It was pretty much a good day yesterday. I must have gotten through all those construction buildings I mentioned yesterday for I did make it to the gym on time - although I was a bit concerned as every single signal light I came up to turned red. I think I had two minutes to spare. We worked shoulders yesterday (because I do not have any) and I expected them to be sore today, but they are not. Perhaps I'm 'destined' to have little shoulders? If I am, then why is the rest of my body so large? Sigh.
I still had a little time before hubby came home from his Bible study, though not much.... I'm trying to remember what I did! I didn't do any more wrapping. I didn't read. I didn't crochet. Huh. I can't remember what I did in that short time. Obviously I enjoyed the quiet of the moment. After hubby got home, which was not long after, I headed over to one of the rec centers nearby as friends of ours from a church we attended years ago was playing Santa and Mrs. Claus. They do this every year wherever they can get hired at. He is a former pastor. I haven't seen them in probably 15 years at least. Oh my goodness. It was an art and craft sale at the rec center and I had to drive around for a parking spot! I was beginning to think I was not going to see them, when I found one. Then I went inside.... but not for long. It was full of tables and bumper to bumper people. Uh, no. I love people, I really do, but that is just too close for me. And too many. I walked into the courtyard and walked around, looking for Santa and Mrs. Claus and finally found them. They remembered me by name and we chatted for a few minutes. They asked if I wanted to get a photo - but I told them no. I just wanted to come by and see them. They are 'old' and his beard and white hair is real. And he has a lot of health issues as well, so I probably should have gotten a photo, to make them feel better anyway. But I didn't need one. From there I stopped at Safeway and picked up a few things and headed back to the house.
Not long after I decided to take some crochet'd washcloths over to the granddaughter so she could put in her shop today. I just wanted to get out of the house. Stopped by to visit with the youngest son for a little while before heading back home. I wanted to catch up on all that is going on with his children and his life.
Back home I told hubby let's go to dinner as I wasn't cooking. Headed over to Coco's for the meal then came home - and then of course we had to watch a movie. It was a nice day and I actually got out of the house for quite a bit of it by myself. Today I may not be as lucky. But I do have several things I need to get done today, and a couple of my packages arrived last night so I can get those wrapped and under the tree. Need to get the message ready for I speak again in a couple weeks - two weeks in a row - at least I can use the same message as it is at two different RV parks.
Colossians 3:17 (NKJV): "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Have you ever thought about how you live your life, and the words you say, are a reflection of who Jesus is in you?
I was reading in the book by Frances Chan, Letters to the Church, and I'm reading about what a pastor should be. Very interesting. He has broken it out by different types. The Christian Pastor - which is interesting, as you would think all pastors were Christians.... but that is not always the case. The ones that are now are 'false prophets'. Then there is The Praying Pastor - one who prays at least an hour a day, prayer is that critical. Prayer is not merely a task of ministry; it is a gauge that exposes our heart's condition. It unveils our pride, showing us whether or not we believe we are powerless without God. Prayer is an expression of surrender to God and reliance on His infinite wisdom and sovereignty. Remember, even Jesus prayed before He did miracles. And especially before He went to the cross for us. There is also a Humble Pastor, who doesn't let pride get in his life. Sometimes a pastor can get puffed up when people compliment them on a good message or if they write a book and it does well and he because a well-known, aka famous, author. Pride is of the devil and we need to be always on guard against it. (Now I will say that pride is ok in 'I am proud of you' because you are not exalting yourself, but expressing and exhorting the other person.)
There are more pastors he describes in the book, but I stopped my reading and haven't gotten to all of them. And yes, I examine my own life as I read them. Although I'm not really a 'pastor'. I was told years ago by someone that a 'Pastor' was one who was on staff. Otherwise you are a 'minister'. Whatever. I don't care what title I'm given; I just want to share Jesus with others.
But all that I do or say, I am to do it for the Glory of God - for it is a reflection of who He is in me. Sometimes I fail in that - as I'm sure you do as well. I let my frustration come out. Or I behave in such a way that isn't appropriate as a Christian (my definition of one, anyway). Sometimes we let others bring out the worst in us. Yes, I said 'let'.
I was once told - many, many years ago - by a former boss that 'my attitude when I come in to the office each morning set the attitude of people in the office'. Now mind you, it was a very small office. But when he said that, I became more conscious of how I walked in - meaning I came in with a cheery 'good morning!' instead of grumbling as I came in. You know what I mean - and you probably do the same.
In fact- each one of us - how we greet our spouse or children - whichever we see first thing in the morning - gets a glimpse of us in our attitude or words spoken to them. Our words set their day in place. If we greet our spouse or child cheerfully (in spite of THEIR attitude that morning), it can change their outlook for the day. If they hear us being grumpy and snarky in the morning... they can choose to avoid us and get out of the house as soon as they can - which causes them to leave with a poor attitude as well. Who would have thought one person could have that much effect on others?!
But we do. And if we allow the love and attitude of Jesus to flow through us, what a wonderful world this would be.
Blessings!
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