Without Even Asking

Tom Williams was the Minister of Administration and Education at South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas, during my high school years and beyond.  One of the sayings he taught me was, “You have not because you ask not.”  The words and message sounded good, but it was his application that spoke volumes.  It was as if people were honored to participate in what he asked them to do or give.  He said that the worst that could happen is that the person might say “No.”  Surprisingly, “Yes” was a common consideration, especially when the asker was polite, respectful, and appreciative.

Even though I am a somewhat private person, I found that it was helpful to ask people to pray for specific requests during the days of preparation, surgery, and recovery of my recent surgeries.  And they prayed and prayed and are continuing to pray.  It is amazing to see the ways God is answering those exact prayers on my behalf.

During this season, I have also been overwhelmed with the ways God has provided for me, without even asking.  I met with the radiation oncologist before my initial surgery.  After the consultation, he introduced me to the nurse navigator.  She was a wealth of knowledge about people to contact if I had needs, classes to go to for reinforcement, numbers to call, along with a plethora of other information.  At the end of the meeting, the nurse handed me a bag for the brochures along with a stuffed heart pillow made by The Common Thread Circle at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church women’s group.  The pillow is to be placed under the seatbelt strap for comfort when riding in the car.  Once again, God provided for a need before I even knew I had it.  Another sweet moment was discovering that I could see the Tallowood Baptist Church steeple from my hospital room window.  Even though I didn’t request that particular room, being able to see the church was a daily source of encouragement and hope.

Whether it is asked for or provided before I even know I need it, I am amazed at the ways God continues to care for my every need. 

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Down with the Bad; Up with the Good

One of the predicaments of tendinitis and a tender right knee is reminding myself of the best way to go up and down stairs or curbs.  Since my weaker side is now having to perform as the stronger side, I have to think through the process when encountering these challenges.  Figuring out that it is best to step down with the hurt foot and up with the good has made it much easier to walk or step without as much discomfort.  I catch myself saying, “Down with the bad; up with the good” before taking the step.  This experience has reminded me that these are beneficial sayings/lessons for life as well.

* Sometimes the weaker needs to step up and carry the load.

* It’s good to take time to figure out the best ways to proceed and carry out plans.

* Reminders are beneficial when needing to make progress.

* I need to be conscientious about stepping down/away from the bad in life that causes me to be less than my best.

* When one gets rid of the bad, you make room for the good to grow and bloom.

* It takes effort and concentration to set one’s mind’s attention and heart’s affection on embracing and stepping up to the good.

* Keep moving.

The Bible lists specific traits we are to get rid of as well as virtues to embrace.

GET RID OF:

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Ephesians 4:31

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:3-4

ADD ON AND EMBRACE:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

            And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

            and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:1-4

Therefore, as chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

A Valentine Kind of Heart

“I follow three rules:  Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.” 

~ Lou Holtz

Sometimes opportunities come our way and we are given a few minutes time to think and respond.  Other times, more time is needed to make and carry out a plan, which is what three young people chose to do to make others feel special on Valentine’s Day.

Jayme Wooley, 15, is a sophomore at Axtell High School, outside of Waco, Texas.  Last Valentine’s Day, Jayme noticed that while several girls received flowers or other gifts, there were some girls that were left out.  Not wanting that to happen again, Wooley bought 170 flowers so that every girl at his school would receive a Valentine.  Jayme told CNN, “Over the past couple of years that I’ve been at Axtell, not all of the girls were able to get flowers and stuff.  Sometimes, it’d just be a secret admirer or popular girls.  It felt heartbreaking that not every girl was feeling special.”  On Valentine’s Day, Jayme handed a flower to every girl from 6th to 12th grade.  Because of his act of kindness, other guys took the lead and held the door open for the girls.  Wooley responded, “I’ll probably never forget that moment of just seeing their faces brighten up.   I don’t want anybody to feel less important than anyone else.”  Jayme is hoping that this is a tradition that will continue even after he graduates.

Kayleigh Whatley is a second grader at King Elementary in Katy, Texas.  She has already developed a tender heart for others.  This year she bought 20 carnations so she could give one to every classmate.  She knew that would make them happy and feel special.   

A student at Troy High School in Troy, Ohio, began working on a Valentine surprise in September.  Using different colors of paper, origami hearts were made and the student wrote “you are loved” on the outside part of each of the folded hearts.  Other than a few faculty members who gave permission and let the student in the school, the giver of the hearts remains anonymous.  On Valentine’s Day, as the 1,504 students entered the school, they were greeted with a colorful origami heart attached to each locker.  A well-planned idea, which took hours and months to complete, was a delightful and appreciated success.

Whether it’s spur of the moment or an idea that takes extra time, energy, and planning, may we each be willing to do our part to lift others up and accomplish the good works God prepared for us to do.

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3-4

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17