Giving and Encouraging

3rd and 10th of October

David and I went to Maple Leaf care home a few month ago and introduced ourselves to two ladies who were selling craft they had made for the funds of Maple Leaf. I invited them to our Home League to talk about how and why they do it. So, they came along with their crafts, and explained how their father had become ill with Alzheimer's, to the point where they had to make the choice to put him into a care home. 

They did their craft originally for therapeutic reasons, and then quickly realised they could sell them and give the proceeds to the care home. They wanted to give something back for the wonderful care that their father was receiving. This would also be a blessing and encouragement to the staff, they could see how much they were appreciated. 

Our group were enthusiastic and bought some of the bags and hair clips the ladies had brought with them, the ladies were thrilled, and they themselves felt greatly encouraged by our ladies' generosity and interest. 

The following week our Home League all got together to fill shoeboxes for the Christmas Shoebox appeal run by Samaritans Purse. 

Whilst we may never see the results in person, it is wonderful to go online and see the laughter and joy on the faces of the children who receive the boxes. And hear the wonderful stories from those now grown who received a box as a child and how it impacted their life knowing that someone cared and loved enough to do this for someone they didn't even know. 

We are told in scripture to be cheerful givers, not to do it grudgingly, 

but in all the things we do to do it as unto the Lord. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, 

and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, 

not grudgingly or of necessity; 

for God loves a cheerful giver.

Giving comes from the heart, it is not a duty, and neither is encouraging one another, and building one another up. We have no idea what impact our giving and encouragement might have on another person. 

Lejla's Story

We don't have to be big and lavish in our giving, and our encouragement, the smallest gift, the kindest word when done in love can make such a difference to someone's day, and even their life.  God bless you, and may your giving and encouragement be always to the honour and glory of the One who gave the greatest gift

Summer Blessings

26.09.17

I asked the ladies to dress in summer clothes and if they wished to, to share a memory of summer, be it this year or any other. They all arrived looking very summery, and we passed around some hula skirts and flower garlands. Some people shared with us their favourite memory of summer, for one lady it was the W.A.G weekend at Swanwick Haze, another lady brought along holiday pictures of beautiful sunsets. Another lady said someone had given her a runner bean plant and there had been enough each day, showing her that God is her provider. One lady had written a poem.

Autumn is my favourite time of year,

Kicking leaves of red and gold,

Telling stories of knights so bold,

Yes, autumn is my favourite time of year.

No,

Winter is my favourite time of year,

The wondrous sight of snow,

The lovely firelights glow,

Yes, winter is my favourite time of year.

No,

Spring is my favourite time of year,

New life we see all around,

And hear the cheery bird sounds,

Yes, spring is my favourite time of year.

No,

Summer is my favourite time of year,

Paddling pools, and children’s cries,

Lying under starry skies,

YES, summer is my favourite time of year.

She shared with us that she would miss lying under the night sky and seeing the vast number of stars and meditating on the majesty, might and power of God, and of His grace toward us. 

Psalm 19: 

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; 

and the firmament shows His handiwork.

I asked the ladies if they could recall a time in the Bible when it was total darkness, and we spoke about how Christ was crucified at Calvary for the sins of man, how for three hours there was total darkness as the light of the world, Jesus, was dying, for you and for me. 

Luke 23:44-46 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last.

There have been some dark times in the history of man but this day was the darkest, spiritually, morally and physically but Jesus was triumphant over it all. So the darkest day turns into the best day for all who will repent and believe on Jesus. And we have every reason to rejoice. 

we sang, Wonder of it All, (George Beverly Shea) 

There's the wonder of sunset at evening,
The wonder as sunrise I see;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me.

Refrain

O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!

Just to think that God loves me.

O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!

Just to think that God loves me.

Verse 2

There's the wonder of springtime and harvest,

The sky, the stars, the sun;

But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul

Is a wonder that has only begun.

And then we had a sing and dance!