Inspiration Comes in Many Forms

Sometimes writers wait until they have a spark of inspiration or an incident that prompts them to scribble ideas, plans, plots or thoughts. For me inspiration comes with a bird song, my puppy tugging the leash, or that bit of scripture that I am struggling to memorize. Inspirational thoughts are everywhere and like a child with a butterfly net it is our job to catch them and weave them into a poem, song, essay, or story. I am so blessed to have friends who do this on a daily basis. They will tell you that inspiration is how you look at the world not what the world drops in your lap. My mini sermon for the day.

Decisions that make a Difference

There are times in our lives when we wonder, what difference does it make?  When this happens to me I ruminate about "the road not taken."   What if I had gone to college here?  married this person?  Had more children?  Joined the military?  And on it goes.

Just one glance around my office lets me know that what I have is precious.  I can't imagine any other life than this one.  With my loving spouse, wonderful children, and extraordinary grandchildren I can only say thank you to the One who entrusted me with this gift.

13 Decisions That Will Change Your Life will only enrich your circumstances.  Look for it to challenge, uplift, and maybe even help you decide to take that risk or change that behavior.  

Generosity is Contagious

My grandmother was a giver.  I never left her little country farmhouse without a sack of tomatoes or jars of jelly.  She wasn't rich in material wealth but she wanted to give. Giving expressed her love.  I wonder if we think of that when we write a check to the church or share with someone in need.  Giving can salve our conscience because it's the right thing to do.  But perhaps we should reread the story in Luke 21.  Jesus commends the widow for her tiny gift because "she gave all she had to live on."  She supposedly went unnoticed but gifts done for the right motive don't go unnoticed.  The decision to be generous will change your life and the lives of those around you.

Be Generous

People love to get stuff, especially free stuff.  Americans are famous for their big cars, big houses, big food portions, big everything.  But I wonder if that is true of our hearts.  We tend to be generous with everything but ourselves.  I am putting myself on the hook too.  It is easier to be generous with a few dollars than with myself or my time.  Chapter 6 of 13 Decisions That Will Change Your Life introduces some folks you don't know but their generosity will inspire your life.

Packing Lunches

My grandson woke his mom early with "Mom, Mom - today is the day!"

 "What day?"

"The day we take food to the kids, get up, they are probably waiting on us!

 Where did we lose the sincere, innocent heart of a child?  Hunger is all around us even in the most sophisticated suburb.  When young ones like my grandsons are aware, we should be too.  Service like love, peace, and joy begins in the heart.

To Begin Again

In 1982 my family suffered the lost of all our worldly goods.  We were on a move across country when our moving van was stolen.  It was devastating.  Much like a fire, the burglars stole our pictures, baby books, Christmas ornaments, even the pots and pans.  I thought it was the worst thing that could ever happen to me until I looked into the face of my children.

As I reassured them of God's provision, I found my faith grow until I reached the point that I could forgive the ones who had perpetrated the crime. As difficult as the following year would be, I know that  I was learning the first chapter of what would prove the lesson of a lifetime - the lesson of forgiveness.