Last Day of the Year

                                       

Monday Messages-Make me a spoon (an object lesson)

Make Me A Spoon

Anonymous
 

Did you ever compare your Christian service to silverware? All silverware is made to serve, but the different pieces serve in different ways.
 

Forks stab.  "This is mine," they say.  Bits of meat, carrots, pickles, salad and cheese.  "This, this and  this are mine," says the fork. "Everything for me, me, me."  And soon every last morsel on the plate has been pinned by the spear of the selfish fork.
 

Knives cut.  "Too big," says the knife.  Slice.  Cut.   Chop.  Dice. Everything must change its shape to satisfy the whim of the knife. Nothing is right as it is.  Everything needs paring down, carving or separating.
 

Spoons serve:  cereal, soup, peas -- all the impossible foods can be handled comfortably from the 
smooth bowl of the spoon.  Spoons say, "Here, let me help you.  We can manage together."  

MAKE ME A SPOON, LORD!

Sunday Blessings-Serving

This past week, I was at the grocery store-okay it was Christmas morning at about 11am.  Safeway was the only store open (even Wal-Mart was closed) and a younger couple in front of me was trying to pay with a check and the cashier said they couldn't take it.  So I asked how much they needed and they offered to put back the soda, but the cashier turned the price reader and it was only $7.09, so I paid cash for their groceries (including some flowers and the soda).  They were appreciative, but the cashier was really overwhelmed and teared up.  I told her I was sorry she had to work on Christmas, but she said she was glad she had been there that day to see such generosity.  I was frankly more touched by her gratitude and tender heart than the people who said thank you and hurried on their way.  It was such a small thing to me and I'm not sure the couple were desperate or anything.  But I was so glad to see the cashier so touched and she said I made her day.  I wondered later if those who work on holidays only see people in a hurry, short-tempered and more concerned with themselves.  Maybe she was losing faith in people or something.  Anyway, even though it was a small thing, I felt good doing good.  I am grateful to be able to help those around me, even strangers.

Saturday Quotes-The best day in the year

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Friday Favorites-my favorite thing about snow

My favorite thing about snow is the quiet it brings.  I also love the beauty of white covering everything, but the quiet of it is something that amazes me. 

Thursday Tips & Tricks-Best advice for day after Christmas

...the day after Christmas doesn't have to be a downer.  Everyone usually has the day off, so try to extend the holiday cheer by making it a simple, no stress, family day.  Keep the games going.  avoid the stores.  Make something easy for dinner-growing up we often had Turkey Noodle Soup.  Go see a movie. Play in the snow.  But most of all-keep that love going.  Remember that love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, always trusts, always hopes and you are sure to find that LOVE NEVER FAILS.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Day is anticipated for months and is a day for celebrating.  We always have had plenty of presents, good food, family and friends.  We listen to Christmas songs, open gifts, share a feast, play lots of games, maybe catch some football and generally just spend time together.  I feel such compassion though for people who don't have these blessings.  Gifts, football, food and even music could be made up for if you have people to share the holiday with.  Love is the reason we celebrate.  It is the reason Christ came to earth-because He loved us and our Father in Heaven loved us.  We try to invite singles we know who may not have others to share with.  It brings us extra joy on this wonderful day.  I think the joy I feel on this day is closest to what heaven will feel like.  I am so grateful this year to have all our kids home, plus be able to celebrate our little granddaughter's very first Christmas.