Last week, I was a part of the Vacation Bible School
Secretary Team. The five of us had the
privilege of keeping count of the people who attended each day. Numbers are important because each one
represents a child who was hearing that day about how much God loves and cares
for them and all the other children in our world. Attendance for the teachers and teenagers,
many whom have been preparing for this VBS since the last one was completed,
were also accounted for. What an
exciting and busy week with babies, preschoolers, children, teenagers, and
adults celebrating and learning about God and His Word. People count.
Coins, bills, and checks were also counted during the week
of VBS. The kids and adults gave from
their hearts. There were over 15,000
pennies brought as well as lots and lots of nickels, dimes, and quarters. It was obvious that little banks had been
opened so they could bring and share their money. This year’s offering of $6,467.29 will
be given to the Christian organization “Sweet Sleep” which provides
new beds, bedding, and Bibles for children living in orphanages in Haiti,
Moldova, and Uganda. “When
you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24) Each
day the children were eager to know how many kids could now have beds to sleep
on. One of the first days a little boy
told his mother that they needed to go to IKEA that afternoon so they could buy
a bed for the orphans since they didn’t have one. Offerings and giving hearts count and make a
difference.
After Vacation Bible School, Larry and I headed to Glen Rose
for the 82nd Hackney Family Reunion.
It is so good to be with and visit with family. There are always games to be played, snacks
and meals to be eaten, updates to be given, and memories to be shared. Growing up, the family reunion was a much
anticipated event each summer…and it still is for me. Family definitely counts in my book as a way God
continues to bless and encourage me.
Last weekend I also thanked God for his gift of 50 years of
marriage for Joe Ed and Susie. What a
special couple and family. It has been
amazing to see the ways God has worked and continues to work in and through
them to bless, love, and minister to others.
And that legacy continues in their children, their spouses, and
grandchildren.
And today I have the privilege of celebrating the life of a special lady who is
continuing to let her life count for God and others. Cleo will be 90 years young on July 2nd. She is on my visiting path as I head to where
I sit in church on Sunday mornings. I
look forward to her sweet smile, encouraging words and hug. I’m grateful that she prays for me and my
family. Cleo is one of a group of ladies
at church who crochet hats to be given to the homeless in Houston around
Christmas time. What a gift Cleo is to
her family and others, even those she has never met.
Lord, today and this next week, I want to be a person who
counts and makes a difference for your kingdom, too.
I was glad when they said unto me,
Let us go into the house of the Lord.
Psalm 122:1
But
Jesus called the children to him
and said, “Let the little children
come to me, and do not hinder
them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Luke 18:16
Each
of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly
or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful
giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
This
service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people
but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
2 Corinthians 9:12
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