December 21, 2007
For worn-out servant-leaders and anyone weary this Christmas
Blogging has been light because real life has been hectic – especially trying to write the study guides that usually would be my once a week (bare-minimum) posts.
And I keep waiting for just-right words to accompany some great “awesome Jesus moments” that the Spirit has been sending me. But I received a beautiful email that finds just-right words, so I’ll borrow from my MCC teammate Jenny Krichton:
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
I have not been able to rid the words of Jesus from my mind since the staff Christmas party. Mark Richardson spoke from his heart and thanked us on behalf of the elders for all that we do for MCC and the Kingdom. He reminded us that our jobs are actually easy because His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I must admit, upon first hearing Mark say that, I thought to myself, “uhh hmmm, are you kidding me — EASY?” (Shame, shame, shame – I know, but it is true.)
Truth always prevails, but I’ll admit it took a few days to sink in. His yoke is easy, but I repeatedly refuse to put it on. How many times have we heard this scripture? We’ve read it, heard it and perhaps even prayed it over the life of someone else. It rolls right off of my tongue because the words reside in my head, rather than my heart.
When the season of winter officially arrives tomorrow, I want to be sure that I am well insulated with the promises of God when the enemy attacks. So, I’m stripping off my chains and replacing them with His yoke….
December 6, 2007
Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army
Tuesday was my first day as a Salvation Army kettle volunteer. The wind chill made it feel like my coldest shift this week, but every time my fingers started to ache, I thought “Alex – as soon as you get in the car you can crank the heat, and you’re going back to a warm house. There are homeless people who would die tonight if it weren’t for the Salvation Army’s shelters.”
A van from an assisted living elderly home dropped off the residents for their Christmas shopping. Shuffling along w/ their metal walkers, a few stopped to give a dollar or a few coins. I thought about Jesus’ words from Luke 21“this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
More Better Tools for the Journey 