What Did You Throw Out?

On the last day of the year it seemed appropriate to throw out old things, so I did!

There was corn in the freezer from 2012, a jar of salsa with a strange smell, a ratty white sweatshirt that had done more than double duty, an old dessert with white frosty stuff on it and socks with snags and runs.

And then...there was the stinkin' thinkin'. That, too, had to go! The lies that God isn't good, that He doesn't care about my situation, that He likes my neighbor better than me, that I'm not good enough, will never measure up... The list could go on and on!

I'm glad to be rid of that stuff and I'm excited to see what new things God will replace them with in the coming year!

Until next year,
Pauline

Hope Was Given

The waitress came to work that cold December day. She felt a certain heaviness, wondering where the money would come from that she needed to pay her bills. She had been assigned to serve a Christmas party of 16-20 people.

Pushing her worries aside, she cheerily greeted the people dribbling in. There seemed to be something different about them...a light and peace that came from within. As she hurried to and fro, refilling drinks and gathering empty plates, she often lingered longer than necessary just to see what made these people tick. WHAT was it??

After the food was cleared away, all eyes turned towards the table laden with presents. With much fun and laughter gifts were chosen and exclaimed over. She stood in the shadows taking it all in. When all the gifts were distributed and everyone had one to claim for their own there was still one upon the table. "Give it to her!" someone cried, and there was a hearty approval of cheer from the group. The waitress hesitatingly stepped forward and with tears in her eyes took the last package. She did not know that she was about to receive a gift much bigger than the box of chocolates.

At this point the pastor stepped up and said they would like to bless her with money and minister to her. She was willing and eager although she didn't quite understand what he was talking about. As words of blessing, hope and encouragement flooded her way from every corner of the room, the tears began to fall again. And then there was money stuffed in her pockets till she didn't know what to say!

When things had quieted down a bit, the oldest member of the group (91) said how she had prayed that God would give them someone to minister to that night.

Names and phone numbers were exchanged and hope was born again in the heart of the waitress that day.

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Note: This is not a story that happened years ago but one from the past 2 weeks. It took place at Pizza Ranch and I am happy to be part of a group that shares God's love in real and practical ways.

Honesty

Honestly, I thought I was a pretty honest person until this last week...

The days were long and weary and I began thinking of how nice it would be to have a few less hours. I never asked for 45 hours/week but that's what came with the job. As my energy level diminished and it was harder and harder to make it through the week, the thought of less hours was becoming more and more appealing.

But I was afraid to ask. So I thought to myself, Winter is a slower time of year. There really isn't that much work. If I take off, it will save them some money. Now, doesn't that sound quite noble?

So one day I worked up my courage and approached my manager with the request to take Wednesday afternoons off through the winter months, carefully explaining that there really isn't that much work. He was willing to consider it but wanted time to talk it over with management. I waited to see what would happen, all the while many thoughts tumbling about in my head.

As the days went by my strength did not increase and the waiting seemed long. One day I came to the realization that the real reason I wanted less hours was because of my health, not the noble-sounding reason I had given. Not long after, found me once again talking to my manager. My noble-sounding reason soon flew out the window when I realized a full-time secretary was of more importance to them than saving money. However, they kindly granted my request after which I did disclose the real reason for it. I was surprised to receive sympathy and understanding.

Honesty starts with myself and being able to identify how I'm feeling. Then it is courage to be vulnerable and tell the truth to others, even if I think they won't understand. And maybe there is even a lie you're believing like this one: Men will like me better if I can save them money. What a relief to get rid of that one!

To be honest, honesty feels good to everyone involved!