It feels odd not to be at work this morning, but here I sit. I'm at a little round table in the coffee shop/bakery section of Safeway, enjoying the array of colors and smells, and watching customers walk by. My car is at the doctor, getting fixed, and I get to wait for awhile. I've already wandered up Main Street, and after I write this I may head back to some of the stores that are probably open now.
With this extra time, I find myself with a release to take the morning a little slower than I probably would have otherwise. I've got time to enjoy the little things...
Time to notice how small Colville really is.
Time to notice the great design inspiration a grocery market offers.
Time to observe people at work.
Time to organize my internet bookmarks.
Time to listen to the words of songs.
Time to enjoy color.
Time to, well, write a blog....
And I've even got time to think.
It's a luxury these days to find more than just a snippet of quality time where I can sit outside or on the couch and do nothing but think. It's great to be busy, but I've realized the need for time to simply think about the immense and marvelous topics of life, and of the amazing character and salvation of Christ. If I don't take time to train my mind in this direction, my thoughts wander off to other things... and I'd much rather learn to discipline it the right way.
So yeah. I've enjoyed the last hour and a half of time.
I'm now off to explore the town more...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Of children and orphans
Somehow, this morning my mind ended up thinking about children. Maybe it's the fact that our community kids' program is tomorrow afternoon. Or, it could be that I dreamed I had a baby last night (he was so cute!). Maybe that was it. Anyway, whatever the case, I couldn't stop thinking about it, but in a different way than I usually do...
I want to help the orphans. For some reason, the thought of me bringing another child into the world while there are so many out there in need is disturbing to me. I don't mean any offense to those who already have kids or plan to, since I myself am product of it! ;-) But somehow... God has spoken to my heart.
“If those who have no children and whom God has made stewards of means would expand their hearts to care for children who need love, care, and affection, and assistance with this world's goods, they would be far happier than they are today.”
“There is a wide field of usefulness before all who will work for the Master in caring for these children and youth who have been deprived of the watchful guidance of parents and the subduing influence of a Christian home. Many of them have inherited evil traits of character; and if left to grow up in ignorance, they will drift into associations that lead to vice and crime. These unpromising children need to be placed in a position favorable for the formation of a right character, that they may become children of God.”
“The Lord said to Peter: ‘Feed My lambs.’ This command is to us, and by opening our homes for the orphans we aid in its fulfillment. Let not Jesus be disappointed in you.”
“The work of saving the homeless and the fatherless is everyone's business.”
That includes me. And you. What will we do about it?
(all quotes from Adventist Home, pages 167-170)
I want to help the orphans. For some reason, the thought of me bringing another child into the world while there are so many out there in need is disturbing to me. I don't mean any offense to those who already have kids or plan to, since I myself am product of it! ;-) But somehow... God has spoken to my heart.
“If those who have no children and whom God has made stewards of means would expand their hearts to care for children who need love, care, and affection, and assistance with this world's goods, they would be far happier than they are today.”
“There is a wide field of usefulness before all who will work for the Master in caring for these children and youth who have been deprived of the watchful guidance of parents and the subduing influence of a Christian home. Many of them have inherited evil traits of character; and if left to grow up in ignorance, they will drift into associations that lead to vice and crime. These unpromising children need to be placed in a position favorable for the formation of a right character, that they may become children of God.”
“The Lord said to Peter: ‘Feed My lambs.’ This command is to us, and by opening our homes for the orphans we aid in its fulfillment. Let not Jesus be disappointed in you.”
“The work of saving the homeless and the fatherless is everyone's business.”
That includes me. And you. What will we do about it?
(all quotes from Adventist Home, pages 167-170)
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