Capitalize What We Prioritize

Have you ever wondered (like me), why the English language capitalizes the word "I" and lower-cases the words "you" "they" "we" "us"? Could it be that we capitalize what we prioritize? Just sayin'. :-)

Ruined for Love’s Sake

For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

- Hosea 6:6

The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we as Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined.

- Søren Kierkegaard,
Danish philosopher, theologian, and ethicist (1813-1855)

Significantly Insignificant

Then turning toward the woman, [Jesus] said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little."

- Luke 7:44-47

Every spiritual master in every tradition talks about the significance of small things in a complex world. Small actions in social life, small efforts in the spiritual life, small moments in the personal life. All of them become great in the long run, but all of them look like little or nothing in themselves. One of my favorite writers, Steve Sjogren, says that "small things done with great love will change the world." So whether it's quietly and anonymously picking up someone's check at lunch today, lending an ear to a friend who has a problem, or just simply holding the door for someone, remember that small, seemingly insignificant things become holy moments in time when done out of a heart for Christ.

Blessed to be a Blessing

Jesus told the people to sit on the ground. Jesus took the seven loaves of bread and the fish. Then Jesus gave thanks to God for the food. Jesus divided the food and gave it to the followers. The followers gave the food to the people. All the people ate and were full. After this, the followers filled seven baskets with the pieces of food that were not eaten. There were about 4,000 men there that ate. There were also women and children that ate.

 

-- Matthew 15:35-38 (ERV)

                     
 

Jesus gave directions, gave thanks, and gave food so the disciples could give what the people needed to be filled and satisfied. These are wonderful blessings that Jesus gives. When we look to him and seek to really serve him, he blesses us with power and ability above our normal human capacity. This zone of blessing and ministry can also be ours if we will offer Jesus ourselves and remove the things we allow to get in the way of our faith in him. Bless you as you go through your day today quietly being the hands and feet of Christ.

Six Weeks Down and Still Setting Records!

What a great summer it's been so far, and the best is yet to come! As of last Friday, we have now finished six full weeks of Healthy Kids, which is a little over half way for this year, and I thought you all would like to see whats been accomplished so far.

First of all, last week was our single best week of Healthy Kids ever. You served a total of 3,533 lunches last week alone! That is amazing! If that weren't enough, listen to this - after six weeks, a total of 18,864 lunches have been served to the children of the greater Granbury area. Thats an average of 3,144 lunches every week. For this we simply say, "thank you God!"

Of course we still have three weeks of Healthy Kids left (five weeks if your church is picking up the last two weeks before school starts on their own) and we are almost certain to break the 25,000 mark and have a realistic shot at reaching 30,000 lunches!

As we move into the home stretch of Healthy Kids this summer, Norma and I really want to encourage you to plan a big finish for your lunch sites. Undoubtedly, you and your volunteers have developed some real and lasting relationships with the kids and families you've been serving all summer. How cool would it be to wrap up Healthy Kids and send your kids back to school with a big Healthy Kids end of summer party!? I've heard of several churches that are planning neighborhood cook outs, block parties and other activities for their lunch sites. So get creative and have some fun with it!

Healthy Kids Praises

I just wanted to let you all know that today, Healthy Kids broke another record - not for the most number of lunches served in one day - today was the second highest day ever for that, with 678. But today, Healthy Kids, on our 20th day of service this summer, surpassed the total number of lunches served all last summer (46 days)!! Through today, you have served 10,549 lunches. We served 10,162 all of last summer. So you've already surpassed last year's total by 342!! Folks, that is nothing short of remarkable!!