Kind & Generous

For the last few our weeks our Pastor has been sharing about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who was one of the early church’s strongest persecutors but eventually transformed into the apostle Paul. There have been many great messages in the series that I have really spoken to my heart. One being the story of how God appeared to a man named Ananias and told him that he must go and pray over Saul so that his blindness would be healed. God could have healed Saul Himself but decided to use Ananias instead. This was a great reminder that we both need to have humble hearts that are willing to have others pray for and over us and that we are to pray for others as well because there are in fact certain prayers that will only by answered through the intersession of others . . .

So for past weekend’s message Pastor Terry share about how Paul, since he had this reputation of being a Christian hater was not totally welcomed with open arms when the other brothers were meeting together. They were unsure and felt that they just couldn’t trust him. And that’s where this man Barnabas, who was a well-respected member of the early church, comes in. He was willing to put himself out there and sort of “vouch” for Paul. Once they saw that Barnabas said Paul was a trustworthy guy, then they let him in and allowed him to join the group.

I was really moved by this message because it was a powerful reminder of the fact that there are times when others might not see the best in us right away. And it might take another person believing in us to be able to move forward. It was also a great reminder that there are times when we might need to be Barnabas and take a chance on someone, encouraging them, maybe even if they’ve had a past, because it might be our words of encouragement, our “vouching” and believing in them that will lead to the breakthrough that the Lord has planned for their lives.

I reflected on the people who over the years have taken a chance and believed in me. Even when I really have not deserved it. And so this week as we are preparing to celebrate our gratitude for blessings in our lives. I am particularly thankful for those people who have and continue to bless mine:

My mom: who was probably the first member of my “fan club” and is a godly woman

who strives to honor the Lord with her life.

My husband: who really took a chance on a broken girl and who is my best friend and soul mate and whose consistent pursuit of the Lord and desire to be a godly husband and father is inspiring.

Tim, I love you and every day with you just gets better and better.

My kids: who put up with all of my “stuff”, the good and the bad and who make me laugh like no one else can. They are quick to forgive and have a deep capacity for love and grace.

My beloved grandmother who’s no longer with us and my great-aunt: who were the first angels on earth I have ever met. They’re the greatest example of unconditional and sacrificial love I have ever seen and I long to be more like them every day.

My aunt and uncles: for loving me and being extra sets of parents in my life.

My cousins: who are the brothers and sisters I never had.

My in-laws (mom and dad Ross): who welcomed me and my boys into their family and who I not only consider another set of parents but also friends.

My sister & brother in law: who are two of the kindest and most gracious people in our lives

& who are an amazing aunt and uncle to our kiddos.

My husband’s extended family: who along with my in-laws are a huge blessing in our lives and whenever we see them it’s so easy to pick up where we left off no matter how long its been.

My friends: girls you know who you are and I hope you know how much you mean to me.

My bloggy friends: thank you so much for following along on this journey with me.

You are such a blessing.

My church: I am truly humbled by the opportunity be a part of our church community and to be able serve alongside such a talented, grace filled, and spirit filled group of people.

Our service on Sunday closed with a well-known song by Natalie Merchant called Kind & Generous. (Yes, our church band is very fun and talented and actually I think the girl who sang it may have even outdone Ms. Merchant)

Anyway, here are the lyrics and I’d like to dedicate them to the Giver of all good things and to all the living and breathing blessings He’s brought into my life.

Kind & Generous

You’ve been so kind and generous
I don’t know how you keep on giving
For your kindness I’m in debt to you
For your selflessness, my admiration
And for everything you’ve done

You know I’m bound…
I’m bound to thank you for it

You’ve been so kind and generous
I don’t know how you keep on giving
For your kindness I’m in debt to you
And I never could have come this far without you
So for everything you’ve done

You know I’m bound…
I’m bound to thank you for it

I want to thank you
For so many gifts
You gave with love and tenderness
I want to thank you

I want to thank you
For your generosity
The love and the honesty
That you gave me

I want to thank you
Show my gratitude
My love and my respect for you
I want to thank you

I want to…

Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you

Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!