Monday, August 10, 2009

The Harvest of Doing Good

You may be reaping the good work he did many years ago. It's a reminder of one of the wisest laws in the Bible, "Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7). We usually think about that in terms of the bad consequences of the bad seed we sow, but there's another side to that reaping equation.
In Galatians 6:8-9, it says, "The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the spirit will reap eternal life." You don't just reap the bad you sow; you reap the good you sow. Paul goes on to make a very practical application, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Why do we sometimes give up on some of the good we're trying to do? Well, because of the nature of harvesting. If a farmer plants corn on a Tuesday, he doesn't go out and pick it on a Wednesday, or for many, many Wednesdays after that. There's a time lag between sowing and reaping, and it can look like nothing's going to come from it. So we quit sowing in the lives of our children, our church, our coworkers or our friends.
But we end up living today in the life that we built yesterday - the relationships we built - good or bad, the reputation we built, the ways we've treated people. You did some sowing today and you'll ultimately get back the kinds of things you sowed. So spend the time that person needs from you. Consciously do random acts of kindness each day. Give a gift when there's no occasion for your appreciation but just the person himself. Send those thank you notes. Give that compliment; that word of encouragement. Use the money that God's entrusted to you to lift people's burdens and people's spirits. Don't be afraid to be generous. After all, Jesus said, "You lose your life by trying to hang onto it, but you find your life by giving it away" (Luke 9:24).
Scripture is actually full of encouragement to keep sowing good seed. "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again" (Ecclesiastes 11:1). "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you - and even more" (Mark 4:24). "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25). Don't be afraid of what you'll lose by giving. God has promised that you will gain so much more. You don't become richer by keeping what you've got. You become richer by giving it away.
So, keep scattering good seed wherever you go, because then there's an awesome harvest coming.
Remember to do good always.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Eight gifts that don't cost a cent.

Let use these gifts for the betterment of others so that the world will be a better place to live.
THE GIFT OF LISTENING...


But you must REALLY listen.


No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.


Just listening.

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...


Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and


handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...


Funny pictures. Share articles, funny stories and funny greetings. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."


THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...


It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet.


A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.


THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...


A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super


job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.


THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...


Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.


Helping elderly cross the road can be nice.


THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...


There are times when we want nothing better than to be left


alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.


THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...


The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to


someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.




Monday, August 03, 2009

24 Things to Always Remember . . .

1. Your presence is a present to the world.



2. You're unique and one of a kind.


3. Your life can be what you want it to be.


4. Take the days just one at a time.


5. Count your blessings, not your troubles.


6. You'll make it through whatever comes along.


7. Within you are so many answers.


8. Understand, have courage, be strong.


9. Don't put limits on yourself.


10. So many dreams are waiting to be realized.


11. Decisions are too important to leave to chance.


12. Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.


13. Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.


14. The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.


15. Don't take things too seriously.


16. Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.


17. Remember that a little love goes a long way.


18. Remember that a lot . . . goes forever.


19. Remember that friendship is a wise investment.


20. Life's treasures are people . . . together.


21. Realize that it's never too late.


22. Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.


23. Have health and hope and happiness.


24. Take the time to wish upon a star.


And don't ever forget . . .


For even a day . . .


How very special you are.


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