Missional living has been a topic of deep conversation in our home recently. We have tossed around so many ideas of things we could do as a family to make an impact on our community while also teaching our children about what God calls us to do daily.
I am reminded of the parable of Talents in Matthew where each person was given an amount of money according to his ability. He who had been given the most earned double, and he who had been given the least buried it. The later was reprimanded for not doing something with what he was given.
To us this challenge has also been forged. We each have many different talents to which we are charged to use in ways meant to bless others. If it is money we are given great, but that is not the sole focus. God needs many who are willing to do the motions not just the finances.
I often think of this when we are short on cash. And, I will be the first to say that I am one to look at someone else and see that their means could go further. But, I also realize that money and status are not the things that make us capable of missional living. I also understand that those thoughts are the very things that Satan tries to conjure up in order to convince me to bury my talents and not do anything with them.
The execution of missional living is a testimony of the condition of our hearts. It doesn’t take a penny to pick up leaves in someone’s yard…or to share a kind word…or to just be an ear and offer understanding when needed. Missional living doesn’t just take place in areas of poverty, or third world countries. Missional living takes place in “This Place” being whatever place you are in when the condition of your heart is focused on missional living. We recently did a study with our kids, provided by our church, which focused on this very topic. It was nice to be reminded that we shouldn’t base what we do on who we can see deserves it or who earns it. God doesn’t give us grace because we deserve it or we have earned it, God gives us grace out of the condition of His heart toward us. And so…in mimicking His example, we too should follow.
I don’t know if any of you watched the Oprah show”The Big Give” a while back. I often think about one of the most impactful segments on that show, when the guy who eventually earned the title of the “Biggest Giver” was in a kitchen washing dishes with another guy who was on probation for some crime he had committed. The “giver” guy just stopped what he was doing and listened to the other guy, making eye contact and really engaging him. Out of all the money these people were given to do good with, the one specific thing I remember is this scene in the kitchen where these two guys just talked. Later when the segment was reviewed, it was discovered that this deeply moved the hearts of so many because of how effective and emotional this action was. Missional living is not just opening your pocketbook and sharing your funds (although it is needed and necessary at times); it could be just as simple as a smile and a kind word.
Missional living is also a gentle and quiet way to nudge others to live in the fullness God has for them by following the physical example that you provide of what God calls us to do daily.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Out of the Box
Before I get started, I must also say that I am new to the blogging world. Please excuse my grammar and spelling mistakes.
When Jennie first mentioned this ministry to me I was a little overwhelmed. The part of the story that she did not know was that I too was raised by an extremely capable single mom who could have definitely benefitted from this type of help. We certainly were not wealthy, but I never wanted for anything. As I look back now, I can see where she must have felt under appreciated and alone. So many times it would have been nice for someone to say to my mother that she really was doing a good job. I hate that she did not have the encouragement that she and every other single mother deserves; encouragement, love and help without judgment.
There were many other things in this ministry that just hit home for me. Recently I started my own Mary Kay business. As with most, I went into business thinking that we could use a little extra cash. I had been using the products for a number of years and liked them. I thought that I would just work a very limited schedule and host no parties. After being in the business for about a month and meeting a number of incredible women I realized that there was much more to this pink world than I could have ever imagined. I decided to not only host parties, but attempt to have 10 parties in one week. Jennie "offered" (with a little persuasion) to help me and host a party during that week. I had an extremely busy day on the day of her party. Among other commitments that day, I realized that I had overscheduled and needed to be in 2 different places at once; the FedEx store in Highland Village and my daughter's school in Argyle. Obviously, this was not possible, but I pressed on having faith that all would work out. Have you ever had one of those days when you can tell early in the morning that things are just not working in your favor? However in the midst of all of this, the Lord had been speaking to me. He was stressing to me how important the MK party for Jennie was that night because she needed to share this ministry opportunity with the fabulous women who would be in that room. As I left my house that morning, still trying to figure out how to be in 2 places at one time, I paused before entering my garage and prayed. "Lord, I need you now. Please show me how I can keep my commitment to Laney's teacher and get this package to FedEx before 10am. You are my all mighty God and with your help I know that it can be done." I continued to the car and backed out of the garage and headed down the driveway where I came to an abrupt stop before entering the street. There right in front of me sat a FedEx delivery truck! As the delivery man was headed up to my neighbor’s house, I jumped out of my car and bounded over to him. I was so excited to see him that I almost cried! He probably thought I was nuts. Who gets that excited to see the FedEx man? That day the Lord answered my prayer in His perfect, yet out of the box, style.
All of this makes me think...If God works "out of the box" then why shouldn't we? I love working in this pink wonderland that is called Mary Kay because it is all about blessing women in ways that are out of the ordinary. The MK mission statement "Enriching Women's Lives", the corporate philosophies of always giving Golden Rule service, and the commitment that you should always work with God first, Family second and Career third are only a few of the ideas that the corporate world would think abnormal.
I ask everyone to look inside their hearts and find an out of the box way to help those around you. Jesus employed 12 men who were not kings of nations, they were fishermen and everyday people to preach his word. They were not perfect by any means and on several different occasions even denied Christ, but Jesus loved them regardless of their shortcomings. I don’t know about you, but that gives me great comfort. I want to accept Jesus’ invitation now to make a difference in the lives of the people in my community. I invite you to do the same. If you or someone you know has a need that Team Pink can help to fill, let us know, even if it is just a pat on the back. My Daddy used to tell me that everyone deserves an “at a girl” every now and then, sometimes it is needed most when they do not feel like they deserve it.
Many Blessings!!!!
When Jennie first mentioned this ministry to me I was a little overwhelmed. The part of the story that she did not know was that I too was raised by an extremely capable single mom who could have definitely benefitted from this type of help. We certainly were not wealthy, but I never wanted for anything. As I look back now, I can see where she must have felt under appreciated and alone. So many times it would have been nice for someone to say to my mother that she really was doing a good job. I hate that she did not have the encouragement that she and every other single mother deserves; encouragement, love and help without judgment.
There were many other things in this ministry that just hit home for me. Recently I started my own Mary Kay business. As with most, I went into business thinking that we could use a little extra cash. I had been using the products for a number of years and liked them. I thought that I would just work a very limited schedule and host no parties. After being in the business for about a month and meeting a number of incredible women I realized that there was much more to this pink world than I could have ever imagined. I decided to not only host parties, but attempt to have 10 parties in one week. Jennie "offered" (with a little persuasion) to help me and host a party during that week. I had an extremely busy day on the day of her party. Among other commitments that day, I realized that I had overscheduled and needed to be in 2 different places at once; the FedEx store in Highland Village and my daughter's school in Argyle. Obviously, this was not possible, but I pressed on having faith that all would work out. Have you ever had one of those days when you can tell early in the morning that things are just not working in your favor? However in the midst of all of this, the Lord had been speaking to me. He was stressing to me how important the MK party for Jennie was that night because she needed to share this ministry opportunity with the fabulous women who would be in that room. As I left my house that morning, still trying to figure out how to be in 2 places at one time, I paused before entering my garage and prayed. "Lord, I need you now. Please show me how I can keep my commitment to Laney's teacher and get this package to FedEx before 10am. You are my all mighty God and with your help I know that it can be done." I continued to the car and backed out of the garage and headed down the driveway where I came to an abrupt stop before entering the street. There right in front of me sat a FedEx delivery truck! As the delivery man was headed up to my neighbor’s house, I jumped out of my car and bounded over to him. I was so excited to see him that I almost cried! He probably thought I was nuts. Who gets that excited to see the FedEx man? That day the Lord answered my prayer in His perfect, yet out of the box, style.
All of this makes me think...If God works "out of the box" then why shouldn't we? I love working in this pink wonderland that is called Mary Kay because it is all about blessing women in ways that are out of the ordinary. The MK mission statement "Enriching Women's Lives", the corporate philosophies of always giving Golden Rule service, and the commitment that you should always work with God first, Family second and Career third are only a few of the ideas that the corporate world would think abnormal.
I ask everyone to look inside their hearts and find an out of the box way to help those around you. Jesus employed 12 men who were not kings of nations, they were fishermen and everyday people to preach his word. They were not perfect by any means and on several different occasions even denied Christ, but Jesus loved them regardless of their shortcomings. I don’t know about you, but that gives me great comfort. I want to accept Jesus’ invitation now to make a difference in the lives of the people in my community. I invite you to do the same. If you or someone you know has a need that Team Pink can help to fill, let us know, even if it is just a pat on the back. My Daddy used to tell me that everyone deserves an “at a girl” every now and then, sometimes it is needed most when they do not feel like they deserve it.
Many Blessings!!!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Invisible or not?
I had a book on my mind today - a book that I read several years ago by Nicole Johnson called The Invisible Woman. It is a very short little quick read, but decently life changing if you truly take its simple message to heart. I wholeheartedly recommend it. Anyway - for whatever reason this book was on my mind today and when Jennie emailed me about contributing to this blog I then knew why.
The story is about a woman who is feeling overwhelmed with and overlooked in her life. She feels invisible to those around her. She feels she has disappeared into the anonymity of her life as the milk pourer, the laundry washer, the cook and the nameless driver to get people from place to place.
So why this book here? A couple of reasons....
1. The story stems around the fact that this 'invisible' woman was noticed by a friend. A true friend who took the time to see her heart and how she was feeling. This friend reached out with kind words, as well as a book to encourage her. Do you know of an 'Invisible Woman'? After reading the book, I suggest getting a few copies and looking for those you can hand them out to!
2. The lesson is universal for every woman, but so much more so for single moms! Without the support system of a loving spouse, who is there each day to acknowledge the countless things that you do in a day? We all need reassurance, and this story shows those who feel they are lacking it exactly where to look...
3. ... to God. At the very end of the book the main character, Charlotte prays this prayer:
Almighty God, make me more invisible. Strengthen my heart to do the things that no one sees or appreciates, and to do them as unto you. Help me make personal sacrifices with no trumpet and no credit to myself. Let me be more invisible in you, so that real love may be more clearly visible. Let me allow humility to cloak my love at every opportunity. And if history ever knows my name, may I have helped it know yours a little better. Allow me to be invisible that the world might see you -- the living God who sees and loves all invisible women.
If you are struggling and feeling invisible, I encourage you to read this book and gain the strength you need. Or if you are considering joining forces with Team Pink and need some encouragement, dive into this book and fuel the fire for a passion to give selflessly to others, as unto Him!
The story is about a woman who is feeling overwhelmed with and overlooked in her life. She feels invisible to those around her. She feels she has disappeared into the anonymity of her life as the milk pourer, the laundry washer, the cook and the nameless driver to get people from place to place.
So why this book here? A couple of reasons....
1. The story stems around the fact that this 'invisible' woman was noticed by a friend. A true friend who took the time to see her heart and how she was feeling. This friend reached out with kind words, as well as a book to encourage her. Do you know of an 'Invisible Woman'? After reading the book, I suggest getting a few copies and looking for those you can hand them out to!
2. The lesson is universal for every woman, but so much more so for single moms! Without the support system of a loving spouse, who is there each day to acknowledge the countless things that you do in a day? We all need reassurance, and this story shows those who feel they are lacking it exactly where to look...
3. ... to God. At the very end of the book the main character, Charlotte prays this prayer:
Almighty God, make me more invisible. Strengthen my heart to do the things that no one sees or appreciates, and to do them as unto you. Help me make personal sacrifices with no trumpet and no credit to myself. Let me be more invisible in you, so that real love may be more clearly visible. Let me allow humility to cloak my love at every opportunity. And if history ever knows my name, may I have helped it know yours a little better. Allow me to be invisible that the world might see you -- the living God who sees and loves all invisible women.
If you are struggling and feeling invisible, I encourage you to read this book and gain the strength you need. Or if you are considering joining forces with Team Pink and need some encouragement, dive into this book and fuel the fire for a passion to give selflessly to others, as unto Him!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thinking Pink
Ok, like Jennie, I am new to blogging and I do not consider my self a writer of any sorts. In fact I find it difficult to put the thoughts in my brain into words. I commend writers and appreciate them so much. That being said here goes nothing, bad grammar and all!
Let's start with the work PINK or as we like to say People In Need of Kindness.
Jennie and I discuss being a mom every single day. We discuss the challenges that we face, the loneliness we feel, the frustration, the laughter the joy, really every detail of motherhood. We are so aware that being a mom is the most challenging thing we have ever done and the job is 24/7 it just never stops! We have also discussed that moms are trying to do it all, thinking "well other moms are doing it all, so can I" and we feel this type of thinking as left moms separated from each other instead of bonded together. So many people in my neighborhood have moved here from out of state, they are far from their immediate families, they are trying to do it all and be it everything to their family but often times they are left feeling alone and frustrated and just not understanding why.
I don't think we were meant to do it all alone, we are made to need families and friends and others who we can be authentic with, others who we can live and share our life with. I think that is why Blog spots like these have become so popular. We are desperate to find other people in similar situations, other moms who struggle, with the same feelings, we are people who are desperate to connect to people. What Team Pink wants to do is to take that need for authentic friendships and build on that. We want to be a community that is bonded together through life, a group that can depend on neighbors and friends for support and words of encouragement. We are People In Need of Kindness. We need a place to connect with people on line but it is critical we take that a step further and we get outside and meet the people we live next to, the people in our community so we can start building authentic relationships with the people around us. A community who can call on each other and rely on each other to listen, to help, to talk to face to face, to cry with and to laugh with.
Team Pink is a group of people who are excited to stop and help people right here and right now right where it is needed. We are a group of people dedicated to encourage and love on our neighbors. We feel strongly that being a mom is on of the most difficult jobs in the world and nothing can be harder than being a single mom. We are currently focused on blessing single moms and encouraging them through acts of kindness. Do you know of a single mom who could use a blessing? Are you someone who could use a blessing? We encourage you to share your stories, not just here on-line but with your neighbor, your mom, your sister, your friend. We encourage you to open your heart, let go of fear and get really honest with yourself and others. We encourage you to step out and love on your neighbors and to know that no matter where we are in life we are all just People in Need of Kindness.
Let's start with the work PINK or as we like to say People In Need of Kindness.
Jennie and I discuss being a mom every single day. We discuss the challenges that we face, the loneliness we feel, the frustration, the laughter the joy, really every detail of motherhood. We are so aware that being a mom is the most challenging thing we have ever done and the job is 24/7 it just never stops! We have also discussed that moms are trying to do it all, thinking "well other moms are doing it all, so can I" and we feel this type of thinking as left moms separated from each other instead of bonded together. So many people in my neighborhood have moved here from out of state, they are far from their immediate families, they are trying to do it all and be it everything to their family but often times they are left feeling alone and frustrated and just not understanding why.
I don't think we were meant to do it all alone, we are made to need families and friends and others who we can be authentic with, others who we can live and share our life with. I think that is why Blog spots like these have become so popular. We are desperate to find other people in similar situations, other moms who struggle, with the same feelings, we are people who are desperate to connect to people. What Team Pink wants to do is to take that need for authentic friendships and build on that. We want to be a community that is bonded together through life, a group that can depend on neighbors and friends for support and words of encouragement. We are People In Need of Kindness. We need a place to connect with people on line but it is critical we take that a step further and we get outside and meet the people we live next to, the people in our community so we can start building authentic relationships with the people around us. A community who can call on each other and rely on each other to listen, to help, to talk to face to face, to cry with and to laugh with.
Team Pink is a group of people who are excited to stop and help people right here and right now right where it is needed. We are a group of people dedicated to encourage and love on our neighbors. We feel strongly that being a mom is on of the most difficult jobs in the world and nothing can be harder than being a single mom. We are currently focused on blessing single moms and encouraging them through acts of kindness. Do you know of a single mom who could use a blessing? Are you someone who could use a blessing? We encourage you to share your stories, not just here on-line but with your neighbor, your mom, your sister, your friend. We encourage you to open your heart, let go of fear and get really honest with yourself and others. We encourage you to step out and love on your neighbors and to know that no matter where we are in life we are all just People in Need of Kindness.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Inspired
Inspire: to influence, move, or guide Inspiration: to spur on, to bring out (Websters).
I want to start of by saying that blogging is very new for me. I can text thanks to my kids and my friends laugh at me because I am still trying to figure out facebook. You will have to over look my mistakes in my writing skills and not send my spelling to my sons teacher. The reason I am blogging is simply to share my heart and hopefully in doing so, I can in some way inspire you.
I was living in Austin with my family and decided I would start working out to get back into shape and stay healthy. I met about 9 women who changed the coarse of my life forever. We began a "group" of women called Team Pink. We worked out everyday together, held each other accountable, grew to love each others families, and encouraged each other to be the best we could be in all areas of our lives. The name Team Pink represents so many things to me but most of all it means inspiring each other to be the best at what ever it is we were doing at the time. We were our own little community. We looked after one another and truly cared for each other. Our Team spured one another on to do 5ks, swims, bike races, and then the Danskin Triathlon. I learned that a little kindness from others enables me to be a better me. Austin was a special time for me and I will forever be better for knowing these women. Thank you Team Pink!!!!!
I now live in Lantana and have been inspired again. I don't like to be repetitive but, I have found another way to incorporate Team Pink. The reason for the same name is because it still represents the same meaning to me kindness, support and encouragement. What changed my life I feel can help change someone elses too. Team Pink is a team of people (men, women, and of course our children), who have the desire to change others lives. We are a team who want to bless others in out of the box ways. Our focus right now is on Single Moms. My dear friend Jeanette has been my friend for 21years. We have been through college, marriage, kids, moves, and in her case divorce together. . Jeanette inspires me every day by how she loves her children, loves her new husband (whom is a God send!!!), cares for her extended family, and caters to her friends. She makes me want to be a better person. My desire is to give other single moms in my community the acknowledgement, encouragement, and blessing to let them know they are not forgotten or alone. Being a mom is the hardest job on the planet and being a single mom .......well, they deserve a little extra grace.
I am so thankful for the people who have had the same heart to want to walk this journey with me. We are all surrounded by single moms and all I would like to see us do is give a little kindness. Listen, this doesn't have to be monetary, I'm talkin anything that would put a smile on anothers face and let them know that those around them care. We are doing some super neat things in Lantana. We are providing meals to a mom and her family with the help of the Dinner Station in Highland Village and Lesli at Mary Kay. We have organized a moms whole upstairs. We have supplied workout equipment and furniture to a mom. We are working on helping out with camp this summer for some kids. We are not huge and we are in a recession, however, we just want to show kindness. You can look at this several ways. Some say "pay it forward", some say "the golden rule", but I'm just saying, why not. If you have a gift you would like to share, ie. handy man, mowing, painting, donations from a business, time, ideas, money, can send a card, can make something, whatever it might be, please let us know. I hope once you hear some of the stories of the people we have touched, you will be inspired too.
I want to start of by saying that blogging is very new for me. I can text thanks to my kids and my friends laugh at me because I am still trying to figure out facebook. You will have to over look my mistakes in my writing skills and not send my spelling to my sons teacher. The reason I am blogging is simply to share my heart and hopefully in doing so, I can in some way inspire you.
I was living in Austin with my family and decided I would start working out to get back into shape and stay healthy. I met about 9 women who changed the coarse of my life forever. We began a "group" of women called Team Pink. We worked out everyday together, held each other accountable, grew to love each others families, and encouraged each other to be the best we could be in all areas of our lives. The name Team Pink represents so many things to me but most of all it means inspiring each other to be the best at what ever it is we were doing at the time. We were our own little community. We looked after one another and truly cared for each other. Our Team spured one another on to do 5ks, swims, bike races, and then the Danskin Triathlon. I learned that a little kindness from others enables me to be a better me. Austin was a special time for me and I will forever be better for knowing these women. Thank you Team Pink!!!!!
I now live in Lantana and have been inspired again. I don't like to be repetitive but, I have found another way to incorporate Team Pink. The reason for the same name is because it still represents the same meaning to me kindness, support and encouragement. What changed my life I feel can help change someone elses too. Team Pink is a team of people (men, women, and of course our children), who have the desire to change others lives. We are a team who want to bless others in out of the box ways. Our focus right now is on Single Moms. My dear friend Jeanette has been my friend for 21years. We have been through college, marriage, kids, moves, and in her case divorce together. . Jeanette inspires me every day by how she loves her children, loves her new husband (whom is a God send!!!), cares for her extended family, and caters to her friends. She makes me want to be a better person. My desire is to give other single moms in my community the acknowledgement, encouragement, and blessing to let them know they are not forgotten or alone. Being a mom is the hardest job on the planet and being a single mom .......well, they deserve a little extra grace.
I am so thankful for the people who have had the same heart to want to walk this journey with me. We are all surrounded by single moms and all I would like to see us do is give a little kindness. Listen, this doesn't have to be monetary, I'm talkin anything that would put a smile on anothers face and let them know that those around them care. We are doing some super neat things in Lantana. We are providing meals to a mom and her family with the help of the Dinner Station in Highland Village and Lesli at Mary Kay. We have organized a moms whole upstairs. We have supplied workout equipment and furniture to a mom. We are working on helping out with camp this summer for some kids. We are not huge and we are in a recession, however, we just want to show kindness. You can look at this several ways. Some say "pay it forward", some say "the golden rule", but I'm just saying, why not. If you have a gift you would like to share, ie. handy man, mowing, painting, donations from a business, time, ideas, money, can send a card, can make something, whatever it might be, please let us know. I hope once you hear some of the stories of the people we have touched, you will be inspired too.
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