Just A Box of Chicken

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,... for God loves a cheerful giver."

I was standing at the deli counter talking to Carolyn, a co-worker, when Margo approached. She put her arm around my shoulder, smiled and announced to Carolyn, "She's a good friend; she really helped me out this past year."

I knew what she was referring to. Over a year ago Margo had started working at the grocery store where I am employed. I worked in the deli and she in the kitchen. She had a constant smile and a bubbly personality that stood out. She also was bald, which got everyone talking and wondering why she would choose to look like that. I on the other hand don't like to assume anything. Through conversations with Margo on lunch breaks I really got to know her. I learned her hair loss was a result of a treatment she'd received years earlier. There was a medical solution to regain her hair but the insurance wouldn't cover it. Well, so much for gossip!

Several months later I noticed Margo wasn't smiling and seemed to be stressed. During one of our conversations she revealed she was having some financial problems. She was even having a hard time putting a meal on the table. I remember the compassion God layed on my heart at that time. My finances weren't great but I decided I could help in a small way. I noticed the 8 piece chicken meal was on special. I paid for the chicken and gave her the receipt so she could take it with her when she left work. You would have thought I'd given her a $1000.00 by her reaction. She was overjoyed.

Here it was a year later and she was still expressing gratitude. Who would have thought that this one small gesture of giving would have made such an impact. We don't always know how God can use us if we allow Him to fill our hearts with compassion. It can be a word of encouragement, a card, service or even "just a box of chicken."

Colossians 3:12 NIV
Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Pressing Toward the Goal

Hi, I'm back! I'm sorry I've been away so long. Exhaustion and health problems have played a part, but this is where God has placed my heart and I know it's just the beginning of where He wants to take me. He has been teaching me during the meantime. I'm learning how to place "life"(things I do), in order of importance. It takes alot of listening to what the Holy Spirit is saying. I know it's a day to day process and will not be completed until the day of redemption. It's the same thing that was placed on Paul's heart in Phillippians.

Phillippians 3:12 NIV
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."

Please be patient. I may not post as often as I'd like. I may not run as fast as others, but I will trust God to complete in me that which He has chosen me for.

Phillippians 3:13-14 NIV
13.....But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

You'll be hearing from me soon. Love in Christ, Marie