Dazed

Dazed...this morning I am dazed by the beauty of the body of Christ.

Amazed...by the power of God's great love for us.

On my face...in humility at the privilege we have in walking with Him...in walking with those around us.

Thank you to those of you who joined us for The First Steps on our Walking With You journey...and for those of you who prayed with and for us...and those that just read along. (I know you're out there, and we love you!) The past few days (and really weeks!), in addition to watching the body of Christ come together in amazing ways to minister to grieving families, our church family held an outreach vacation bible school in a local community that lost it's church and has been really hurting. It wasn't a mission field in India or Africa. It was not some big, great thing. But I believe it was Mother Teresa who said, "We can no no great things, only small things with great love." And, with love we went. I am not sharing this to lift us up. Truly, if anything, the past few days have left me feeling as if I want to spend life walking around on my face at the realization that our Jesus, our God...who is so indescribably, immensely big so desperately wants to chase us down with His relentless love that He will even use a flawed broken vessel, such as me to tell the people the good news.

So, I am dazed...at the privilege that we are allowed to be used by God in any little way. Amazed as the reflections wash over me of the past couple weeks. Mothers who have allowed us to stand on sacred ground with them. Who have allowed us the unspeakable privilege of walking in the dark places with them. Following my husband's lead as He knocked on the doors of strangers to invite them to join our church VBS outreach and community dinner. Conversations where I watched the man I love meet people where they were and relate as they shared their hearts and wove their tales in front yards and on front porches. Blessed beyond words as I watched hope flicker in the eyes of those who had lost hope. Images of young hearts calling on the name of Jesus...giving their lives to Him. The faces of grateful families who enjoyed the delicious meal offered by the ladies in our food ministry. The abundance left over that could be sent home. People giving whatever God has equipped them to give. Sharing in song as voices young and old raised as one to praise the living God. The multiplication of blessings that overflowed from each willing heart.

Our part is so small. Our part is just a willing heart. A heart that says: "Here I am, Lord. Send me!"(Is. 6:8)If we go when He says go, He will meet us there. And He will do the rest. His part is the big part. His Holy Spirit gives the words and moves the hearts. We are just along for the ride, and reaping the blessing that splashes up over us as He meets us there. It is so simple, give them Jesus and they will come. Hope for the hopeless. Light in the darkness. Redemption for the lost. Life where there was death.

I love how God uses every part of His body of believers to work together to fulfill His plan. Love it. It is a beautiful tapestry woven together in love. Beautiful to watch His hands and feet reaching out to shine His light in the dark places. Those with a gift of hospitality offering conversation, making strangers feel like welcome members of the family. Those who can make a feast fit for a king serving food with gladness. Those with a gift of song, lifting their voices, strumming their guitars. Those with a love for children and a spirit of joy laughing together, jumping right in. Playing, talking, listening, sharing. Servants' hearts serving. Those who are gifted in planning and organizing lining all the ducks in a row. Builders building. Artists painting. Actors performing skits. Storytellers telling stories of the Creators amazing love. Artists making the story come to life and filling the room with visual beauty. Crafters crafting. Gentle hearts burdened to pray and reach out to those who are hurting. Those with a gift of teaching sharing the truth of His word. Walking together in love. Every little part a piece of the tapestry like imperfect parts of a quilt knit together to form a beautiful masterpiece. God doesn't waste anything in our lives. He weaves it all into our tapestry, making us who we are...and using it to show Himself to others.

There is a difference between telling someone that Jesus loves them and showing His love to them. Really walking with them. That is what I saw people doing. Not with words. Love, in action. Love that says I see you, God sees you...you matter to me...to the God who made you. You matter.

Our theme...God created the world and everything in it...and He created you with a purpose. You are unique and special. The beauty of His simple truth astounds me, surrounds me, and abounds over me.

The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation
And increased its joy;
They rejoice before You
According to the joy of the harvest,
As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
Isaiah 9:2-3

Thank you Jesus for shining your light in the darkness. And for allowing us to be part of the tapestry you are weaving.

By His Grace: This little light of mine...I'm going to let it shine!
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A couple reminders:

Click Thirty One Fundraiser/Giveaway to leave a comment and enter our Thirty-One Giveaway that ends June 25th.

Holly's Chip-In to support Sufficient Grace ends June 22nd...so get on over there and bless her efforts!

If you are participating in Walking With You (or if you plan to), I was thinking of doing this every Thursday (starting next Thursday), instead of just once a month... to give more opportunities to join in and also to keep it consistent so that we don't "forget" that it's coming. People can join in as much or as little as they want, but we could offer it weekly. No pressure. What do you all think? Also...if you have a few minutes to visit those who linked to us on Walking with You...to show them love and pray for them, I would really appreciate it...and I know you will be blessed for it. Thanks so much!