -Psalm 36:5