Celebrating Mothers and Daughters

As we continue to look for ways to get to know the community, holidays and special occasions take on a new meaning. Holidays give us a reason to get together, plan an event, and invite our neighbors to take part!

This Sunday is Mother's day and Debbie McKelvey and I will be hosting a Mother/Daughter Tea in Taylor Community Center to celebrate the lives of the mothers and daughters in our community. It's been fun to watch it come together. Our theme is "What's in your Bag?" Our games will be fun and interactive. And the food ---- well, let's just say my mouth is water just thinking about it! (Think chocolate truffles, mini-cheesecakes, pinwheels, and an array of other scrumptious delights!)

However, as fun as it is to plan, decorate, and bake, the real reason for us getting together with these special ladies is to share the love of Jesus with them. For this particular tea, we are inviting ladies whom we know do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Will you pray for us as we continue to prepare the message we will be sharing? Will you pray for the ladies as they receive the invitation --- that their hearts will be open to come and have fun AND hear Truth? Will you pray that we will remain faithful in doing what God has called us to do and leave the results in God's hands?

Our tea will take place on Saturday, May 12th at 6:00 in the evening. Please ask the Lord to bring us to mind throughout the rest of the week (and especially on Saturday!), and when He does, thanks for lifting us to the throne!

Who Holds the Spoon?

It's amazing how much I learn from my children. It's no wonder Jesus took so many opportunities to show us how special little kids are to God!

Recently, I was especially challenged by my one-year-old, Edson. He is to the point where he eats all kinds of table food, but like most children, he gets more on the walls, floors, and his clothes than he gets in his mouth! When I am in a hurry or have just mopped the floor, I often decide to feed him rather than allowing him to use the spoon by himself.

Last week, I had one of those moments when I wanted lunch to be as non-messy as possible. I spooned up Edson's food and directed it toward his mouth. Without missing a beat, he grabbed at the spoon. At first I let him have control to see what would happen. As he grabbed, the food would fall off or he'd miss his mouth completely and the food would dribble down his chin and onto his clothes. After a few such incidents, Edson realized he wasn't getting any food --- at least not fast enough for his hungry tummy!

Finally, he handed me the spoon. I spooned up the food and began to diret it to his mouth. Sure enough -- he got a mouthful of food! He THEN grabbed the spoon out of my hand and held onto it. He looked at it for a few seconds, then looked at me, then with a HUGE grin handed me the spoon again. I reached out and took the spoon and fed him again. This little "game" continued until he had eaten all he wanted.

This situation really challenged me. You see, we humans are often like Edson. We want to feel like we have control. We desire to hold the "spoon" and direct our own life. However, what we often don't realize is when we do that we just make a massive mess of everything and end up feeling empty. What we forget is God is there, ready to direct that "spoon," filling us up with His Holy Spirit. Even more than I desired to physically see my son fed, God desires to see His children fed (spiritually) and filled up with HIM. He wants to satifsy!

Have you relinquished the "spoon" in your life? God has your best interest in mind. It's time to give up control and let God bring the satisfaction only HE can give. Be like Edson ---- give it up with a smile, realizing that's the only way you'll end up FULL!