What do you think about when you see someone wearing a cross?

After shopping last Sunday afternoon, I have asked myself this question "What do I think about when I see someone wearing a cross?"

As I was being waited upon at the deli counter, a young man, a store employee walked by me and his eyes were fixed on my my amethyst cross. A second or two after he passed by, he came back. He said "I noticed your cross." I was a little surprised and answered quickly “Oh, it really isn’t all that expensive, but it’s one of my favorites.” He was quiet for only a few seconds and then to my surprise this young man asked me if he could tell me something. I said sure and he began sharing “I’ve been going through a really hard time. Recently I applied for an Employee Assistance program here at this store that gives $1,000.00 to someone who qualifies and I was denied.” His look was one of sadness and disappointment and he waited for me to say something so I asked “Do you believe in God?” He answered “Yes.” It didn’t take me long to realize that he was asking for advice in some awkward sort of way. "I'm so glad you believe in God" and I went on to share "I've been through some tough times and it's been through the toughest times that I have needed to trust God MORE than ever." Those words came out of my mouth before I even thought about what to say. I knew I wasn't going to tell him my problems. No. Oh, I thought to myself if he only knew how I’ve had to trust Jesus. Next, I said a little silent prayer and asked God to help me say the right words to encourage this young man...some one's son, God's child, a person I have never seen before in my life. The young man shared that he left another state to start all over and get away from a complicated messy situation. He shared that it is very challenging raising his 3 year old daughter alone. I asked if he belonged to a church. "No" he said. I suggested for him to find one and soon. I told him that finding a good church family is a good place to start I encouraged him, saying they might even have a singles support group and you can network with other single parents." He asked me if I would pray for him and I said "Yes, what is your first name?" He said "My name is Jeffrey. I'll write it down with my address for you." I told him that I couldn't give him mine and he said "Of course not. It's not a good idea for a lady to give a stranger their number."

It was a test of my faith to meet Jeffrey last Sunday. I know it's most important that I both pray and not delay sending him the resources I promised. I'm glad I took the time to create this post...it will keep me accountable. Will you pray for Jeffrey too? Prayer changes everything. Thank you.

A question for you...What do you think about when you see someone wearing a cross ?

(photo of my amethyst cross from Olathe, KS 'in this morning's day break light')

Fruits of the Spirit and the Apple trees...

"Man can count the apples on a tree, only God can count the trees in an apple"
(anonymous)

No one misses fruit trees that are so loaded down with fruit that branches break do they? Don't you just love fresh fruit? I sure do. Blessed we are with an abundance of apples this year. As we watch and wait for the sweet apples to ripen...I have been thinking about the 'Fruits of the Spirit'...Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. A few reflections gathered from my life...


Love ~ Getting me off my mind and helping someone else.
Peace ~ The wonderful free gift from God!
Joy ~ J for Jesus, O for others and Y for yourself. A clever message learned long ago, it is the order of unselfishness, being His servant, being His servant to others and our self last. JOY dish soap is nice to have in the kitchen.
Patience ~ A virtue I constantly fall short of...all I can do is keep trying...
Kindness ~ Years ago a total stranger told me that I had a kind face. Oh my, that meant so much to me, more than she knew. I pray I will give kindness as I have received. It can make all the difference in some one's life.
Goodness ~ I always think of Godness...leaving that one o out!  
Faithfulness ~ Where worry and doubt end...faith begins
Gentleness ~ life, a baby, a butterfly, a warm smile to say 'I accept you' without any words.
Self-Control ~ Doing the right thing simply because it's the right thing to do. Balance and care, remembering always that our human body, is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

I would love for you to share a comment about insights you have when you think about
the 'Fruits of the Spirit'. Thank you in advance.

 A little prayer ..."Would I? Could I Lord? Is is possible that I have some of these marvelous fruits of the Spirit to share with the world around me?" "I know Lord that the world would be a better place if everyone would share some fruits. There is a hunger for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I wish to bear a lot fruit, not apples but fruits of the Spirit for I am your child and I want to please you. I wish to feel Your smile upon me. Let the branches of my arms be full of needed encouragement and love as plentiful of the good fruits as our apple trees will bear. Yes Lord, I know it's going to be hard and somewhat painful. I'm going to keep trying. I ask this in your holy name, Jesus. Amen".

(Photo of our farm apple trees taken this evening August 16, 2011)

Bible Study and the Sunset

This last Monday was the third Bible Study that I participated in. After three times, being in a group lead by another experienced leader, we facilitate the group. That means if I've counted right...next time! Do I believe I'm ready? Of course not! I do believe that I have the Word getting on the inside of me and that in itself is VERY reassuring. Christ and I are an overwhelming majority! True.


Our Bible study group was led by Jennifer, an awesome volunteer who I never met before this night. After an hour+ I felt as though she was an old friend. When a person shares their faith journey, they share the most intimate relationship there is. She was full of the Holy Spirit! She was really plugged in and even mentioned that she double checks that the ladies are here for the right reason. We visited at a great depth before the ladies arrived at the Chapel. She shared that she had written Oprah Winfrey a letter requesting help to fund a 'Home of Restoration' for ladies who leave the jail. A safe place for them to go to. Jennifer knows the truth about recovery, that it can be a new life with the environment and tools to move beyond the past...to a brighter future. It has everything to do with the right circumstances. She said unfortunately there has been no reply from Oprah and that it has been over two years. She shared too, she wasn't asking for any money directly and that she had all the paperwork in place. I'm guessing that she meant it would be a (not for profit) institution. She is determined that this is an answer to a big problem. What a great idea! I pray for the 'Home of Restoration' just as she shared she prays for every name written on slips of paper gathered into her prayer petitions.


I am amazed at what I am learning from the Volunteers and the inmates. I feel so inadequate...but I'm here, I'm learning and I must believe they know I care. If no one came...there would be nothing to build upon. On this night, there were about 4 -5 groups meeting in different locations.


During the study I noticed many of the ladies in Janet's group where up at the narrow windows peering out. The sunset was amazingly beautiful. Our group looked over but no-one got up and I truly believe that it was because one of the ladies was sharing something so deep, they didn't want to insult her. They were listening even more intently than I was.


At the end of our study, we held hands and prayed some mighty prayers. Again, one of the ladies thanked us volunteers for being there. A confirmation. After good byes and waves the room was again empty with only the three of us. I smiled at Janet and asked her what they thought about the beautiful sunset. She said one of the ladies hadn't seen a sunset for about nine months. It was so special! Both Janet and I got teary eyes and hugged.


"Thank you God for your gift of radiant sunsets and allowing us to visit and care for your children."

(The sunset photo was taken from my front porch tonight.)