The Free Gift

I had decided to make something for the girls I work with. As I thought about what to make, I decided on butterfly suncatchers. I thought I would make a bunch of them all different colors, and let them choose. I made 15 butterflys. They all turned out pretty good. I rushed last Sunday night to get them finished. The closer I got to being done with them, the more excited I got. As I was waxing them and buffing them up, I started to pray over each one for whomever might get it. I didn't know but God did and I knew would honor each prayer. My excitement was at an all time high on Monday morning. I had each girl pull a number as to who would go first, second etc. in picking out their butterfly. I started taking them out of the box and spreading them out on the desk for everyone to see. They got excited too and there were many ohhs and ahhs. It made me feel good to know they liked them and were happy to be getting one. It was a nice surprise and I was honored they liked them so much. I don't know who was happier--them or me. The pleasure I got was great! I started thinking about it more as the day went on. The butterflies were a free gift. No one did anything for them. There was much pleasure in the giving and receiving. I began to think of someone else who gave a free gift. God gave His only Son to die for everyone in the world so they could receive His free gift of everlasting life. There is nothing you can do for it. All you have to do is believe it. 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9Not of works, lest any man should boast.Ephesians 2:8,9

Yesterday was a stressful and sad day at work. For the first time our company had to let some folks go. We are a small company and like family. It was not easy for the owners to do this. I spoke one of the girls before she left. She was naturally upset and scared about the future, but she told me she had been praying about her life lately, and asking God to guide and direct her. She is hoping this was a start and decided to look at it that way.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

God's perfect timing

My best friend Theresa's grandson Tommy is has been living with her lately. He is 19 and has been blind from birth. Since living with her, she has been trying to get him enrolled in college, has found classes to teach him how to live on his own and has applied for him to get a guide-dog. He has done very well lately and is learning how to be independant.

Last week a gentleman came to their house to measure Tommy's stride, to know what size dog he needs and talk to them about the school down in Florida he will be going to for almost a month to learn how to handle the dog etc. During the visit, Tommy meantioned that he would be starting to college in August. The man asked if the guide dog folks knew that. Tommy repied that he thought so but wasn't sure. He said that they would really have to get the ball moving to get Tommy down to Florida for the training and back before school starts. He told them that he would make some phone calls and see what could be done to "fast-track" everything so the timing will work out. He told them be ready--things could move quickly.

When Theresa told me all of this on Monday, I asked her how was she going to get it to happen and Tommy be back in time for school. This could be a problem. Her answer to me was that they fully expected God to work it all out and that it WAS going to happen and Tommy get back in time for school--there will be no hitches! They were getting ready and would be ready to drive to Florida with very little warning. OK! we'll see!!

When I spoke to her this morning, she told me that Tommy will be going to the guide dog school in July and will finish WITH 3 WHOLE DAYS TO SPARE before staring college in August! It was all set up and the plan is made! I thought--talk about cutting it close!

After we hung up for some reason, I thought about the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. They were very good friend's of Jesus. Lazarus became ill. Mary and Martha sent for Jesus, having FAITH that he could heal their brother. But for some reason, Jesus didn't hurry to Lazarus' side even though he loved him very much. He waited a few days and then went to them. He was told that Lazarus had died-- that Jesus was too late. Or was he? Jesus went to the tomb and rose Lazarus from the dead. His timing was right on. Why? Because ALL things are to honor God. He proved who he was to the Jews by this sign of rasing Lazarus and God got the honor from it. Mary and Martha had faith that Jesus could HEAL him but not raise him. Thersa and Tommy never doubted that somehow God would work out the details and get Tommy to Florida and back in time for school. Their faith is real. May God get the honor!!!

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose

Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

What's in your Wake?

Growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and raising 2 children there, many of our outdoor actititves involved water and boats. There are plentiful rivers, creeks and the gulf to swim and boat in. I know that all boats big and small leave wakes behind them. Depending on who's at the wheel it could be big or small. When boats pass each other they should ensure that their wake will not cause anyone harm. I have been in a small boat when a very big one passes and know what can happen if the captain just does not care what happens to you.

As we go through life we too leave wakes behind us. So the question is "What is in your Wake?" What do you leave behind you as you go about your day to day life?

Do you get up feeling a little bad or maybe things aren't going your way and you bark at the checkout girl? Ruining her day and making her ruin others' day? Or do you try to smile and get through the day the best you can and try not to bite any one's head off? If you try to be friendly, you may find your day will get better.

What about when you step off into eternity? How will you be remembered? With a smile and fond memerioes? Or with hurtful ones. Or that you were a grouch and a grummbler.



So as you go through your day and your life think about what you are leaving behind you in your wake. Joy or a path of descruction?