Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Find a need and meet it!

This season brings back many memories from last year's holidays. Being a family who went through a very rough time these past few years financially my heart is saddened when I hear of parents who are concerned with how they are going to be able to provide a memorable Thanksgiving or Christmas. I want to take time today to speak to you who wonder that same thing. I also want to speak to those of you who are in a position to bless others in need.

First, before Hector was laid off from his job we were a family who was more than able to be a blessing to families in need and to give when there was a need. We were never boastful of what we could do and never asked for recognition of what we gave, all the glory goes to God for his goodness upon our lives. We simply would hear of a need or knew of one and wanted to help with whatever we could! Whether it be opening our home to victims of Hurricane Rita or purchasing and buying extra Thanksgiving meals to buying gifts for needy children during Christmas we wanted to do our part.

Last year, it was completely different. Christmastime was especially hard knowing we couldn't buy gifts galore for our girls or perhaps even buy or cook an extra meal for someone else's family. As believers in God's word we stood on the promise that all of our needs were going to be met and that we wouldn't have lack in our home. We still had a roof over our head, food on our table, clothes to wear and shoes on our feet. We were thankful for everything we had in life. Our church always helps when it comes to the needy in our community and we wanted to help. We knew that if it meant blessing someone else so that they would know that God loves them we would sacrifice for our family. So we did! We decided to be a blessing knowing and trusting that God will provide a Christmas for our girls. We are not a superficial family so our girls weren't upset about not having gifts or the BIG gifts like everyone else. They were happy to help other children. I say that to say this, when you help someone else God will help you. When you put your faith in what God tells you to do he is not going to let you down! NEVER!!!! God is true, he is faithful, he is everything you need him to be! When it all came down to it we still didn't have the finances to buy a big meal for the holiday celebrations and we had to miss out on the fun holiday parties God still provided. He provided amazing friends who blessed our girls with gifts (not knowing what we were going through personally) and we were invited to many activities that gave our girls gifts.

This year, I am already planning what I want our family to do for others who are still in need. I know what it means to have your kids go without the gifts, or a tree, or even lights outside the house for Santa to see your home in the night! I know how that feels and I don't want any child to go with out. I may not be a millionaire (YET!), but I know a God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills and he will help me meet a need! That's the thing. MEET A NEED! You may not be able to meet a hundred needs but you can help meet ONE need.

Today, go out and find a need. It may be your best friend who is embarrassed to tell you what they are truly facing. It may be a single mom at church. It may even be that business owner that looks like they have it all together when deep inside they know that they are in need. GO out and meet a need this holiday season. In return, the bible says you will be given back that which you give!

Let this be the best holiday season we have lived! Generosity warms a heart like no one's business!

Love you all! I pray for those of you reading this that are the one's in need that God will move heaven and earth and send an angel in this community to help you. Keep your heart believing, keep your faith in God, keep expecting for things to get better! Life can and WILL get better for you, in the name of Jesus!

~Patty~

Monday, November 12, 2012

Zealous Youth Blogs: The Biggest Lie I Ever Told

Zealous Youth Blogs: The Biggest Lie I Ever Told: I've meant to confess this, my greatest mistake as a minister, my blunder of all blunders, the biggest lie I ever told!  As a young youth ...