Today I had the opportunity to speak in church. My topic came from last week's Music and the Spoken Word. Below is that message from last week's broadcast. I have come to really enjoy Music and the Spoken Word and try hard to make it part of my Sunday mornings. As I read this I thought of my heart awareness experiment and what it taught me and still does- after all my heart is still growing and being strengthened. I want my heart to be what God wants and I know that as I continue to serve Him and share His love, my heart will be want He wants. I enjoy studying and learning about the heart. I am grateful to know that the Lord knows my concerns, disappointments, and excitements fully and completely. I hope this Christmas season and all year I will continue to "choose that good part". I am grateful to know that the Lord does not dismiss my worries and at times troubled heart, but that He gently reminds me to "to choose that good part" to choose Him and that He will provide the rest and strength needed. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :) (My heart is happy).
December 12, 2010 Broadcast #4239 Music and the Spoken Word
During this season we celebrate "peace on earth," yet some of us find it the most busy and stressful time of the year. We worry about decorations and decking the halls, gifts and gatherings--and the many other things we feel we need to do. And, very often, amid all the hustle and bustle, we have a quiet sense that we want to make our celebrations a little different, a little more meaningful than they have been in the past.
This year, rather than focusing on everything we need to do, let us consider what we can offer. Some offer talents in singing carols or playing musical instruments; others offer time as they visit loved ones and share memories of Christmases past. Some offer resources and labor, doing acts of service to help the less fortunate. No matter what our offerings are, if our intent this season is to make someone's life happier, Christmas will be for us a time of peace and joy.
Children teach us much about making heartfelt offerings. Not long ago, a little girl stood to tell her class some sad news. Her grandmother passed away, and as she related details, she became overcome with emotion. Not able to say anything more, she walked toward her chair. A little boy got up from his chair and sat down beside her. Filled with compassion and a desire to make her feel better, he gave her the only thing he had: a little toy that he had smuggled into class. He did not pause to wonder whether it was good enough. He simply and selflessly gave from the heart.
Something deep and meaningful happens within us when we make such offerings. We feel connected to those around us. We feel a love that we may not have known we had--the love of that babe in Bethlehem, whose pure offering, given so long ago, still fills the earth with "peace, [and] good will toward men" (Luke 2:14).
1 comment:
Glad to hear it went well! You are always a fantastic speaker.
Who has two thumbs and was asked to speak in church on Sunday? This girl. Wish you could dress up as me and speak instead.
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